Oklahoma Social Studies OKH.C.5.1

OKH.C.5.1 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• OKH.C.5.1.A

  Identify the responsibilities of state government by analyzing the Preamble to the Oklahoma State Constitution.

• OKH.C.5.1.B

  Compare the structure of state government to the national system’s three branches with similar functions and powers.

• OKH.C.5.1.C

  Identify the requirements, terms of office, and duties for major elected and appointed state officials in each branch of state government.

• OKH.C.5.1.D

  Examine powers exercised by the state government to meet the needs of its citizens, using examples from history and the modern era.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students explain why Oklahoma has its own constitution and use its preamble to identify state government goals. They compare state and federal branches, including how officials qualify, take office, and do their jobs. They use past and current examples to show how the state meets public needs.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Students can link a preamble goal to a past or present state action. They can name the governor's, legislators', and appointed justices' branches, eligibility rules, terms, and duties. They can compare those jobs with federal offices and explain why state laws must follow the U.S. Constitution.

03

Common Misconceptions

Some students think Oklahoma's constitution can override the U.S. Constitution, or that state and federal branches have exactly the same powers. Others think Oklahoma Supreme Court justices are elected to their first term or serve for life after appointment.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: A school funding bill passes the Oklahoma Legislature. Which official acts next, which preamble goal could the bill serve, and why can't the law conflict with the U.S. Constitution?

1. 01

   Give pairs state and federal office cards to sort into branches, then have them match each office with a duty and term.

2. 02

   Ask students to write how the preamble's goal of shared welfare could support a school funding bill.

3. 03

   Play a card relay where teams match governor, state senator, and Supreme Court justice cards with eligibility, selection, term, and duty cards.

4. 04

   Compare Oklahoma's 1907 public school provision with a current state education budget page; have students name the public need each addresses.

• 3.C.1.1.E

  Read and explain how the Preamble to the Oklahoma Constitution reflects the power of the people and their reliance on spiritual guidance.

• 3.C.1.1.B

  Explain that the Constitution of the United States of America and the Oklahoma Constitution are written plans for organizing the functions of government, which ...

• OKH.C.5.2

  Explain how the state Constitution protects the rights of citizens by comparing the Oklahoma Constitution’s Article II (Bill of Rights) to key features of the U...