Government of South Dakota facts for kids

State capitol building in Pierre

The government of South Dakota helps run the state, just like the federal government helps run the country. It has three main parts: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These parts work together to make sure the state runs smoothly. The rules for how the government works are written in the Constitution of South Dakota, which is the most important law in the state. People can even suggest changes to this constitution through a vote.

How South Dakota's Government Works

The Executive Branch: Leading the State

The governor of South Dakota is the leader of the executive branch. The governor has important jobs like signing new laws or saying no to them (this is called a veto). The governor also leads the state's armed forces and chooses a team of advisors, called a cabinet. They can also change or forgive punishments for people who have committed crimes. A governor serves for four years and can only serve two terms in a row.

As of March 2026, the current governor is Kristi Noem, a Republican. The lieutenant governor is Larry Rhoden. Other important state officials include the attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, and treasurer.

The Legislative Branch: Making Laws

Map showing the 35 legislative districts of South Dakota. Each district elects one senator and two representatives.

The state legislature is the part of government that makes laws. It has two groups: the Senate with 35 members and the House of Representatives with 70 members. South Dakota is divided into 35 areas called legislative districts. Voters in each district choose one senator and two representatives.

The legislature meets every year, starting in January, for about 40 days. Sometimes, the governor can call a special meeting if needed. The Republican Party currently has more members in both the Senate and the House. State law limits how long legislators can serve in the same group, usually up to four terms in a row.

The Judicial Branch: Interpreting Laws

The judicial branch is made up of different courts that interpret the laws. The highest court in the state is the state supreme court, which has four justices and a chief justice. Below the supreme court are the circuit courts, where 41 judges work across seven different areas of the state. For smaller legal matters, there are also magistrate courts.

South Dakota in the U.S. Government

South Dakota also has representatives who work in the federal government in Washington, D.C. These include two Senators, Mike Rounds and John Thune. The state also has one Representative, Dusty Johnson. All of South Dakota's current federal representatives are Republicans. South Dakota is one of only seven states that has just one representative in the U.S. House.

The state is also part of the federal court system, with cases from the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota being reviewed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Native American Governments in South Dakota

Map showing the counties of South Dakota

Native American communities in South Dakota have their own governments. These governments are largely independent from the state and local governments. For example, federal laws mean that state and local governments cannot tax lands owned by Native American tribes.

South Dakota's Political Landscape

Politics in South Dakota are mostly led by the Republican Party. The state has voted for a Republican presidential candidate in every election since 1964. However, some Democratic politicians from South Dakota have been elected to the U.S. Congress.

East River vs. West River Politics

The Missouri River divides South Dakota into two main parts. The area east of the river, often called "East River," tends to have more moderate political views. The area west of the river, or "West River," is generally more conservative. However, there are exceptions. Some of the strongest Democratic areas are in West River, often within Native American reservations. The strongest Republican areas are in East River, settled by groups like Protestant Germans. Many people think the James River Valley is a better dividing line for political ideas in the state.

Recent Elections in South Dakota

In recent years, South Dakota has continued to elect many Republican leaders.

• In the 2006 midterm elections, Republicans gained some offices, but Democrats also won some. The balance of power in the state legislature shifted slightly.
• In the 2008 election, Senator Tim Johnson and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, both Democrats, won their elections. They were the last Democrats to win statewide elections in South Dakota.
• The 2010 election saw Republican Dennis Daugaard become governor and Republican Kristi Noem win the U.S. House seat. Republican John Thune was re-elected as U.S. Senator without opposition.
• In the 2012 election, Kristi Noem kept her House seat. The state also voted for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
• The 2014 election saw Republican Dennis Daugaard re-elected as governor. Mike Rounds also won his campaign for U.S. Senator.

State Finances and Taxes

South Dakota has one of the lowest total state tax rates per person in the United States. The state does not have personal or business income taxes. It also does not have inheritance taxes. The state sales tax rate is 4.5 percent, but some local areas add their own taxes, making the total rate higher in those places.

Sales tax is not usually collected from Native Americans on Indian reservations. However, many reservations have agreements with the state. Businesses on the reservation collect the tax, and the state gives a portion of it back to the Native American tribes. Property taxes are local taxes that help fund schools, counties, and other local government services.

South Dakota's U.S. Senators