How State and Local Governments Operate

How State
and Local
Governments
Operate
For The People...
By The People...
There is a basic underlying premise that in order for a government to function at its
best, citizen participation is essential.
Often, the public voice is silent because government, at all levels, seems complex and
too far removed to be accessible. Perhaps some basic information is missing, such as not
knowing who to contact or which segment of government oversees a particular area.
This booklet makes the understanding of both state and local governments much
easier. There is a brief description of each branch of our state government (legislative,
executive, and judicial) and a brief explanation of how each branch operates. There is
also an explanation of how a bill becomes a law and a glossary of common legislative
terms.
Another section of this booklet offers advice on how to contact your state legislator
and gives you hints on how to make your input stand out from the ordinary. These same
rules can be applied when contacting any government official.
The section on local government gives a description of local financing and ex plains
the functions of county, city, township, and village government. It also discusses special
districts and authorities and school districts in order to provide a simpler explanation of
these op er a tions. A special section has been provided in the back of the booklet so that you
may record the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your own U.S., state, and local
government officials.
It is hoped that you will find this booklet useful and that it will inspire you to become
involved in your local and state government operations. Your elected rep re sen ta tives
welcome your inputthe concept of democracy and the practice of good government rely
on it.
(Rev. 2/2012)
Prepared by the Michigan Legislature
This information is provided free to Michigan citizens
and is not for reproduction for resale or profit.
How State and Local Governments Operate
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATE GOVERNMENT
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Organization Chart ........................................................................................... 1
The Legislators Job ......................................................................................... 2
Officers of the Michigan Senate ...................................................................... 4
Officers of the Michigan House of Representatives ........................................ 5
The Legislative Process ................................................................................... 6
Glossary ........................................................................................................... 8
How a Bill Becomes a Law ............................................................................. 10
Helpful Hints for Contacting Your State Legislator ........................................ 13
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Duties of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor ........................................... 18
State Departments and Agencies ..................................................................... 20
THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
Appellate Courts .............................................................................................. 27
Supreme Court ......................................................................................... 27
Court of Appeals ...................................................................................... 27
Trial Courts ...................................................................................................... 27
Circuit Court ............................................................................................ 27
Court of Claims ........................................................................................ 27
Probate Court ........................................................................................... 28
District Court ........................................................................................... 28
Municipal Court ....................................................................................... 28
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN MICHIGAN
Local Financing ............................................................................................... 29
County Government ......................................................................................... 31
Township Government ..................................................................................... 32
City Government .............................................................................................. 32
Village Government ......................................................................................... 33
Special Districts and Authorities ..................................................................... 33
School Districts ................................................................................................ 34
WHO TO CONTACT
Directory .......................................................................................................... 35
For the People . . .
STATE GOVERNMENT
For far too many people, state government is a complex network of agencies and offices with
seemingly little interaction and organization. It is, therefore, helpful for all of us to be aware of the
interrelationship of the various elements of state government in order to understand the process of
government, to learn how to contribute to its operation, and to utilize its functions properly. Seeing
the big picture can eliminate much of the uncertainty we may feel when confronted with an issue
or a problem.
To assist in grasping the overall organization of Michigan state government, we have assembled this
description of the principal units of each of the three branches of government. This division of
government into executive, judicial, and legislative branches mirrors the federal governments
organization. The concept of three distinct co-equal elements of government, adopted in Article III,
Section 2 of the Con sti tu tion of the State of Michigan of 1963, is designed to provide for the
separation of powers which is so vital to our system of self-rule. By dividing the vast power of
government into three co-equal and independent responsibilities, each branch of government can
serve as a check on the other two, preventing any one branch from undermining the freedoms of the
public. In looking at the functions and responsibilities of the units of the three branches, one can
appreciate, in a broad sense, how this system of checks and balances is put into effect.
We hope this information will assist you in your dealings with and understanding of state government.
Although this section is not intended to present a comprehensive account of all of the functions of
state government, it can help you to better understand the offices and agencies through which the
people of Michigan govern themselves.
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
ORGANIZATION CHART
MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
110 MEMBERS
SENATE
38 MEMBERS
STANDING
COMMITTEES
STANDING
COMMITTEES
JOINT
COMMITTEES
The legislative (law-making) power of the State of Mich i gan is vested in a bicameral (two-cham ber)
body comprised of a Senate and a House of Rep re sen ta tives. The Senate is made up of 38 members
elected by the qual i fied elec tors of each senatorial district. Sen a tors are elected at the same time as the
Governor and serve four-year terms. The House of Rep re sen ta tives consists of 110 mem bers elected by
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the qualified electors of representative dis tricts. Rep re sen ta tives are elected in even-numbered years to
serve two-year terms. Terms for Senators and Rep re sen ta tives begin on the first day of Jan u ary
following the No vem ber general elec tion. Legislative districts are drawn on the basis of pop u la tion
figures obtained through the federal ten-year census. This is to insure that each persons vote is
weighed as much as anyone elses. At the No vem ber 1992 general election, Mich i gan voters
approved a constitutional amend ment bar ring persons from election to the House more than three
times and to the Senate more than two times. The term limits apply to terms of office be ginning on
or after January 1, 1993.
