Government of Utah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Government of Utah

Great Seal of the State of Utah
Polity type	Presidential republic Federated state
Constitution	Constitution of Utah
Legislative branch
Name	Legislature
Type	Bicameral
Meeting place	Utah State Capitol
Upper house
Name	Senate
Presiding officer	J. Stuart Adams, President
Lower house
Name	House of Representatives
Presiding officer	Mike Schultz, Speaker
Executive branch
Head of State and Government
Title	Governor
Currently	Spencer Cox
Appointer	Election
Cabinet
Name	Cabinet
Leader	Governor
Deputy leader	Lieutenant Governor
Headquarters	Utah State Capitol
Judicial branch
Name	Judiciary of Utah
Courts	Courts of Utah
Supreme Court
Chief judge	Matthew B. Durrant
Seat	Scott M. Matheson Courthouse, Salt Lake City

Utah is a state in the USA. Like the national government, Utah's government is split into three main parts. These are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This setup is described in the Constitution and laws of Utah.

The Executive Branch: Leading the State

Further information: List of Governors of Utah and Lieutenant Governor of Utah

The executive branch is in charge of carrying out the laws. The main leader of this branch is the Governor. The current governor of Utah is Spencer Cox. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Before Governor Cox, Gary Herbert was the governor. He became governor in 2009 when Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. left to become the U.S. Ambassador to China. Governor Herbert was elected for full terms in 2012 and 2016. In 2020, Spencer Cox was elected governor.

Key Leaders in the Executive Branch

Here are some of the most important leaders in Utah's executive branch:

The Governor's Cabinet

The Governor also has a team of advisors called the Cabinet. These people are appointed by the Governor. They lead different state agencies and departments. Each department focuses on a specific area, like health, transportation, or public safety.

• Executive Director, Utah Department of Administrative Services (manages state operations)
• Commissioner, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (helps farmers and food safety)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Corrections (runs prisons)
• Chief Information Officer, Utah Department of Technology Services (manages state technology)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Commerce (supports businesses)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Environmental Quality (protects the environment)
• Commissioner, Utah Department of Financial Institutions (oversees banks)
• Executive Director, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development (helps grow the economy)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Health (manages public health)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Human Resource Management (manages state employees)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Human Services (provides social services)
• Commissioner, Utah Insurance Department (regulates insurance)
• Adjutant General of Utah, Utah National Guard (leads the state's military force)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Natural Resources (manages natural resources)
• Commissioner, Utah Department of Public Safety (oversees law enforcement)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Transportation (manages roads and transit)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Community and Culture (supports local communities and arts)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Workforce Services (helps with jobs and unemployment)
• Executive Director, Utah Department of Veteran Affairs (supports veterans)
• Chairperson, Utah Board of Pardons and Parole (reviews prison sentences)
• Commissioner, Utah Labor Commission (handles labor laws)
• Commissioner, Utah State Tax Commission (manages state taxes)

The Legislative Branch: Making Laws

Further information: Utah State Legislature and List of Utah State Legislatures

The legislative branch is responsible for creating laws for the state. In Utah, this power is held by two groups: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together, they form the Utah State Legislature. Both the Senate and the House currently have a majority of members from the Republican Party.

The Utah State Senate

The Utah State Senate is the upper house of the legislature. It has 29 members.

Senate Leadership

• President: Stuart Adams (Republican)
• Majority Leader (Republican): Evan Vickers
• Majority Whip (Republican): Ann Millner
• Minority Leader (Democratic): Karen Mayne
• Minority Whip (Democratic): Luz Escamilla

The Utah State House of Representatives

The Utah State House of Representatives is the lower house. It has 75 members.

House Leadership

• Speaker of the House: Brad Wilson (Republican)
• Majority Leader (Republican): Francis D. Gibson
• Majority Whip (Republican): Mike Schultz
• Minority Leader (Democratic): Brian King
• Minority Whip (Democratic): Karen Kwan

The Judicial Branch: Interpreting Laws

Further information: Utah Supreme Court, Utah District Courts, and List of Utah Supreme Court Chief Justices

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the laws and making sure they are applied fairly. This branch includes the Supreme Court, district courts, and other courts.

The Utah Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Utah. It reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Utah District Courts

District courts are where most legal cases begin. Utah has eight judicial districts, each covering several counties.