Government

South Dakota is governed under its original constitution, adopted in 1889 and amended a number of times.

The governor, elected to a four-year term, is limited to two consecutive terms. Other executive officers—all elected to four-year terms—include the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, auditor, and commissioner of school and public lands.

The state legislature meets annually. It consists of the Senate of 35 members and the House of Representatives of 70 members. Members of both houses are elected for two-year terms.

South Dakota's judicial system includes a supreme court, circuit courts, and lower courts. Justices of the supreme court are appointed by the governor and later run for retention; circuit court judges are elected.

South Dakota is divided into 66 counties. The state is represented in the U.S. Congress by two senators and one representative.