Government of Michigan facts for kids
Michigan has a government that works like a team with three main parts. These parts are called "branches." They are the executive branch (led by the Governor of Michigan), the legislative branch (which makes laws), and the judicial branch (which handles courts and justice). This setup helps make sure no single part has too much power.
People in Michigan can also directly help make decisions. They can vote on new laws (initiative and referendum), or even vote to remove an elected official from office (recall).
Contents
Michigan's Lawmakers
The Michigan Legislature is the group that makes laws for the state of Michigan. It has two main parts:
- The Senate, which is like the "upper house."
- The House of Representatives, which is the "lower house."
These lawmakers meet in the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Michigan. Michigan is one of only ten states where lawmakers work full-time.
Setting Pay for State Leaders
There's a group called the State Officers Compensation Commission. It has seven members chosen by the governor. Their job is to decide how much the governor and other elected officials get paid. However, if two-thirds of both the Senate and House disagree, they can reject these pay decisions.
Drawing Voting Maps
After every census (which counts people every ten years), a group called the Independent Redistricting Commission draws the maps for voting districts. These districts decide who represents different areas in the state legislature and in the U.S. Congress. This commission has 13 members who are not elected officials. Five are independent, four are Democrats, and four are Republicans. They are chosen randomly from people who apply.
Michigan's Executive Leaders
Michigan's executive branch is led by elected officials who carry out the state's laws.
{{Gallery |File:Gretchen Whitmer (2021) (cropped).jpg|Gretchen Whitmer (D)
Governor |File:Garlin Gilchrist in Grand Rapids.jpg|Garlin Gilchrist (D)
Lieutenant Governor |File:Jocelyn Benson at event (cropped).jpg|[[Jocelyn Benson at event (cropped).jpg|Jocelyn Benson (D)
Secretary of State |File:Dana Nessel 20190202 110126 (cropped).jpg|Dana Nessel (D)
Attorney General }}
The Governor is the main leader of the executive branch. They have the power to:
- Say "no" to (veto) new laws.
- Appoint people to important jobs.
- Suggest the state's budget.
Governors can serve a maximum of two terms. The Lieutenant Governor is elected with the Governor and helps lead the state. They also lead the Michigan Senate and can act as governor if the Governor is away or unable to do their job.
Two other important elected officials are the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. They are elected for four-year terms at the same time as the Governor.
- The Attorney General is the state's chief law enforcement officer. They are the main lawyer for the state and its departments.
- The Secretary of State's office handles things like driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, elections, and keeping official state records.
State Departments
Michigan's government has many departments that help run the state. The state constitution says there can be up to 20 main departments. Some of these include:
- Agriculture and Rural Development
- Attorney General
- Civil Rights
- Corrections
- Education
- Environment, Great Lakes and, Energy
- Health and Human Services
- Insurance and Financial Services
- Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- Military and Veterans Affairs
- Natural Resources
- State
- State Police
- Labor and Economic Opportunity
- Technology, Management and Budget
- Transportation
- Treasury
Education in Michigan
The State Board of Education is an elected group that leads the Michigan Department of Education. This department oversees most education in the state, except for state universities.
Michigan's state universities, like the University of Michigan or Michigan State University, have a lot of independence. However, the state legislature still approves money for them. Also, the governor appoints board members for most state universities, with the Senate's approval. Only the board members for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University are chosen directly by voters.
Michigan's Courts
Michigan's court system makes sure laws are followed and justice is served. It includes:
- The Michigan Supreme Court: This is the highest court in the state. It oversees all other courts. Its seven members are elected for eight-year terms.
- The Michigan Court of Appeals: This court handles appeals from lower courts. Its judges are elected for six-year terms.
- Circuit courts and district courts: These are the main courts where trials happen. Judges for these courts are elected for six-year terms.
Local Governments in Michigan
Michigan is divided into many smaller areas to help manage local services. It has 83 counties. These counties are further divided into:
Michigan also has many school districts and other special districts that provide specific services.
County Government
Counties in Michigan have some flexibility in how they organize their government. This is called "home rule." Some common elected officials in county governments include:
- County Commissioners: These are like the local lawmakers for the county.
- County Clerk: Handles official records and elections for the county.
- County Treasurer: Manages the county's money.
- Sheriff: The chief law enforcement officer for the county.
- Prosecuting Attorney: The county's main lawyer who brings criminal cases to court.
- Register of Deeds: Keeps records of property ownership.
- Drain Commissioner: Manages drainage systems in the county.
More About Michigan Government
- Politics of Michigan
- Elections in Michigan
- Law of Michigan