The Legislature enacts the laws of Mich i gan; levies taxes and appropriates funds from money
collected for the support of public institutions and the administration of the affairs of state
government; pro pos es amendments to the State Con sti tu tion, which must be approved by a majority
vote of the electors; and can exercise a number of options when presented with legislation pro posed
by initiatory petitions, including adopting it or offering the voters an alternative. The Legislature
exercises legislative oversight over the executive branch of government through work on the
administrative rules and audit pro cess es, com mit tees, and the bud get; ad vis es and con sents, through
the Senate, on certain gubernatorial appointments; and con sid ers pro posed amend ments to the
Con sti tu tion of the United States. The majority of the Legislatures work, however, involves
lawmaking. The Legislature considers thousands of bills (proposed laws) each two-year session
through a process defined by the State Constitution, as well as by statutes and legislative rules.
THE LEGISLATORS JOB
Once elected, what are the re spon si bil i ties, of fi cial functions, and powers of state legislators? In
1966, Senate Resolution 135 authorized, with the Governors par tic i pa tion, the appointment of a
Special Commission on Legislative Com pen sa tion. This commission analyzed the re spon si bil i ties of
a legislator. The following is a summary of many of those responsibilities:
Prepares and leg is lates for a pro gram de rived from a va ri ety of sourc es, in clud ing the
district, the com mit tees on which he or she serves, his or her po lit i cal party, friends, and
in ter est groups.
Conceives the need for new leg is la tion through study of the prob lems of the dis trict and
the state. Ini tiates re search through the staff and com mit tees and re quests prep a ra tion of
bills and amend ments.
Develops sup port for pro pos als and lends sup port or op pos es pro grams of other leg is la-
tors fol low ing a thor ough per son al re view.
Studies the dai ly cal en dar, jour nals, and bill status to keep in formed on bills sched uled
for hear ings and floor action.
Attends ses sions, takes part in de bates, and votes on busi ness be fore the chamber.
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Attends com mit tee meet ings and hear ings through out the state to be come in formed on
the de tails of pro pos als, the ar gu ments for and against them, and to vote on their sub mis-
sion to the en tire Legislature.
Exercises leg is la tive over sight over the ad min is tra tive branch of gov ern ment and the
annual state bud get through com mit tee hear ings, per son al con tacts, re view of re ports,
and in ves ti ga tion of complaints.
Re plies to cor re spon dence and tele phone calls from con stit u ents and su per vis es the work
of a sec re tary and oth er staff.
Keeps con stit u ents in formed on the progress of leg is la tion and his or her position on
specif ic bills and, in turn, keeps in formed on the opin ions of con stit u ents, po lit i cal par ties,
and in ter est groups.
Acts as li ai son be tween the district and state and fed er al agen cies, pro vid ing per son al
assis tance to con stit u ents in han dling their problems.
As sumes an ac tive role in the dis trict by serv ing on lo cal com mit tees and at tend ing and
speaking to civ ic or ga ni za tions which are in ter est ed in legislation.
Plays an ac tive role in his or her po lit i cal par ty by at tend ing and par tic i pat ing in party
caucus es, meet ings of a spe cial ized na ture, and in gen er al conventions.
Takes part in cer e mo ni al lo cal and state functions.
May main tain an office within the dis trict.

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OFFICERS OF THE MICH I GAN SENATE
Lieutenant GovernorPresident of the Sen ate, pre sid ing of fi cer; votes only when
Sen a tors are equal ly di vid ed in vote. Not elect ed to the Sen ate.
President Pro TemporePresiding of fi cer in ab sence of the Lieu ten ant Governor.
As sis tant and As so ci ate Pres i dent Pro Tempore po si tions have also been cre at ed.
Secretary of the SenateThe par lia men tar i an; keeps records and su per vis es
support staff. Not a mem ber of the Sen ate.
Majority LeaderElected by ma jor i ty caucus. Appoints com mit tees, as signs
duties to Sen ate em ploy ees, and es tab lish es guide lines for the fi nan cial
management of Sen ate of fic es. The As sis tant Ma jor i ty Lead er helps with these
duties.
Minority LeaderElected by mi nor i ty caucus and serves as minority party lead er.
The As sis tant Mi nor i ty Lead er works with this of fi cer.
Majority Floor LeaderDirects ac tiv i ties on the floor of the Senate. There is one
As sis tant Ma jor i ty Floor Lead er.
Minority Floor LeaderDirects ac tiv i ties of mi nor i ty party on the floor of the
Senate. There is also one As sis tant Mi nor i ty Floor Lead er.
Caucus ChairsDirect the party cau cus meet ings. There are also As sis tant Caucus
Chairs.
