Government & Civics Education

The executive branch contains the elected office of president and vice president. The branch also includes offices — such as attorney general and secretary of state — which are appointed by the president and confirmed by vote of the U.S. Senate. 

The legislative branch contains the elected offices of U.S. senator and U.S. representative. Each state has two senator seats. States differ in the number of representatives, which is determined by census count of population every 10 years. Minnesota currently has eight representatives who represent the people of eight congressional districts. Voters who live in the designated districts may vote for the office that represents their geographical area. Senators and representatives create and enact laws. After laws are passed by vote through both the Senate and the House of Representatives, also known as Congress, the president will either sign the bill into law or veto the bill. A veto sends the bill back to Congress for further consideration. 

The judicial branch, appointed by the executive branch, interprets laws according to the U.S. Constitution. The courts consider the impact on society as well as legal precedent when making their decisions.

The executive branch of state government contains the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor and attorney general. Individuals of these offices are elected by all Minnesota voters.

The legislative branch contains the elected offices of state senator and state representative. Minnesota has 67 state senators elected from 67 senate districts. Minnesota has 134 state representatives from 134 house districts. Voters who live in the designated districts may vote for the office that represents them. Like the U.S. Congress, state senators and state representatives create and enact laws. After laws are passed by vote through both the state Senate and the state House, the governor will either sign the bill into law or veto the bill. A veto sends the bill back to the legislature.

The judicial branch of the state government interprets laws according to state law and the constitution. Justices in the supreme court, judges in appeals court and judges in the district court consider the impact on society as well as legal precedent when making their decisions. Justices and judges are appointed by the governor when there is a vacancy in the court, then may run for election for the seat when the term concludes. After the election, the individual serves a six-year term until the next election, when they are able to run again.