Explain who was given the right to vote and who was not under the progressive acts placed in the Oklahoma Constitution. Also include any provisions that helped to exclude populations.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: In the Oklahoma Constitution, all males over the age of 18, including African Americans, were given the right to vote. In 1910, however, the state enacted literacy tests to exclude the African American vote. Women were given the right to vote in school board elections. In 1918, women were given the right to vote in all state elections.
Using complete sentences, explain the role that Jim Crow laws played in the constitutional convention. What ultimately was implemented into the constitution and why?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: At the constitutional convention, Democrats supported the inclusion of Jim Crow laws in the constitution. Republicans also claimed to support these, which cost them the African American vote. However, strict segregation ultimately was not included in the constitution. The delegates thought that the inclusion of strict segregation would cause President Roosevelt to veto the constitution. Through the constitution, schools were segregated, but African American males over the age of 18 were allowed to vote.
Explain what role the temperance movement played in forming liquor laws in the Oklahoma Constitution.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The temperance movement lobbied for the limited consumption of alcohol and evolved to support the prohibition movement for Oklahoma to enter the Union as a dry state. Notable supporters were Carrie Nation, Maude Thomas, and Charles Haskell, who became the first governor of Oklahoma. The temperance and prohibition movements succeeded, and Oklahoma’s constitution included provisions that made Oklahoma the first state to enter the Union as a dry state.
Using complete sentences, explain how the progressive movement influenced labor laws and rights. Make sure to include provisions set by the progressive movement for workers.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Prior to the labor rights set by the progressive movement, there were many issues with child labor, unsafe working conditions, and long hours. The provisions that were set up alleviated many of these issues. The work day was shortened to eight hours in mines and other public work projects. Children under the age of 15 were not allowed to work in hazardous areas. No girls were allowed to work in underground mines and neither were boys under the age of 16. Also, the chief mine inspector had to have at least eight years of experience working in mines. Finally, convict labor was prohibited throughout the state, and the Department of Labor was established.
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