Do you know how our state government works? Who is making decisions? How do those decisions impact your life? There are many resources out there to find out more about our state. The Minnesota State Legislature has its own website, but it includes so much detail that it can be a bit overwhelming.

Basically, our state government is set up in much the same way as our federal government. We have a LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, an EXECUTIVE BRANCH and a JUDICIAL BRANCH.

Legislative Branch

Like our U.S. Congress, our State Legislature is bicameral (has two houses). Those houses work together to craft, revise and repeal laws for our state. The Legislative Branch consists of:

• House of Representatives
• Senate
• Other Legislative Offices (Official List)

Executive Branch

According to Whitehouse.gov, our Federal Government’s Executive Branch,

is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet.

In Minnesota, the responsibilities are similar. Our Executive Branch takes the laws created by our state legislature and puts them into action. This branch includes our:

• Governor
• Attorney General
• State Auditor
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies, Boards and Commissions

Judicial Branch

The Minnesota Judicial Branch (our state’s court system) interprets the laws created by the state legislature and implemented by the executive. It makes sure that those laws are carried out fairly and as intended. The Official Mission of the state courts is to:

To provide justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

Our state Judicial Branch consists of:

• Supreme Court
• Court of Appeals
• District (Trial) Courts