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Government Structure
State constitutions vary in how they structure state governments and distribute power among the branches of government and between the state and localities. State governments include statewide executive, legislative, and judicial branches, but also multiple county, district, municipal, and local governments.
Home rule disputes between states and localities, separation of powers among the branches of government, the limits of executive power, jurisdiction of courts, and limits on legislative authority all regularly give rise to litigation.
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Pennsylvania’s Radical Constitution: An Experiment in the Making
From an early embrace of popular sovereignty to current voting decisions that make national news, Pennsylvania’s constitution has long reached beyond the state itself.
Arizona Supreme Court Grapples with Challenge to “Dark Money” Disclosure Law
Voters overwhelmingly approved the law in 2022 to shed light on anonymous campaign spending from large donors.
The Vermont Constitution: Early Grievances, Notable Early Protections, Still Evolving
The state’s constitution has lasted since 1793, but recent changes rid it of the vestiges of slavery and protect reproductive rights.
How Will Federal Funding Cuts Impact State Budgets?
Fiscal provisions found in every state constitution constrain states’ ability to work around budget shortfalls.
Case Trends: State Courts Continue to Grapple with Covid-19 Policies
Courts are still weighing the constitutionality of state responses to the pandemic more than five years after its start.
Cities Battle State Legislatures for the Right to Regulate Vapes
City efforts to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco are an important part of the push to curb tobacco usage in children.
The Arizona Constitution: Deeply Skeptical of Power
Arizona’s governing document is easy to amend. While Arizonans have approved changes on issues like abortion and immigration, they use the right relatively sparingly.
Law Student Cheat Sheet: Understanding State Courts and Constitutions
As the school year kicks off, we’ve rounded up some of our top explainer essays on how state courts and state constitutions work, protect rights, and influence major U.S. legal issues. Consider it your “State Constitutions 101.”