Government

Minnesota is governed under its original constitution, adopted in 1857 and effective in 1858. The legislature consists of a Senate of 67 members, elected for four-year terms, and a House of Representatives of 134, elected for two years. The legislature is required by law to meet in January of each odd-numbered year for a session of not more than 120 days. However, it often holds sessions in even-numbered years also.

The elected officials include the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, and auditor. All are elected for four-year terms. The governor appoints most of the other department heads.

The judiciary is headed by a supreme court of seven justices. Other courts include a court of appeals, district courts, and various lower courts. All justices and judges are elected on a nonpartisan ballot.

Minnesota has 87 counties. It is represented in the national Congress by two senators and eight representatives.