Government of South Dakota facts for kids
The structure of the government of South Dakota is based on that of the federal government, with three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. The structure of the state government is laid out in the Constitution of South Dakota, the highest law in the state. The constitution may be amended either by a majority vote of both houses of the legislature, or by voter initiative.
Executive branch
The governor of South Dakota heads the executive branch of the state government. The state constitution gives the governor the power to either sign into law or veto bills passed by the state legislature, to serve as commander-in-chief of the state's armed forces, to appoint a cabinet, and to commute criminal sentences or to pardon those convicted of crimes. The governor serves for a four-year term, and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
The current governor is Larry Rhoden, a Republican from Sturgis. The lieutenant governor is Tony Venhuizen (R), the attorney general is Marty Jackley (R), the commissioner of school and public lands is Brock Greenfield (R), the secretary of state is Monae Johnson (R), the state auditor is Rich Sattgast (R), and the treasurer is Josh Haeder (R).
Legislature
The state legislature is made up of two bodies, the Senate, which has 35 members, and the House of Representatives, with 70 members. South Dakota is divided into 35 legislative districts, with voters electing two representatives and one senator per district. The legislature meets for an annual session which begins on the second Tuesday in January and lasts for 40 days. it also meets if a special session is called by the governor. The Republican Party currently holds majorities in both houses of the South Dakota Legislature. Currently, the Senate consists of 30 Republicans and 5 Democrats, while the House of Representatives is made up of 59 Republicans, 11 Democrats State law currently limits legislators to a maximum of four consecutive terms in the same house of the Legislature.
Judicial branch
The judicial branch is made up of several levels. The state supreme court, with four justices and a chief justice, is the highest court in the state. Below the supreme court are the circuit courts; 41 circuit judges serve in seven judicial circuits in the state. Below the circuit courts are the magistrate courts, which deal with more minor criminal and civil actions.
Federal representation
South Dakota is represented at the federal level by Senator Mike Rounds, Senator John Thune, and Representative Dusty Johnson. All the federal representatives are Republicans, this hasn't been the case since 1961. South Dakota is one of seven states with only one seat in the US House of Representatives.
South Dakota is part of the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota in the federal judiciary. The district's cases are appealed to the St-Louis-based United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Native government
Native Americans' governments are significantly independent of the state and its local governments. For example, federal law forbids states and local authorities to tax Indian lands.
