Government of Oklahoma

It passes statutes, votes on the budget, and controls the action of the executive through oversight and the power of impeachment.

The constitution contains a bill of rights in itself, but its preamble mentions the principles the government of Oklahoma is to uphold.

The Oklahoma Legislature, which makes up the legislative branch, consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

[14] Under the Oklahoma Constitution, members of both houses enjoy the privilege of being free from arrest, except for treason, felony, and breach of the peace.

[3] The state senate is required to give their advice and consent to many executive branch appointments made by the governor.

[3] Bills for raising revenue may only originate in the House of Representatives through the state senate may alter and amend them as the body sees fit.

The branch, consisting of over 300 state agencies, boards, and commissions, is headed by the Governor of Oklahoma, who is assisted by eleven other statewide officials.

With the exception of the members of the state legislature, any official who fails to obey any order may be removed from office by the governor.

However, in normal times, the governor may not enact legislation or directly control the county and local agencies.

The governor may issue executive orders (when empowered to do so by a specific provision of the Oklahoma Constitution or an act of the legislature) which are binding throughout the state.

[24] The constitution names the governor the state's chief magistrate and vested in him the supreme executive power.

The lieutenant governor's main role is that of the president of the Oklahoma Senate, a position of limited de jure influence.

[7] The lieutenant governor's de facto power is based primarily upon the individual holding the office.

Lawyer admissions and disbarment are done through recommendations of the association, which are then routinely ratified by the state supreme court.

Justices are also ratified by the electorate at the next general election following their appointment and at the end of each six-year term.

Each division of the court has three judges, appointed for life, but must stand for election every six years to retain their positions.

If a party disapproves of the judge's ruling, they may appeal to a three-judge panel called the Court En Banc.

There are no appeals from the appellate division's decisions, and not even the Oklahoma Supreme Court may change its rulings.

If the governor fails to appoint a nominee to the position within sixty days, the Chief Justice of Oklahoma may make the selection.

The counties must also maintain a court system, law enforcement, road and bridge construction, and voter registration.

County officials serve four-year terms beginning on the first Monday in January following their election.

The board's other duties include the maintenance of traffic control devices, the power to approve zoning applications, and the administration of federal funds provided to the county.

The sheriff is vested with the power to form a posse of able-bodied men to assist him in controlling riots and lawlessness.

To ensure justice is administered, the sheriff is empowered to apprehend any person charged with a felony or breach of the peace and may attend any court within the county.

[37] Both are municipal corporations in that they can both sue and be sued, may own and sell property, create debt, and may levy and collect taxes.

The council is responsible for enacting municipal legislation, revenue and spending decisions, and creating or abolishing city divisions.

In strong-mayor form, city employees that are not elected, appointed, or confirmed by the council, members and secretaries of boards, commissions, and other plural authorities, and personnel who serve without compensation are part of the classified service.

Neither the mayor nor any other authority may appoint or promote any person in the classified service of the city for any political reason but only for merit and fitness.

Any qualified elector of the city may bring an allegation of a violation of the merit system before the personnel board for consideration and determination.

The appeal must be in writing and must be filed with the secretary or chair of the personnel board within ten days after the effective date of the layoff, suspension, demotion, or removal.