Minnesota Government

The Minnesota executive branch is headed by the governor, who is elected to a four-year term. The governor is responsible for carrying out the laws enacted by the legislature and for overseeing the operation of state government. The governor also has the power to veto legislation passed by the legislature and to call special sessions of the legislature.

The Minnesota Legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Constitution requires that a majority of each chamber must approve any legislation before it can be sent to the governor for signature. Minnesota’s legislature is responsible for crafting and passing laws, as well as approving the state budget.

The Minnesota judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court, with final appellate jurisdiction in all cases except those involving federal constitutional issues. The Court of Appeals hears appeals from lower courts in most civil and criminal cases. Minnesota’s district courts are the state’s trial courts, with original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. Minnesota’s judicial system is responsible for administering justice in the state.