Government Structure of North Dakota: A Republican System

Three Branches Under the State Constitution

North Dakota operates under a republican form of government with separation of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Legislative Branch

• North Dakota Legislative Assembly – Bicameral: 47-member Senate, 94-member House.
• Legislators serve 2-year terms.
• Meets biennially for 80 legislative days.

Executive Branch

• Governor – Elected 4-year term, max two consecutive terms.
• Appoints agency heads; veto power over legislation.
• Other elected officials: Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, etc.

Judicial Branch

• Supreme Court – 7 justices, 10-year terms (highest court).
• Court of Appeals – 5 judges, 8-year terms (intermediate).
• District Courts – Trial courts of general jurisdiction.
• County Courts – Limited jurisdiction (misdemeanors, small claims, probate).

This structure mirrors the federal model while adapting to the state's modest population and part-time legislature.