Government of South Dakota

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The Government of South Dakota operates under the framework of the Constitution of South Dakota. The state government is composed of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is headed by the Governor of South Dakota, who is elected for a four-year term. The current governor is Kristi Noem. Other elected officials in the executive branch include the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the State Treasurer, and the State Auditor.

Governor

The Governor of South Dakota is the chief executive officer of the state and is responsible for ensuring that state laws are executed. The governor has the power to sign or veto legislation, call special sessions of the South Dakota Legislature, and grant pardons.

Lieutenant Governor

The Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota serves as the president of the South Dakota Senate and assumes the role of governor in the event of the governor's death, resignation, or incapacity.

Other Executive Officials

• The South Dakota Secretary of State oversees elections, business services, and the maintenance of public records.
• The South Dakota Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state and represents South Dakota in legal matters.
• The South Dakota State Treasurer manages the state's finances, including the receipt and disbursement of state funds.
• The South Dakota State Auditor is responsible for auditing state agencies and ensuring the proper use of public funds.

Legislative Branch

The South Dakota Legislature is a bicameral body consisting of the South Dakota Senate and the South Dakota House of Representatives. The legislature meets annually at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.

South Dakota Senate

The South Dakota Senate is composed of 35 members who are elected to two-year terms. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor.

South Dakota House of Representatives

The South Dakota House of Representatives consists of 70 members who are also elected to two-year terms. The House is presided over by the Speaker.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of South Dakota is headed by the South Dakota Supreme Court. The court system also includes the South Dakota Circuit Courts and South Dakota Magistrate Courts.

South Dakota Supreme Court

The South Dakota Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and consists of five justices who are appointed by the governor and serve eight-year terms.

South Dakota Circuit Courts

The South Dakota Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction and handle civil and criminal cases.

South Dakota Magistrate Courts

The South Dakota Magistrate Courts handle minor civil and criminal cases, including small claims and misdemeanors.

Related Pages

• South Dakota
• Governor of South Dakota
• South Dakota Legislature
• South Dakota Supreme Court
• Pierre, South Dakota
• Constitution of South Dakota