In 1907, William Jennings Bryan described the proposed constitution for Oklahoma as "The best constitution in the United States today." An enduring characteristic of Oklahoma's constitution has been its faith in direct democracy and its root in Progressive Era politics.The Oklahoma State Constitution traces the historical formation and constitutional development of the state of Oklahoma. In it, Danny Adkison and Lisa McNair Palmer provide article-by-article commentary and analysis on the intent, politics, social and economic pressures, and legal decisions that shaped and enhanced the Oklahoma constitution since it was adopted in 1907.This commentary provides a broad understanding of state constitutional law within the context of Oklahoma's constitutional evolution. A bibliographic essay and list of cases offer sources for further study. The second edition further discusses amendments to the state constitution that range from a state law legalizing medical marijuana (which passed) to amending the state's constitution to allow optometrists to operate in Wal-Mart stores (which did not pass). The book features new and updated citations of court decisions and Attorney General opinions on the interpretation of constitutional provisions with the latest cases available.The Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United States is an important series that reflects a renewed international interest in constitutional history and provides expert insight into each of the 50 state constitutions. Each volume in this innovative series contains a historical overview of the state's constitutional development, a section-by-section analysis of its current constitution, and a comprehensive guide to further research.Under the expert editorship of Professor Lawrence Friedman of New England Law School, Boson, this series provides essential reference tools for understanding state constitutional law. Books in the series can be purchased individually or as part of a complete set, giving readers unmatched access to these important political documents.

Series Foreword by Lawrence FriedmanForeword by W. A. Drew EdmondsonAcknowledgmentsIntroductionPart one: The History of the Oklahoma ConstitutionThe History and Development of the Oklahoma ConstitutionPart two: The Oklahoma Constitution and CommentaryPreambleArticle I. Federal RelationsArticle II. Bill of RightsArticle III. SuffrageArticle IV. Distribution of PowersArticle V. Legislative DepartmentArticle VI. Executive DepartmentArticle VII. Judicial DepartmentArticle VII-A. Court on the JudiciaryArticle VII-B. Selection of Justices and JudgesArticle VIII. Impeachment and Removal from Office Article IX. CorporationsArticle X. Revenue and TaxationArticle XI. State and School LandsArticle XII. Homestead and ExemptionsArticle XII-A. Homestead Exemption from TaxationArticle XIII. EducationArticle XIII-A. Oklahoma State System of Higher EducationArticle XIII-B. Board of Regents of Oklahoma CollegesArticle XIV. Banks and BankingArticle XV. Oath of OfficeArticle XVI. Public Roads, Highways, and Internal ImprovementsArticle XVII. CountiesArticle XVIII. Municipal CorporationsArticle XIX. InsuranceArticle XX. Manufacture and CommerceArticle XXI. Public InstitutionsArticle XXII. Alien and Corporate Ownership of LandsArticle XXIII. MiscellaneousArticle XXIV. Constitutional AmendmentsArticle XXV. Social SecurityArticle XXVI. Department of Wildlife ConservationArticle XXVII. Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control BoardArticle XXVIII. Alcoholic Beverage Laws and EnforcementArticle XXIX. Ethics CommissionBibliographyTable of CasesIndexAbout the Authors