Oklahoma Academic Standard 1.  The student will analyze the traits of good citizens.

Objective 1.1 Examine and determine the main purposes of Oklahoma’s state government and identify elected leaders of the state of Oklahoma and the three branches of government.

In a Nutshell

Students should be able to explain the purpose, role, and structure of state government, including a basic understanding that its three branches are similar to that of the national government. Students should also be familiar with current elected leaders in state government and how citizens play a role in the selection of such leaders.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students to describe the basic structure of government at the state level and how branches of government are similar to the federal government.

• Provide opportunities for students to explain the need for and purposes of laws, including how laws are made.

• Explain why all informed citizens should participate in their community through voting for and electing state representatives.

• Explain and provide examples of the consequences for violating laws and describe how different branches of government make and enforce the law. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• House of Representatives, Senate, governor,  representative, judge, justice, elections, legislative, judicial, executive, representative government, democracy, state constitution 

• A major misconception is that the federal government creates all laws in the United States. This is an opportunity for students to realize that their state’s elected officials also create legislation that becomes law for every resident within Oklahoma to obey.

• Another misconception is that all government officials are elected by popular vote. This objective allows students to explain the advantages of a system that relies on both appointed and elected officials.

Instructional Resources

Access suggested instructional resources correlated to the learning standard and objective.