Caucus WhipsAssist party lead ers with cau cus func tions.
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OFFICERS OF
THE MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REP RE SEN TA TIVES
Speaker of the HouseThe pre sid ing of fi cer; ap points com mit tees, se lects
employees, pre sides dur ing ses sion, and handles ad min is tra tive functions. The
Speaker is elected by a majority of the members voting.
Speaker Pro TemporePerforms du ties of the Speak er in the Speak ers ab sence.
The As so ci ate Speakers Pro Tempore assist with the responsibilities of the Speaker.
These officers are elected by a majority of the members voting.
Clerk of the HouseNot a mem ber of the House of Rep re sen ta tives; as sists in
con duct ing ses sion, records votes, and serves as parliamentarian. Also handles
some administrative functions.
Minority LeaderElected by the mi nor i ty cau cus. There is also an Assistant
Minority Leader.
Majority Floor LeaderDirects ac tiv i ties on the floor of the House. There are
also two Assistant Majority Floor Leaders.
Minority Floor LeaderDirects activities of the minority party on the floor of the
House. There is also an Assistant Minority Floor Leader.
Caucus ChairsDirect the par ty cau cus meet ings with oth er house mem bers of
the same par ty.
Caucus WhipsAssist par ty lead ers with cau cus func tions.
Caucus SecretariesAssist par ty lead ers dur ing a cau cus meet ing.
THE LEGISLATIVE PRO CESS
About the Michigan Leg is la ture
Constitutionally, regular sessions of the Legislature begin at 12:00 noon on the second Wednesday
in January of each year. Legislative sessions are held year-round except for recesses that are scheduled
dur ing certain holiday and election periods and for a portion of the summer. Recesses allow the nec es-
sary time for many leg is la tive hear ings, meetings, research, and catch ing up on district business.
Extra sessions of the Legislature may be called by the Governor. Only subjects spec i fied by the
Governor may be considered at an extra session.
Except for a person with certain criminal convictions, anyone 21 years of age or older who is a
registered voter in the district to be represented can serve in either house of the Legislature. The State
Constitution prohibits persons from election to the Michigan House more than three times and to the
Michigan Senate more than two times. Those filling a vacancy for a period greater than one-half of
the term for such office are considered to have been elected for the entire term.
The Michigan Legislature develops and considers legislation for the state on any subject not prohibited
by the state or federal constitutions. There are various steps that every piece of leg is la tion follows in
the course of being con sid ered. These steps constitute the leg is la tive process.
Proposed laws are known as bills. Many bills introduced during a two-year term of a Legislature are
introduced in an effort to modify or eliminate statutes that are no longer adequate and to bring the laws
of the state into harmony with modern con di tions. Some of this legislation is un op posed and consists
of necessary pro forma business, similar to work done by directors of a corporation or members of a
school board. Relatively few bills are considered to be strictly partisan. Divisions on bills being voted
on often center on dif fer enc es of opin ion between factions such as rural versus urban.
During its two-year term, the Legislature may con sid er from 3,000 to 4,000 bills. Proper con sid er-
ation of the bills requires organization, time, and hard work. Leg is la tors and legislative com mit tees
spend many hours of work on each bill before the bill is submitted for consideration on the floor of
either house of the Legislature. The floor debate on a bill, as seen by a visitor, is the final stage of
legislative con sid er ation of the bill prior to passage or defeat in each house.
Introduction of Bills
Any bill that would provide for a change in the laws of Michigan, regardless of the subject matter,
may be introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives. Identical bills may be introduced
into both chambers.
When a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, it is sent to one of the
committees in its own house which deals with that particular type of issue. At this point, the bill will
be given a number and copies will be prepared and made available from the document room and on
the Internet, at www.legislature.michigan.gov.
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The Committee System
Much of the work of reviewing and amending a bill takes place in the standing committees of the
House and of the Senate. These com mit tees generally contain from five to seventeen mem bers,
although the House Appropriations Committee is comprised of 27 members. The stand ing com mit-
tees may be further di vid ed into subcommittees where bills that ad dress specific problems are
as signed for dis cus sion, anal y sis, and revision before be ing presented to the full com mit tee for
action. In addition, there are a number of statutory standing com mit tees. A quo rum (a majority) is
necessary to hold a meeting of a com mit tee.
The Senate Majority Leader appoints mem bers of Senate committees and the Speaker appoints
members of House committees.
The Open Meetings Act, Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, requires, with few exceptions, that
all committees and sub com mit tees hold open meetings. Public bodies may hold closed sessions to
discuss certain employee matters, to consider the lease or purchase of buildings, and for col lec tive
bargaining purposes. This law also allows closed sessions for partisan cau cus es of the Legislature.
Voting on Bills and Final Ap prov al
All roll call votes in the House and Senate are required by the Constitution to be public information.
