The state government operates with three main parts: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These branches follow state laws, state constitutions, and state rules.
- The executive branch is led by the governor, who is chosen by the people. In most states, other leaders in this branch, like the lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and auditors and commissioners, are also directly elected.
- The legislative branch is made up of elected representatives. They discuss ideas from the governor or from their own members to make new laws.
- The judicial branch is in charge of explaining and using the laws in state courts. It’s led by the state supreme court.
The state government follows rules written in the state constitution. Its main job is to offer services to the people, like education, healthcare, transportation, and keeping everyone safe.
Even though it’s not perfect, democracy is important because it focuses on what the people want and helps make things fair and responsible.