The document provides an overview of the Minnesota state government, which has three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch has separate but equal powers to check the other branches and ensure balance. The executive branch is headed by the governor and oversees state agencies. The legislative branch consists of the House and Senate, which both play a role in how a bill becomes law. The judicial branch interprets laws and settles disputes. The process of a bill becoming law is more complex than commonly depicted and requires agreement between the legislative and executive branches. Citizens can get involved in the political process through activities like campaign work, communicating with legislators, and running for office.

1. Government 101

2.  The 3 branches to the tree!
◦ Checks and balances
 How a bill really becomes law!
◦ It’s not quite as simple as the “dancing bill
guy” wants you to believe!
 How can you get involved and stay
informed.
◦ Developing relationships with elected
officials.
◦ Engaging in important issues.
Overview

3.  Minnesota’s state government has 3
distinct “branches:”
◦ Executive
◦ Legislative
◦ Judicial
 Each has separate, but equal powers
that “check” another branch.
 These checks are essential to ensuring
balance.
The 3 branches…

4.  The head of the executive branch is the
governor.
◦ Who is Minnesota’s governor?
 The governor plays a role in the
legislative process and oversees state
agencies.
 The executive is “checked” by both the
legislature and the judicial branch.
The Executive

5.  The legislature consists of 2 separate,
but equal chambers:
◦ House: smaller districts, “closer” to the
people.
◦ Senate: larger districts, often referred to as
the “upper body.”
 Each of these chambers plays a key role
in how a bill becomes law.
 The legislature is also “checked” by the
executive and the legislature.
The Legislature…

6.  The judicial branch is charged with
interpreting and “checking” the laws
passed by the legislature and governor.
 The judicial system helps to settle
disputes between citizens and with the
government.
The Judicial…

7.  The “dancing bill” doesn’t show you
everything!
 Passing bills requires agreement
between the legislative and executive
branches.
 There are many ways to get a bill
started and through the process.
How a bill becomes law…

8.  Three case studies!
◦ Transfer bill
◦ Textbook bill
◦ Revenue Fund bill
How a bill becomes law…

9.  Get into groups:
◦ Talk about any legislative or political
involvement you’ve had.
◦ Share stories and experiences:
 Both positive and negative.
How can you get involved?

10.  Campaign work!
 Legislative communication!
 Running for office!
How can you get involved?