A computerized voting system is used to tally the votes. The vote of each Senator or Representative
is flashed on elec tron ic roll call boards located on each side of the rostrum. In order to become law,
bills, with cer tain ex cep tions, must be passed in each house by a majority of Senators or
Repre sen ta tives elected and serving. Some bills require super majority votes in
both houses to become law.
The State Con sti tu tion requires that a bill be print ed and in the possession
of each house for at least five days prior to passage. This pro vi sion
serves to prevent hasty or ill-con sid ered leg is la tion and to allow
interested persons outside the Legislature to become familiar with
pro posed leg is la tion. When each house passes differing versions
of the same bill, a conference committee, comprised of three
members of each house, is appointed to work out a compromise
bill to be submitted to each house.
After enactment by the Legislature, a bill is enrolled and
is ready for the Governors consideration. The Office of
the Secretary of the Senate and Office of the Clerk of
the House perform the enrollment function for each
re spec tive house. If the Governor approves the bill, it
becomes a public act in the year in which the
Legislature adopted it. If the Governor vetoes the
bill, the Legislature may exercise a number of
options, including overriding the veto.
GLOSSARY
Amendmentproposed change, addition, or deletion to a bill. Amendments may be offered by
individual leg is la tors or by a committee.
Appropriationthe authorization to spend state and federal funds. Probably the most important
function of the Legislature, appropriating mon ey is carried out by passing bills to let the government
spend money for specific purposes.
Billa proposed law introduced in the Legislature for consideration. A bill can be a new law, a
change in a law, or a repeal of a law.
Calendar Bookalso known as the Blue Book or the E-Blue Book. The book contains all bills on
the Senate or House calendar for any particular legislative session day, and in cludes master bills
with sheets of new amendments, proposed amendments, and sub sti tute bills. Most legislative of fices
main tain a calendar book, often electronically, to follow each daily session of the Legislature.
Caucusa group of legislators with a com mon interest. Although most com mon ly used to refer to
the Democratic Caucus or the Re pub li can Caucus, the term is also used to describe many groups of
legislators, such as the Detroit Caucus, the Womens Caucus, etc. As a verb, the term to caucus
means to have a closed meeting of a group of lawmakers belonging to the same party or faction.
Conference Committeea committee of leg is la tors assigned the responsibility to ne go ti ate the
differences be tween versions of bills passed by the Senate and House. A con fer ence committee is
comprised of three members from the Senate and three from the House. The com mit tee attempts to
work out a compromise that is then sub mit ted to each house for ap prov al.
Daily Calendarthe listing of bills and other busi ness items to be considered by the Senate or
House. The cal en dars are pub lished for each ses sion day, and items are con sid ered in the order listed
unless changes are made during a ses sion. The calendar also contains a list of future committee
meet ings and public hearings.
Enrollmentthe process of preparing a bill in the form as fi nal ly adopted by the Legislature for pre-
sen ta tion to the Gov er nor. En roll ment in volves in cor po rat ing amend ments into bills, check ing for
tech ni cal er rors, and re check ing
amend ed bills with existing laws.
Joint Committeea com mit tee of
the Leg is la ture composed of both
Senate and House members.
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Journala record of actions and events occurring during a legislative session. Separate journals are
published each session day by the Senate and the House. They contain attendance and voting
records, reports, messages, amend ments, and statements in support of or opposition to pro posed
legislation. However, the journals do not include all of the debate occurring during a ses sion.
Record Roll Call Votea vote in which each members yea or nay (yes or no) vote is
recorded. Roll call votes are tak en using buttons at the desk of each of the members, with the display
boards on the floor indicating a yes vote with green and a no vote with red.
Regular Sessionthe one-year period during which a Legislature carries on busi ness. The State
Constitution re quires that each regular session start on the second Wednesday in January at 12:00
noon.
Resolutiona document expressing the will of the House or the Senate (or both, in the case of
concurrent resolutions). Resolutions are used to conduct cer tain legislative business.
Rulesboth the House and the Senate operate under their own set of rules, which specify the pro-
ce dures of session, including the actions involved in each stage of the lawmaking process. For mat-
ters involving both houses (such as conference committees), there are Joint Rules of the Senate and
House of Representatives.
Sine Diea Latin phrase that means with out day or without a day set to reconvene. The State
Constitution requires that the Leg is la ture adjourn sine die as the final ad journ ment each year of a
regular session. Adjournment must be at 12:00 noon on a day set by concurrent resolution.
Standing Committeea permanent committee
com prised of Senate or House mem bers to handle
specific areas of legislation, such as education,
environmental affairs, trans por ta tion, social services,
or health policy. A few of the major func tions of a
standing committee are to review and modify leg is-
la tion and to determine which bills should re ceive
consideration by the full Senate or House.
Subcommitteea part of a larger committee that is given responsibilities by the full committee.
Suspend the Rulesa timesaving device to bypass some of the steps of routine leg is la tive actions.
Table a Motionto remove something from con sid er ation for the time being.
