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About South Dakota · Government

A Summary of South Dakota State Government

An overview of South Dakota constitutional offices, statutory offices, and the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Statewide offices

Constitutional offices

The South Dakota Constitution provides for the offices of attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, and commissioner of school and public lands. These officers serve four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms.

The offices perform duties including legal representation, official filings, election administration, processing and receiving state payments, and administration of school and public lands.

Public regulation

Statutory offices

Three public utilities commissioners are elected to staggered six-year terms. Public Utilities Commission members are not subject to term limits.

Visit the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

Government structure

Three branches

Legislative

The Legislature makes state law through the Senate and House.

Legislative branch →

Executive

The governor leads the executive branch and state departments.

Executive branch →

Judicial

The unified judicial system includes appellate and trial courts.

Judicial branch →