Minnesota Constitution Article III. Distribution of the powers of government
Here is the content and explanation of Article III – Distribution of the Powers of Government from the Minnesota Constitution:
Minnesota Constitution – Article III: Distribution of the Powers of Government
This article establishes the principle of separation of powers among the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
Section 1. Division of the powers of government
“The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct departments: legislative, executive and judicial. No person or persons belonging to or constituting one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others except in the instances expressly provided in this constitution.”
🔹 Meaning:
Minnesota adopts the separation of powers doctrine.
Each branch must remain independent and not interfere with the core functions of the others.
The Legislature makes laws, the Executive enforces them, and the Judiciary interprets them.
Section 2. Encroachment prohibited
There is no Section 2 in Article III as of the current constitution — Section 1 is the entirety of Article III.
Summary
Article III is short but foundational, setting the framework for a checks and balances system.
It ensures no overlap of power among the branches unless the constitution explicitly allows it.
It is used by Minnesota courts when determining whether a law or action violates the separation of powers.
RELATED Blog
0 comments