What is the structure and function of the Minnesota Legislature?
In order to understand the role of the Minnesota Legislature, it may be helpful to review basic government structure. Our democratic system of government is separated into different levels and branches. The three levels of government — federal, state and local — all function to meet separate responsibilities. Each level of government is made up of three separate branches, the executive, the legislative, and the judicial, with each exercising individual authority in order to serve the people of the community, state, and nation. The responsibilities of each branch of government differ, and no branch of government is given power over another. This system of “checks and balances” insures that no single group can dominate the workings of government and that no one part of government can dominate another part of government. The legislative branch is responsible for the enactment and revision of laws. The United States Congress forms the laws at the national level, and the Minnesota Legisla
