The Three Branches of U.S. State Government
Every U.S. state government mirrors the federal tripartite structure:
1. Legislative Branch
Function: Makes state laws
Structure: Bicameral (49 states) — Nebraska is unicameral
- Lower house: House of Representatives / Assembly / House of Delegates (2–4 yr terms)
- Upper house: Senate (4 yr terms, often staggered)
- Size: Varies (NH House: 400; CA Senate: 40)
- Powers: Pass bills, approve budget, confirm appointments, override veto, impeach
2. Executive Branch
Head: Governor (elected, 4 yr terms; VT/NH: 2 yr)
- Powers: Execute laws, veto bills, appoint officials/judges, command National Guard, pardon, propose budget, emergency powers
- Other elected: Lt. Gov, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Superintendent (varies)
- Agencies: Departments (Health, Transportation, Corrections, Education, etc.)
3. Judicial Branch
Function: Interprets state laws/constitution
- Structure: Supreme Court (court of last resort) → Intermediate appellate (most states) → Trial courts (Superior, Circuit, District)
- Selection: Gubernatorial appointment, merit selection (Missouri Plan), partisan/nonpartisan election, legislative election
- Jurisdiction: State law cases (contracts, torts, family, probate, criminal, administrative appeals)
Checks & Balances
- Governor veto ↔ Legislative override (usually 2/3)
- Judicial review of laws/executive actions
- Legislature confirms appointments, controls budget, impeaches
- Governor appoints judges (often)
Key Difference from Federal
States have plenary police powers (health, safety, morals, education) — broad authority not granted to federal government.
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