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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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Federalism and State Constitutional Rights in 2026
The killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent thrust into the spotlight questions about when and how states can hold federal officials accountable.
Voting Rights and Democracy in State Courts
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights
State Constitutional Amendments and State Conventions
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights
Federalism and Interstate Conflicts
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights
The Diversity of Rights in State Constitutions
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights
The Tennessee Constitution: “Least Imperfect and Most Republican of the State Constitutions”
The state’s 1870 constitution still governs, though suffrage battles, balance of power shifts, and changing political views have modernized it over time.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in January
Issues on the dockets include legislative responses to Missouri’s voter-approved reproductive rights amendment, Utah’s execution methods, and Idaho’s school-choice program.
The Story of the First State Constitution
New Hampshire’s 1776 constitution and the story behind it set the stage for subsequent state constitutions over the next 250 years.