Government of South Dakota facts for kids
The government of South Dakota works a lot like the U.S. government. It has three main parts, called branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These parts are all explained in the Constitution of South Dakota, which is the most important set of rules for the state. The constitution can be changed if most lawmakers agree, or if the voters decide to change it.
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The Executive Branch
The executive branch is led by the governor of South Dakota. The governor is like the state's chief manager. They can sign new laws or stop them from becoming law. The governor is also in charge of the state's armed forces. They get to choose a team of advisors, called a cabinet. The governor can also change or forgive punishments for crimes. A governor serves for four years and can serve up to two terms in a row.
The current governor is Larry Rhoden. He is from Sturgis. Other important leaders in the executive branch include the lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state treasurer.
The Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is where state laws are made. It has two main groups: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 35 members, and the House has 70 members.
South Dakota is divided into 35 special areas. Voters in each area choose one senator and two representatives. These lawmakers meet every year for a session that starts in January and lasts for 40 days. They can also meet if the governor calls a special session. Currently, the Republican Party has the most members in both the Senate and the House. Lawmakers can serve a maximum of four terms in a row in the same group.
The Judicial Branch
The judicial branch is the court system. It helps make sure laws are followed fairly. The highest court in the state is the state supreme court. It has four justices and a chief justice.
Below the supreme court are the circuit courts. There are 41 circuit judges who work in seven different areas of the state. For smaller legal issues, there are also magistrate courts. These courts handle less serious criminal and civil cases.
South Dakota in the U.S. Government
South Dakota also has leaders who represent the state in the U.S. government. These are Senator Mike Rounds, Senator John Thune, and Representative Dusty Johnson. All of these federal representatives are Republicans. South Dakota is one of only seven states that has just one representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.
South Dakota is part of the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota in the federal court system. If cases from this court are appealed, they go to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in St. Louis.
Native American Governments
Native American governments in South Dakota are largely independent from the state government. For example, federal laws say that state and local governments cannot tax Native American lands.
