Oklahoma Social Studies USG.C.3.5.D
The Standard
- USG.C.3
- Analyze the fundamental principles of the American republic, as established in the Constitution of the United States of America.
- USG.C.3.5
- Summarize and explain the relationships and responsibilities among the levels of government..
Describe how some state constitutions, such as Oklahoma’s, provide for more direct public involvement in the legislative process through such provisions as the initiative and referendum.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026) · USG.C.3.5
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how voters in some states, including Oklahoma, can use petitions to put proposed laws or constitutional changes on the ballot. They also explain how a referendum lets voters decide whether to keep a law passed by the legislature.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a short scenario, students can tell whether it describes an initiative or a referendum. They can identify what voters are deciding and explain that signing a petition does not make a proposal law.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think an initiative is a bill introduced by a legislator. They may also think a petition makes a proposal law, or that voters hold a referendum on every law.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Residents collect signatures to put a proposed law on the ballot. Later, voters decide whether to keep a law passed by the legislature. Name each process and explain what voters decide.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups a mock petition for a state recycling law, have them collect five signatures, then hold a class vote on the proposal.
Ask: Should voters be able to overturn a law passed by the legislature? Have students write two reasons for their answer.
Play "Initiative or Referendum?" with six scenario cards; teams sort them and underline the clue on each card.
Print a past Oklahoma state question and its voter guide summary; students explain what a yes vote would change.
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Related Standards
- 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.
- OKH.C.5
Evaluate the constitutional powers exercised by the state government and the role of the Oklahoma citizen.
- OKH.C.5.3
Trace the steps necessary for a bill to become a law in Oklahoma, including multiple opportunities for citizens to be involved in the process.
- OKH.C.5.5
Examine how the Oklahoma State Constitution includes several provisions to promote democratic participation by citizens, such as the
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