Voice Votea vote taken by members re spond ing yea or nay in uni son, with no recording of
in di vid u al votes. These are gen er al ly used on routine business.
HOW A BILL BE COMES A LAW
A bill is in tro duced in either house of the Leg is la ture.
Sen ate bills are filed with the Sec re tary of the Senate and
House bills are filed with the Clerk of the House.
The bill receives First and Second Reading in the Senate and First Reading in the
House. (Procedure at this step consists of reading the title of the bill only.) The bill is
ordered to be printed.
In the Senate, the bill is referred to the proper committee by the Majority
Leader and in the House by the Speaker of the House. All bills involving
an appropriation must be referred either directly to the Appropriations
Com mit tee of the respective chamber or to an appropriate standing
committee and then to the Ap pro pri a tions Committee.
Committee mem bers consider a bill by discussing and debating the bill.
The committee may hold public hear ings on the bill. Voting records
regarding com mit tee action are avail able to the public for inspection.
The committee may act on a bill in various ways. The committee may:
a) Report the bill with favorable recommendation;
b) Report the bill with amend ments with fa vor able rec om men da tion;
c) Report the bill with the recommendation that a substitute be adopted;
d) Report the bill with adverse rec om men da tion;
e) Report the bill without recommendation;
f) Report the bill with amend ments but without rec om men da tion;
g) Report the bill with the rec om men da tion that the bill be re ferred to another
committee;
h) Take no action on the bill;
i) Refuse to report the bill out of committee.
In both houses, a majority vote of the members serving on a committee is necessary to
report a bill. If a committee fails to report a bill, the bill may be forced out of the
committee by a motion to discharge the committee from con sid er ation of the bill. If
the motion is approved by a vote of a majority of the members elected and serving in
the respective house, the bill is then placed in position on the calendar for floor action.
In the House, at least one day prior notice of the motion to discharge must be given to
the Clerk of the House.
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If the bill is reported from committee favorably with or without
amendment or in the form of a sub sti tute bill, the committee report is
printed in the Journal under the order of busi ness Reports of Standing
Committees. On being reported favorably from com mit tee, the bill and
committee amend ments (if any) are placed on General Orders in the
Senate. In the House, the bill and amendments are referred to the order
of Second Reading. Action may also be taken to place the bill on special
order of business on General Orders in the Senate or on Second Reading
in the House at a specified date. In the House, the bill may be considered
on Third Reading, by a suspension of the rules, without having been
considered on Second Reading.
The Senate resolves itself into the Committee of the Whole and the House assumes the or der of
Second Reading, where the standing com mit tee rec om men da tions on a bill are considered. Amend-
ments to the bill may be offered by any member when the bill is being con sid ered by the Committee
of the Whole or on Second Reading. In the Senate, a simple majority of members present
and voting may recommend adoption of amend ments to the bill and recommend that a
bill be advanced to Third Reading. In the House, amend ments may be adopted by a
majority serving, and a majority voting may advance the bill to Third Reading. In the
House, a bill may be placed on Third Reading on a specified date.
Upon Third Reading in the Senate, an entire bill is read unless unanimous consent is giv en to
consider the bill read. In the House, the bill is read in its entirety on Third Read ing unless four-fifths
of the members consent to consider the bill read. In practice, few bills are read in
full in either chamber. In both houses, amendments on Third Reading must be
approved by a majority vote of members serving. In both the Senate and the House,
debate may be cut off by a vote of a majority of the members present and voting. At
the conclusion of Third Reading, the bill is either passed or defeated by a roll call
vote of the majority of the members elected and serving (pursuant to the State Constitution, approval
of certain measures requires a two-thirds vote or, in some instances, a three-fourths vote) or one of
the following four options is exercised to delay final action on the bill: (a) the bill is returned to
committee for further consideration; (b) the bill is postponed indefinitely; (c) the bill is made a
special order of business on Third Reading for a specified date; or (d) the bill is tabled.
Following either passage or defeat of a bill, a legislator may move for reconsideration of the bill. In
the Senate, the motion for reconsideration must be made within the following two
session days; in the House, the motion must be made within the next succeeding
session day.
If the bill passes, it is sent to the other legislative house where the
bill follows the procedure out lined in Steps 2-8, resulting in defeat
or passage.
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If the bill is passed by both houses in identical form, the bill is ordered en rolled by the
house in which the bill originated. Upon enrollment, the bill is sent to the Governor.
However, if the bill is passed in a different form by the second house, the bill must be
returned to the house of origin:
a) If amendments or a substitute bill of the second house are accepted in the house of
origin, the bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor.
b) If amendments or a substitute proposal of the second house are rejected in the house of origin,
the bill is then sent to a conference committee (special committee composed of legislators from
both houses) which attempts to compromise dif fer enc es between the two versions of the bill
adopted by the houses. The conference committee can consider only issues in the bill upon which
there is disagreement between the two houses. The conference committee may reach a com pro-
mise and submit a report to both houses of the Legislature. Such a report is not subject to
amendment. If the conference committee report is approved by both houses, the bill is enrolled
and sent to the Governor. If the conference committee does not reach a compromise, or if the
Legislature does not accept the conference committee report, a second con fer ence committee
may be appointed.
