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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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What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
Can Sanctuary Cities Survive the Second Trump Administration?
Whether local governments must comply with federal immigration policy largely depends on state law.
Territorial Courts, Constitutions, and Organic Acts, Explained
There are five inhabited U.S. territories, each with its own court system and governing documents.
Texas Lawmakers’ Unusual Attempt to Halt the Execution of a Possibly Innocent Man
The state high court held that the Texas legislature’s use of its subpoena power to delay an execution violated separation-of-powers principles.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in January
Issues on the dockets include large-capacity magazines, conversion therapy, and “regulation without representation.”
A Constitution Unique to Montana and Uniquely Montanan
The state’s 1972 charter is populist, pro-conservation, and libertarian.
2024’s Most Significant State Constitutional Cases
Legal experts identified the most important cases that advanced state constitutional rights this year.
State Courts Can Provide Much-Needed Protection From Voter Deception
This past election, some state courts stepped in to protect the citizen initiative process from state-sponsored deception, while others refused. Their decisions influenced election outcomes.