Structure of State Government Chapter 4, Section 2 Structure of State Government

I) Executive Branch Enforces laws passed by the legislature (Congress). The governor is the head of this branch

A) Governor 25 years old, U.S. citizen, and a resident of Louisiana for at least 5 years. Elected to a four-year term Prepare the state budget

B) Lieutenant Governor Similar to the Vice President of the U.S. act temporarily as governor Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism

C) Attorney General Run’s the state Department of Justice Provides legal advice and representation to the state’s departments, agencies, boards, and to state elected officials.

D) Secretary of State Chief election officer of the state (in charge of all state elections) Keeper of the great seal of Louisiana

E) Treasurer Department of Treasury Charge of the state’s money and keeps records of the state’s income and expenses.

II) Legislature Branch Responsible for making the laws. Louisiana’s legislature is divided into two parts, which is known as bicameral. House of Representatives and Senate

A) Legislative Membership The Louisiana legislature has 144 members: 39 senators and 105 representatives. Each member elected from a geographic district based on population. U.S. Census – Population count taken every 10 years. (2020)

B) Requirements 18 years old and a resident of their district for at least one year. Elected for 4 year terms.

III) Judicial Branch Interprets the constitution and laws of the state. Protects the rights of citizens.

A) Civil and Criminal Law 1. Civil Law 2. Criminal Law Civil Courts How people interact with each other. Divorce, child custody, property disputes Criminal Courts protect society from wrongdoings. murder and armed robbery