Upon receipt of an enrolled bill, the Governor has 14 days to consider the bill. The Governor may:
a) Sign the bill, which then either becomes law at the expiration of 90 days after
the Legislature ad journs sine die, or a date beyond the ninetieth day specified
in the bill. If the bill has been given immediate effect by a two-thirds vote of
the members elected to and serv ing in each house, the bill will become law at
the time of the Governors signature, or on a day specified in the bill.
b) Veto the bill and return it to the house of origin with a mes sage stating the Governors objections.
c) Choose not to sign or veto the bill. If the bill is neither signed nor vetoed, the bill
becomes law 14 days after having reached the Gov er nors desk if the Leg is la ture is
in session or in recess. If the Legislature should adjourn sine die before the end of
the 14 days, the unsigned bill does not become law. If the Legislature has ad journed
by the time the bill reaches the Gov er nor, he or she has 14 days to consider the bill.
If the Governor fails to approve the bill, it does not become law.
If the Governor vetoes a bill while the Legislature is in session or recess, one of the
fol low ing actions may occur:
a) The Legislature may override the veto by two-thirds vote of members elected
and serving in each house, and the bill becomes law.
b) The bill does not receive the necessary two-
thirds vote and thus the attempt to override
the veto will fail.
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HELPFUL HINTS FOR CONTACTING
YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR
An estimated 90 percent of the public will never express even a single opinion to their legislator. It
is surprising that more people do not contact public officials since government decides so much of
what affects our lives. The government defends our civil rights, regulates commerce, protects
consumers from unfair trade practices, and establishes policies to maintain the publics continued
good health. The government builds and repairs public roads, provides education for our children,
and assures quality services for our senior population. These are only a few examples of how
government touches our lives. The list goes on and on.
Sometimes there is a reluctance to contact lawmakers
because of the belief that No one listens or cares.
Lets put this myth to rest right now. Perhaps this idea
developed because our legislators are always busy. Its true,
they are frequently on the go, but never so much that they
arent glad to hear from individuals in the district.
Legislators are very interested in what the public has to say.
Most see dialogue with the public as one of their primary
objectives while in office.
Communications Make Good Government
Communications with the people of their districts is
more important than ever to modern-day legislators.
The job of State Legislator requires long hours of
study on often complicated issues before the
Legislature, as well as numerous committee meetings
and lengthy sessions. Because they travel between
Lansing and the district, most members of the State
Legislature often do not have the time to talk one-on-
one with all of the people in their district. E-mails and
traditional letters are highly effective tools to let public
officials know what you think.
A thoughtful, factual, and timely letter or e-mail written to a legislator can solidify or cause a serious
review of a previous judgment on an issue. Hearing from their constituents gives legislators a better
under standing of issues and of public opinion.
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To Find Your Legislator
To find the postal or e-mail address or phone
number of your lawmakers, go to the home
pages for the Senate and the House.
Senate: www.senate.michigan.gov
House: www.house.michigan.gov
You may also call the Clerk of the House at
(517) 373-0135 or the Secretary of the Senate
at (517) 373-2400 to identify your legislators.
Your public library can also help you identify
your Representative or Senator.
Before You Write
If you would like to present your views on an
issue to your State Legislator, please consider
the following points:
1. Is the issue youre writing about a federal,
state, county, or municipal issue? Some times
its hard to tell. If your issue is in
the newspaper, give the article a quick
double-check to see if it mentions which
level of government has the matter under
con sideration.
2. Many people are confused by the fact that
they have a Representative and Sen a tor at
both the federal and state levels. Usually, a
federal lawmaker is referred to as a member
of Congress. A newspaper is likely to refer
to lawmakers in Wash ing ton, D.C. as a U.S.
Representative or U.S. Senator.
Likewise, an official in Lansing is usually
referred to with State before their title, as in
State Representative or State Senator.
You have one State Representative and one
State Senator in Lansing serving your area. You
have one U.S. Representative serving your area
and each state has two U.S. Senators serving in
Washington, D.C.
There is only one Congress in the country, by
the way, and that is in Washington, D.C. Our
state lawmaking body is referred to as the State
Legislature.
3. Make certain you have the correct address.
The traditional way to address your State
Legislator in Lansing is:
The Honorable (Full Name)
State Representative
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Dear Representative (Last Name):
AND/OR
The Honorable (Full Name)
State Senator
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Dear Senator (Last Name):
4. Be sure you include your name and address.
Messages without a name and address have
little impact, and the legislator has no idea if
the note is from someone in his or her district.
A phone number is also helpful. If youre
ex pect ing a reply, the legislator will need to
know how to contact you.
