Yes, really. The constitution does not give the state the power to make most of the laws it wants to. Making them would be making "unconstitutional" laws. So even the silliest things need to be amendments to have legal force. Amendments that make it to the ballot still need 2/3 approval of both state houses. That's lot more than a law would require.Not really. The TX constitution lacks the necessary and proper clause, severely restricting .gov power, and then provides am easy way to amend it by popular vote. Different philosophies at different times for different reasons.