Governor of Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of Minnesota |
|
|---|---|
|
|
Great Seal of the State of Minnesota
|
|
| Government of Minnesota | |
| Style | The Honorable |
| Residence | Minnesota Governor's Residence |
| Term length | Four years, no term limit |
| Inaugural holder | Henry H. Sibley |
| Formation | May 24, 1858 |
| Succession | Line of succession |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota |
| Salary | $127,629 (2022) |
The Governor of Minnesota is the main leader of the state of Minnesota. They are in charge of the state's executive branch, which is the part of the government that carries out laws.
Many people have served as governor of Minnesota. Before Minnesota became a state, there were also three governors for the Minnesota Territory. Alexander Ramsey, who was the first territorial governor, later became a state governor too. State governors are chosen by people voting, but territorial governors were picked by the United States president. The current Governor of Minnesota is Tim Walz. He is part of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).
Contents
What the Governor Does
Powers and Responsibilities
The Governor of Minnesota has important powers, much like the U.S. president. One key power is the veto. This means the governor can say "no" to bills (proposed laws) that the Minnesota State Legislature has passed. If the governor vetoes a bill, it usually doesn't become a law.
Also, the governor can use a special power called a line-item veto. This allows them to remove specific parts or sentences from a bill while still signing the rest of the bill into law. This is different from the U.S. president, who usually has to approve or reject an entire bill.
Who Can Be Governor?
To become the Governor of Minnesota, a person must be at least 25 years old when they start the job. They also need to have lived in Minnesota for at least one year before the election.
Since 1958, governors are elected for four-year terms. There is no limit to how many terms a person can serve as governor. This means they can be re-elected many times.
The Governor's Team: The Cabinet
Working with Commissioners
The governor has a special team called a cabinet. This team is made up of leaders for different state departments. The governor chooses these leaders. Most of them are called commissioners. They help the governor manage various parts of the state government, like education, health, and transportation.
Here are some of the important roles in the governor's cabinet:
- Commissioner of Administration: Helps manage state buildings and services.
- Commissioner of Agriculture: Works on farming and food safety.
- Commissioner of Children, Youth and Families: Focuses on programs for kids and families.
- Commissioner of Education: Oversees schools and learning in the state.
- Commissioner of Health: Works to keep people healthy.
- Commissioner of Natural Resources: Protects Minnesota's parks, forests, and wildlife.
- Commissioner of Public Safety: Deals with law enforcement and public safety.
- Commissioner of Transportation: Manages roads, bridges, and other ways people travel.
Where the Governor Lives
The official home for the Governor of Minnesota is called the Minnesota Governor's Residence. It is located in Saint Paul, at 1006 Summit Avenue.
What Happens Next: Succession
If the governor cannot do their job, there is a clear plan for who takes over. This plan is set by the Minnesota Constitution and state laws. It ensures that the state always has a leader. The Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota is usually the first person in line to take over.
Fun Traditions
Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener
A special tradition in Minnesota is the Governor's Fishing Opener. This event started in 1948. It helps to promote Minnesota's outdoor activities and tourism. Each year, the governor goes to a different lake in Minnesota to fish on the first weekend of the fishing season. It's a way to celebrate the state's love for fishing!
See also
- List of governors of Minnesota
- List of Minnesota gubernatorial elections
- List of lieutenant governors of Minnesota
- Politics of Minnesota