As You Write
After you have determined which official to
contact, here are some other considerations to
think about as you write:
1. Time the arrival of your letter or e-mail. If
the issue you wish to write about is a bill, it
14
is important to make sure your comments
arrive before the bill comes up for a vote.
Ide al ly, you should communicate your con-
cerns while the bill is in committee so that
your legislator knows your view early in the
legislative process.
2. Stay focused on the subject. Many issues are
complex and related to a host of other
matters. If there are especially strong feelings
about an issue, its easy to be come sidetracked
in the emotion of the moment. Your views
will be clearer if your letter is kept centered
on the issue.
3. Write as much as pos si ble in few words.
Though some issues may be detailed and
com plex, try to keep your letter to no more
than one page. It also helps a legislators
office if you write a single letter for a single
issue.
4. Identify the issue. There are literally
thousands of bills introduced each ses sion
and sometimes there are different bills on
the same subject. Identify your issue as
specifically as you can. List the bill number
if you have it. If you write about a proposed
bill on transportation, but dont know the
bill number, perhaps you might refer to it by
the bills sponsor, State Representative
Smiths bill or the bills nickname, the
highway logo signs bill.
5. Make your note personal. Signing a petition,
sending a form letter, or forwarding materials
may have some impact, but nothing beats
the personal touch. Writing in your own
unique words emphasizes that you cared
enough about the issue to take the extra time
to convey your individual thoughts. Lobbying
groups sometimes urge citizens to send form
letters to their legislators. After a legislator
has read one, she/he knows what they all
say. Form letters or e-mails dont have the
same impact as personal letters. Personal
letters some times give new views or aspects
to a position on a bill that a legislator may
not have heard before.
6. Keep your tone positive. Everyone is more
open to suggestion when ap proached in an
upbeat and optimistic manner. Law mak ers
are no exception. Sometimes, in the heat of
passion, we may write angry letters. These
types of communications have few useful
results, if any, and may even dam age a
cause.
6. Keep in mind, your State Representative has
to take into account the well-being of approxi-
mately 90,000 people in his or her district
and each State Senator must take into account
261,000. Each of those peo ple has an in di-
vid u al view point. This means that at times
tough choices have to be made. Just be cause
you and your legislator disagree on one
subject does not mean that you will not agree
on many, many more fur ther down the road.
Try to keep the di a logue open be tween you
and your legislator.
7. Present your position and give sound reasons.
A note that states Vote for House Bill 4001;
its a good bill does make a statement.
However, if you back up your position with
reasons, it makes an even better point.
Please vote for House Bill 4001. Im a
senior citizen on a fixed income, and the bill
will help me in the following ways It
helps to men tion how the issue affects you,
your fam i ly, your business or profes sionor
the effect on your commu nity or the state as
a whole. This will make a legis lator more
aware of the bills po ten tial effect.
15
8. Try to be constructive. If you believe a bill
presents the wrong approach to an existing
problem, let your legislator know what you
think would be a better so lu tion.
9. Share your knowledge. There is al ways a
shortage of specialists on issues. If you
have particular expertise on an issue, let
your legislator know. Your legislator votes
on everything from farm ing and trans-
portation bills to education and veterans
bills. A professional or ex pert on an issue
can prove to be extremely helpful.
10. Letters of appreciation are certainly
welcome. If you think your legislator is
doing a good job, please tell him or her so.
Everyone enjoys being told, well done.
Even if the legislator votes on an issue
differently than you would like, a letter
explaining that you disagree but are still
willing to work together in the future could
help you both on other issues.
11. A special note to teachersSome of the
most interesting letters of all come from
students. Young people are affected by the
laws the Legislature passes and they have a
vested interest in our states future. Their
views are always welcome by a legislator.
11. Unfortunately, legislators have small staffs.
When writing to a legislator as a class
project, it is helpful to send composite let-
ters or the letters of selected students so
that your efforts may receive better attention.
Before You Make Contact
When writing to lawmakers, it is important to
consider a few reasons that determine how they
may vote on a bill.
We rightly expect our leaders to make studied,
informed decisions before they vote on an issue.
Its crucial that we allow our officials to look at
as many sides of an argument as possible before
they reach a final decision. For this reason, it is
important to let them know when we write to
them that we are not asking for an immediate
commitment to our point of view. A legislator
is not likely to take a firm and unyielding
position until he or she has studied the bill,
witnesses have been heard during the committee
process, and the rest of the public has had a
chance to have input.
What We See on Television
and in the Newspapers
If it is significant, the media may present a
particularly newsworthy section of a bill.
However, its common for legislation to contain
multiple provisions. A bill can be 100 pages
long with many more provisions besides the
one that interests us. A legislator may be forced
to vote on the bill as a whole, weighing the
good against the bad.
There are a number of times after introduction
that a bill can be changed. A bill often becomes
law in a different form than it was introduced.
