Government of Oklahoma facts for kids

The government of Oklahoma is set up like a republic, similar to the United States federal government. It has three main parts, or "branches": the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These branches work together, but also check each other's power. This system is called "checks and balances." It makes sure no single branch becomes too powerful.

Oklahoma's government is based in Oklahoma City. The head of the executive branch is the Governor of Oklahoma. The legislative branch is called the Legislature, and it includes the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The highest courts in the state are the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.

How Oklahoma's Government Works

Oklahoma's government is divided into three main parts:

• The executive branch carries out the laws.
• The legislative branch makes the laws.
• The judicial branch interprets the laws.

The Governor of Oklahoma is the state's chief executive. They lead the executive branch. The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is next in line if the governor cannot serve.

The Oklahoma Legislature is made up of two parts: the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate. This group creates laws, votes on the state's budget, and watches over the executive branch. The leader of the Senate is the President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. The leader of the House is the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Both can become governor if a vacancy happens.

The state's court system is based on common law, which came from the British Empire. It has two highest courts: the Oklahoma Supreme Court for civil cases (disputes between people or groups) and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal cases (crimes). There are also special courts that watch over judges and other elected officials.

Oklahoma's Constitution

Oklahoma's constitution was approved by a vote on September 17, 1907. It officially started when Oklahoma became the 46th US State on November 16, 1907.

The constitution includes a bill of rights that lists important freedoms. Its introduction explains the main goals of Oklahoma's government. It says the government should:

... secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty; to secure just and rightful government; [and] to promote our mutual welfare and happiness ...

Some key rights protected by the constitution include:

• The idea that the government's power comes from the people.
• People's rights to life, freedom, happiness, and to enjoy what they earn.
• The right to gather peacefully.
• A ban on stopping people from voting.
• The right to a trial by jury.

Legislative Branch: Making Laws

The Oklahoma Legislature meets in the Oklahoma State Capitol.

The legislative branch is the part of Oklahoma's government that creates the state's laws. The Oklahoma Legislature has two parts: the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This group has the power to collect taxes, borrow money, and manage the state's military (militia). They can make laws on many "rightful subjects."

The Oklahoma Legislature meets for four months each year, from February to May. However, the governor or two-thirds of the legislature can call special meetings if needed. The governor has a big say in what laws the legislature focuses on. For a bill to become a law, it must be approved by most members in both the Senate and the House. Then, the governor must sign it.

If the governor says "no" to a bill (this is called a veto), the legislature can still make it a law. They need a two-thirds vote in both houses to overrule the governor's veto. For bills about money, the governor can veto specific parts of the bill, not just the whole thing.

Members of the legislature have special protections. They cannot be arrested for most things while they are meeting or traveling to meetings. They can also speak freely during debates without being questioned elsewhere. Members can serve a total of 12 years in the Oklahoma Legislature, combining time in both the House and Senate.

The Oklahoma Senate is the "upper house." It has 48 members, one from each of the state's 48 districts. Senators serve four-year terms. About half of the Senate is up for election every two years. The Lieutenant Governor is the official president of the Senate, but usually the President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate leads the meetings. The Senate must approve many of the governor's appointments for executive branch jobs.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives is the "lower house." It has 101 members, one from each of the state's 101 districts. House members serve two-year terms, and all of them are up for reelection every two years. The leader of the House is the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Bills that raise money for the state must start in the House of Representatives.

Executive Branch: Carrying Out Laws

The executive branch of Oklahoma's government makes sure the state's laws are put into action. This branch includes over 300 state agencies, boards, and commissions. It is led by the Governor of Oklahoma, who works with eleven other statewide elected officials.

Current Executive Branch Leaders

Governor of Oklahoma

The governor is the top leader for Oklahoma. They are elected for a four-year term and can serve two terms in a row. The governor leads the executive branch, commands the state's military, and makes sure laws are followed and peace is kept. They are the state's main representative to other states and the U.S. government.

The governor must sign bills passed by the legislature for them to become law. If the governor vetoes a bill, the legislature can still pass it with a two-thirds vote. In emergencies, like natural disasters, the governor can take special powers to help the state. They can also issue executive orders, which are official instructions that apply across the state.

To become governor, a candidate needs the most votes in the election. If there's a tie, the state legislature chooses the governor. The governor is a very important figure in Oklahoma politics. They appoint leaders for state departments and agencies, as well as members of most state boards. These appointments usually need approval from the Senate.

Other Elected Officials

The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest official. They are first in line to become governor if the position becomes empty. Even though the governor and lieutenant governor are elected in the same year, they don't run as a team. If the governor is away or unable to serve, the lieutenant governor takes over their duties.

The lieutenant governor also serves as the president of the Oklahoma Senate. Their actual power often depends on their relationship with the governor. If they are from the same political party, the governor might ask for their advice often. If they are from different parties, the lieutenant governor might have less influence.

Oklahoma also has nine other executive offices that are elected by the people. These officials have their own responsibilities and don't report directly to the governor. However, the governor can influence them, especially through their annual budgets.

