Oklahoma Academic Standard 4. The student will analyze the formation of constitutional government in Oklahoma.  

Objectives:
 4.3  Explain the impact of the Enabling Act on single statehood.

 4.4  Describe and summarize attempts to create a state constitution joining Indian and Oklahoma Territories including the impact of the Progressive and Labor Movements resulting in statehood on November 16,1907.

In a Nutshell

During the late 19th century, thousands of non-Indian settlers streamed into the region of present-day Oklahoma making statehood an inevitable reality. Students should examine the rationales for separate states, the groups who supported such plans for statehood, and the legislation which created one state from two territories. Students should also analyze the ideas of the Populist Party and the national Progressive Movement which influenced legislative and electoral provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution. During this time period, the territory would see numerous labor and farm unions emerge, supported by representatives to the statehood convention.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide opportunities for students to understand historic turning points by gathering and analyzing various primary & secondary sources related to the intent and impact of single statehood. 

• Provide opportunities for students to evaluate the impact of democratic principles and constitutional rights on addressing issues and problems in society related to the influence of Populists and Progressives on the state constitution.

• Assist students to analyze the impact of a constitution in order to maintain order. 

• Develop questions about multiple historical and/or contemporary sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources regarding the various plans for Oklahoma statehood.  

• Analyze how government powers, responsibilities and limitations are enacted and have changed over time, often due to the influence of political thought, such as the Progressive Movement, or economic conditions fueled by national labor movements.

• Evaluate how multiple, complex events are shaped by unique circumstances, such as the creation of one state from two territories. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Organic Act; Enabling Act of 1906; requirement for single statehood; requirements for public school system, free suffrage, and protection of Indian lands

• public election of delegates to the Oklahoma State Constitutional Convention 

• Populist Party; Populist reforms aimed at increasing democratic participation in government, including the referendum, direct primary, recall, and initiative

• Shawnee Demands published by farmer and railroad alliance regarding labor and social issues 

• early state legislature's support of labor, including a Commissioner of Labor, work hours, child labor, and food manufacturing regulations 

• Some students may not easily understand the politics involved in opposing proposals for multiple states versus single statehood.

• Few students will possess background knowledge of national labor movements and political trends such as Populism and Progressivism which heavily influenced the delegates to the state Constitutional Convention, as well as provisions in the state constitution.

Instructional Resources