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All residents are impacted by elected officials' work at the federal, state and local levels. Below are the structures of government at each level and explanations of the impact of the elected offices.

Federal branches of government

Three branches comprise the federal government and share equal power: the executive, legislative and judicial branches. The work of these three branches, though separate from each other in operation, affects all U.S. residents.

How federal laws are passed

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Executive

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. 

Legislative

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. 

Judicial

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.

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State branches of government 

State government bodies and agencies make decisions that may affect all Minnesotans. A few of those areas are: 

  • Transportation and infrastructure. 
  • Health and human services. 
  • Veterans’ services.
  • Corrections and criminal justice system.
  • Education.
  • Industry regulation.
  • State finance.
  • State parks, trails, rivers and lakes.

Like the federal government, the state government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The work of these three branches affects all citizens of each state.

How state laws are passed

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Executive

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.

Legislative

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.

Judicial

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.

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Local government

Did you know? Local government bodies make decisions on a lot of things we may encounter each day. There are local government offices at the county level, city level and school board. Voters will vote on representatives for their district, city or ward based on where they live. Here are a few of the decisions local government bodies make that affect all Minnesotans:  

  • County budget.
  • Roads maintenance.
  • Health and human services.
  • Public health.
  • Libraries.
  • Parks and nature preserves.
  • Recycling and refuse.
  • Elections and voting.
  • Veteran services.
  • Human services. 
  • Justice system.
  • Law enforcement.
  • Infrastructure.