These independent executive offices include:

• The Attorney General of Oklahoma is the state's chief lawyer. They represent the state in legal cases and give legal advice to state officials. They can also investigate crimes that happen in more than one county.
• The Oklahoma State Treasurer manages the state's money. They choose banks and investments to help the state earn money. They also keep track of all money coming in and going out of the state treasury.
• The Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees and manages the state's public school system. They also lead the Oklahoma State Board of Education.
• The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner makes sure insurance companies in Oklahoma follow state laws. They check if companies pay claims to their customers.
• The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has three members who regulate public utility prices (like electricity and gas). They also oversee businesses like cotton gins, trucking, and public transportation. They enforce oil and gas laws and can inspect company records.
• The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector sets up how county and state treasurers keep their books. They regularly check the financial records of the state treasurer and county treasuries. If they suspect wrongdoing, they can investigate.
• The Oklahoma Labor Commissioner supervises state laws about labor and workplace safety. They also collect and share information about Oklahoma's workforce.

State Cabinet

The executive branch also has a cabinet, which helps the governor manage the many state agencies. These agencies are grouped under cabinet positions, so fewer people report directly to the governor. For example, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is part of the transportation secretary's area.

Cabinet officers are called "secretaries." The governor appoints them with approval from the Oklahoma Senate. Each secretary advises the governor on policies and problems in their area. They also help gather information for the governor or legislature. The cabinet was created in 1986 to make state government more effective.

The governor must create at least 10, but no more than 16, cabinet positions within 45 days of taking office. The Secretary of State of Oklahoma and the Adjutant General of Oklahoma are always part of the cabinet.

Judicial Branch: Interpreting Laws

The judicial system of Oklahoma is the part of the state government that interprets Oklahoma's laws and constitution. It is led by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The system has two highest courts, general courts, and special courts. Oklahoma and Texas are the only states with two separate highest courts.

Judges are appointed by the governor. First, the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission suggests three candidates for each open position. The governor then chooses one from that list.

High Courts

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has a chief justice, a vice-chief justice, and seven associate justices. They are appointed by the governor from a list provided by the Judicial Nomination Commission. After their appointment, voters decide whether to keep them in office in the next election. Justices serve six-year terms and then face another vote to stay in office.

The Supreme Court's decisions are final for lower state courts. This court handles civil cases (disputes between people or groups). It also oversees the lower courts and the legal profession in Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Bar Association. Five of the nine justices must agree to change or confirm a lower court's decision. Once a decision is made, it becomes a rule for similar cases in the future.

The justices choose a chief justice and vice chief justice from among themselves for two-year terms. The Chief Justice manages the courts in Oklahoma and sets rules for them.

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has a presiding judge and four judges. They are appointed and confirmed in the same way as Supreme Court justices. Unlike most states, Oklahoma has two highest courts. The Supreme Court handles civil matters, while the Court of Criminal Appeals handles criminal cases. This court must review any case where a lower court gave a death sentence.

The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals helps the Supreme Court by hearing some civil cases. When a case goes to the Supreme Court, the justices can send it to one of the four divisions of the Court of Civil Appeals. Each division has three judges who are appointed for life but must be re-elected every six years.

Appellate and District Courts

Each of Oklahoma's 77 counties has its own district court. These courts handle most civil and criminal cases. Each district court has one or more district judges and at least one associate district judge. These judges are elected for four-year terms. If a judge position becomes empty, the governor appoints someone until the next election.

The 77 district courts are grouped into 27 districts. Above these are nine larger judicial administrative districts. A presiding judge is chosen from the district judges in each administrative district. This judge manages the district and reports to the Supreme Court.

Civil appeals go to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and criminal appeals go to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. District judges must live in the district they serve. Associate judges must have been a lawyer or judge for at least two years.

Courts of Limited Jurisdiction

The Workers' Compensation Court is a special court with ten judges. It hears claims related to injuries at work. Judges are chosen by the governor for six-year terms. If someone disagrees with a judge's decision, they can appeal to a three-judge panel. Appeals from this panel go to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

The Court on Tax Review is another special court. It handles disagreements about illegal taxes charged by county and city governments. Appeals from this court also go to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Independent Judicial Bodies

Two courts in Oklahoma's system operate without the direct oversight of the Supreme Court.

The Oklahoma Court on the Judiciary is one of these independent courts. It is responsible for removing judges from their positions if they have done something illegal. This court has a trial division and an appellate division. Its power can be used by the governor, attorney general, Supreme Court, or the House of Representatives. Private citizens can also file complaints against judges. Decisions from the appellate division of this court cannot be appealed, not even to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

The Oklahoma Senate acts as the Court of Impeachment, the second independent court. The Oklahoma House of Representatives brings impeachment charges against officials. The state Senate then hears these charges, with the Chief Justice of Oklahoma usually leading the process.

Impeachment charges can be brought against the governor and other statewide officials (including judges) for serious misconduct, like neglecting duties or corruption. If an official is impeached, they are immediately suspended from their job. If found guilty, they are removed from office.

The Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission selects potential judges for Oklahoma's appellate courts. When a judge position is open, the commission reviews applicants and suggests three qualified people to the governor. The governor then chooses one. If the governor doesn't choose within 60 days, the Chief Justice of Oklahoma can make the selection.

County Government

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A county is a main administrative area in Oklahoma. There are seventy-seven counties in the state. Each county has towns, cities, and undeveloped land. Every county has a county seat, which is usually a central or larger city where the county government is located.

Counties in Oklahoma have a moderate amount of power. They are like extensions of the state government. They handle executive and limited judicial tasks, but they don't make laws. Their main jobs involve managing and planning for the undeveloped land within their borders. Counties keep records of important events like births, deaths, marriages, and property ownership. They also manage a court system, law enforcement, road building, and voter registration.

Counties are responsible for six main services:

• Keeping the peace and protecting people and property.
• Collecting taxes to run the county.
• Keeping public records that protect property rights.
• Building and maintaining roads, highways, and bridges.
• Providing facilities for courts and justice.
• Caring for people in need, orphaned children, and the elderly.

Each county government has eight elected officials and a district attorney. These officials serve four-year terms. Each county is led by a Board of County Commissioners with three elected commissioners. This board manages the county's administration, property, and budget. They also approve county purchases and contracts. Each county is divided into three districts, and one commissioner is elected from each. The three commissioners work together, and the chairmanship rotates each year.

The County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer in the county. The sheriff must be at least 25 years old and live in Oklahoma for two years. They are responsible for keeping the peace, stopping riots, and controlling unlawful gatherings. The sheriff can also gather a group of people to help control lawlessness. They also carry out court orders.

The District Attorney is the chief legal officer for the counties in their district. There are 27 judicial districts, and one District Attorney serves all counties in their district. Their main job is to prosecute criminal cases and handle civil cases for the counties. They can appoint assistant district attorneys and investigators.

Besides the commissioners, sheriff, and District Attorney, there are four other county offices:

• The County Clerk is the county's official record keeper and secretary for the County Commission. They handle the county's finances, auditing and paying salaries and claims. They also keep records of medical licenses, tax records, and property deeds.
• The District Court Clerk keeps records of civil and criminal cases in the District Court. They also collect court fines and manage the court schedule.
• The County Assessor is key to the property tax system. They determine the value of real estate and business property in the county. They don't set the tax rate, only the property's value.
• The County Treasurer collects taxes set by the assessor. They then distribute these taxes according to the county budget. They are also the official manager of county funds.

Municipal Government

Map of Oklahoma, showing population density

In Oklahoma, there are two types of municipal governments: cities and towns. Both can sue and be sued, own property, create debt, and collect taxes. They are the most local level of government.

Municipal officials serve four-year terms, with elections held every two years in April. Any area in Oklahoma can become a town or city. People who want to create a new town or city must provide a survey of the area and a count of its population. If enough people sign a petition, the county commission holds a hearing. If everything is in order, an election is held. If most voters approve, the community becomes an official town or city.

Towns

A town in Oklahoma is governed by a board of trustees. This board has three or five members, elected by the town. The board handles both executive and legislative duties. The trustees choose a president from among themselves, who acts as the mayor of the town. The mayor is the town's head leader. The town also has a municipal court for local issues.

The town board appoints and removes town employees, keeps public peace, creates local laws, raises money, and manages the town's finances. A major job for a town is building and maintaining streets, parks, and sewers.

Each town has three main officials:

• The town clerk is the secretary of the board and keeps records of all meetings and official documents.
• The town treasurer manages the town's money, keeping accounts and depositing funds.
• The town marshal, also known as the town chief of police, enforces town laws. They can appoint police officers with the board's approval.

If a town's population reaches one thousand, it can choose to become a city if most voters approve.

Cities

A city in Oklahoma is a more independent area. According to the state constitution, a community with over 2,000 people can become a city. State law says a city must have at least 1,000 residents. City governments provide similar services to towns but are organized differently.

Cities can choose one of four government structures:

• In a weak mayor-council system, the city is led by an elected mayor and council members from each area (ward). The mayor leads council meetings but only votes to break a tie. The mayor appoints city officials, and the council makes laws and manages money.
• In a council-manager system, the city council has members from each ward and one at-large member. The council chooses a mayor from its members, but the mayor's role is mostly ceremonial. The council appoints a city manager who is the main leader of the city's daily operations. The city manager supervises departments and prepares the budget.
• A strong mayor–council city has a mayor elected by all voters and council members from each ward. The mayor is both the head of the city and the chief executive. They lead council meetings and have the same voting rights as other council members. The mayor appoints most city officials without needing council approval and manages city departments. This system often includes a personnel board to ensure city jobs are given based on merit, not politics.
• Home Rule allows a city with over 2,000 people to create its own form of government through a City Charter.

Regardless of the city's government type, it must have these officials:

• The city clerk serves as the secretary of the council and keeps all city documents and records.
• The city treasurer manages the city's money, keeping accounts and depositing funds.
• The city police chief enforces city laws and supervises police officers.
• The city attorney handles the city's legal matters.
• The city street commissioner oversees the maintenance and repair of public streets.

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