Minnesota State Govenment Series

The Three Branches of Minnesota State Government

xecutive Branch: The Administrators Six Constitutional Officers: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Attorney General Functions and powers: administer law the Legislature passes, see that state government runs efficiently and correctly


Governor Term: four years Requirements: • qualified voter • 25 years old • Minnesota resident — one year • U.S. citizen Responsibilities: Executive • administer laws and affairs of the state • appoint heads of departments and agencies • act as commander-in-chief of state military forces Legislative • inform Legislature of condition of the state • propose a state budget • review bills the Legislature passes — approve (sign) or reject (veto) • can call emergency legislative sessions Judicial • appoint judges to fill vacancies in District, Appellate, and Supreme courts • issue pardons and reprieves, restore civil rights to felons Lieutenant Governor Term: four years (voters elect as team with governor) Requirements: • qualified voter • 25 years old • Minnesota resident — one year • U.S. citizen Responsibilities: • represent governor • assume governor’s responsibilities in governor’s absence or if a vacancy occurs • assume duties governor assigns	State Auditor Term: four years Requirements: • qualified voter • 21 years old Responsibilities: • monitor financial affairs of state • collect, check, and standardize financial information from local units of government • investigate audit reports Secretary of State Term: four years Requirements: • qualified voter • 21 years old Responsibilities: • administer elections as chief election official • certify official documents, governor’s executive orders, laws the Legislature passes • regulate Minnesota businesses • act as custodian of official records Attorney General Term: four years Requirements: • qualified voter • 21 years old Responsibilities: • provide legal services to state government • represent the state in court cases • enforce laws concerning charitable organizations • protect public rights	State Departments and Agencies Departments • 27 executive departments • governor appoints the head (commissioner) to each department • example: Department of Human Services Agencies • independent, separate from departments • governor appoints portions of membership • example: Minnesota Zoological Garden Semi-State Agencies • separate from departments and agencies • not under direct appointive control of the governor • example: Minnesota State Agricultural Society
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Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services Office • Government Series • The Three Branches of State Government • 11/03