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| Oregon Facts for School Reports - Government |
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| Oregon Facts and Symbols |
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In 1843, according to historians, settlers in the Willamette Valley adopted a set of laws based on those of Iowa. Oregon became a territory in 1848 and Salem became the capital in 1854. Oregon joined the Union as the 33rd state on February 14, 1859.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in Oregon with seven justices elected to six-year terms. Oregon also has a court of appeals and district, county, justice and municipal courts.
The head of the government is the governor, elected for a four-year term. Oregon is governed by a House of 60 representatives elected for two years and a Senate of 30 serving four years. These bodies convene in January of each odd-year. Legislative activities continue in the interim period through special committees.
The cities of Oregon choose their own form of government. Called "home rule," most cities have a council form of government with a manager or mayor. Portland, the largest city, has a mayor and four city commissioners. Counties in Oregon have the privilege of home rule as well; however, only seven of the 36 counties have taken advantage of the opportunity.
Oregon has a long history of progressive legislation and citizen involvement in government. It was the first state in the Union to require statewide voter registration, enact initiative and referendum laws, provide for recall of public officials, elect U.S. Senators by vote of the people, distribute free statewide voter pamphlets, recognize Labor Day, adopt a Workmans' Compensation Plan, enact the eight-hour working day for women, place all Oregon ocean beaches in public hands, place restrictions on non-returnable bottles and aerosol sprays and provide state funds for bicycle paths. Oregonians are known for their environmental concerns; notable legislation has been enacted to protect the land and ocean.
State Symbols
This is only a partial listing of interesting facts and figures about Oregon.
- Oregon is 395 miles wide (east to west at widest point); 295 miles in length (north to south at longest distance); has an area of 97,073 square miles; is and 11,235 feet high at its highest point, Mt. Hood. Its lowest point is sea level at the Pacific Coast.
- Oregon has a geyser, named "Old Perpetua," located in at the north edge of Lakeview, in Lake county. The geyser blows water 60 feet into the air.
- Hot Springs: (partial listing) Austin, Bagby, Breitenbush, Cove Swimming Pooly, Kah-Nee-Ta, Lehman, Radium.
- Deepest lake in the U.S.: Crater Lake, located in Klamath County. Depth of 1,932 feet.
- Highest waterfall is Multnomah Falls at 620 feet. It is located in Multnomah County.
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