This means it is possible that the content of a
bill you supported will be amended in such a
way that you strongly oppose it by the time it
16
reaches the floor for a final vote. After telling
you he or she is against House Bill 4001
because it would have bad consequences for
small business, your State Representative and
Senator may vote for the final version if the
unfavorable content has been removed and the
rest of the bill remains positive.
Phone Calls to Your State
Representative and State Senator
Generally speaking, writing a letter or sending
an e-mail to your State Representative or State
Senator is more effective than phoning. A
written statement on an issue allows time for
careful investigation by a legislative office. With
so many issues, it is difficult for any member to
have all answers ready for all occasions.
Sometimes an issue must be addressed quickly
so a phone call is the only practical method of
contact. Phone calls to your legislator are
certainly welcome.
Catching a legislator personally between
sessions and committee meetings is often
difficult. However, his or her staff will be glad
to relay your concerns. Often, the staff can
supply basic answers to your questions.
It should be noted that it is against House policy
for State Representatives to accept collect calls.
Dropping By a Legislative Office
People visiting the State Capitol often like to
stop by and see where their lawmaker works.
Its always best to make an appointment if you
have a concern to discuss directly with a State
Legislator, but he or she will gladly greet
you personally any time a schedule permits.
Representatives agree that meeting people from
the district is one of the major highlights of the
job.
Since time may be limited, legislators appreciate
a direct and forward presentation when you
drop by to discuss an issue. A clear idea of your
issue with well-prepared facts that back up your
position will help your discussion.
17
DUTIES OF THE GOVERNOR
AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
The executive power is vested in the Governor, who is responsible for the faithful execution of the
laws of the state. Elected by the people to a four-year term, the Governor:
Supervises the departments of the executive branch and appoints mem bers to state
boards and com missions;
May direct an in ves ti ga tion of any de part ment of

state gov ern ment and may require written information
from executive and ad min is tra tive state officers on
any subject relating to the per for mance of their
duties;
May remove elective and appointive of fic ers of the

executive branch for cause, as well as elective county,
city, township, and village officers;
Submits messages to the Legislature and recommends

mea sures considered nec es sary or desirable;
18
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
ORGANIZATION CHART
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
GOVERNOR
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Department of
AGRICULTURE AND
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Department of
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Department of
CIVIL RIGHTS
Department of
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Department of
CORRECTIONS
Department of
EDUCATION
Department of
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Department of
HUMAN SERVICES
Department of
LICENSING AND
REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Department of
MILITARY AND
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Department of
NATURAL RESOURCES
Department of
STATE
Department of
STATE POLICE
Department of
TECHNOLOGY,
MANAGEMENT, AND
BUDGET
Department of
TRANSPORTATION
Department of
TREASURY
Department of
AGRICULTURE
Department of
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Department of
CIVIL RIGHTS
Department of
CIVIL SERVICE
Department of
COMMERCE
Department of
CORRECTIONS
Department of
EDUCATION
Department of
LABOR
Department of
MANAGEMENT & BUDGET
Department of
MENTAL HEALTH
MICHIGAN
JOBS COMMISSION
Department of
MILITARY AFFAIRS
Department of
NATURAL RESOURCES
Department of
PUBLIC HEALTH
FAMILY
INDEPENDENCE AGENCY
Department of
STATE
Department of
STATE POLICE
Department of
TRANSPORTATION
Department of
TREASURY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
GOVERNOR
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Department of
ENVIRONMENTAL UALIT Y
19
May issue executive orders to make changes in the orga nization of the executive branch
of state government;
Submits an annual state budget to the Legislature, rec om mend ing sufficient rev e nues to
meet pro posed expenditures;
May issue executive orders to reduce budget expenditures in response to revenue

shortfalls;
May convene the Leg is la ture in ex traor di nary extra session;
May call a special elec tion to fill a vacancy in the

Legislature or the U.S. House of Rep re sen ta tives,
and may fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate by
appointment;
May grant reprieves, commutations of sen tenc es,

and pardons;
May seek extradition of fugitives from jus tice who have left the state and may issue
warrants at the re quest of other gov er nors for fugitives who may be found within this
state;
Signs all commissions and patents for state lands, and appoints notaries public and
commissioners in oth er states to take acknowledgments of deeds for this state;
Serves as chairperson of the State Ad min is tra tive Board, which supervises and ap proves
certain state expenditures, and has veto power over its ac tions; and
Serves as commander in chief of the states armed forces.

The Lieutenant Governor is nominated at a party convention and elected with the Governor. The
term of office is four years. The Lieutenant Governor serves as Pres i dent of the Michigan Senate,
but may vote only in case of a tie. The Lieutenant Gov er nor may perform duties requested by the
Governor, but no power vested in the Gov er nor by the State Constitution may be delegated to the
Lieutenant Governor. The Lieutenant Governor would succeed the Governor in case of death,
impeachment, removal from office, or resignation. At the November 1992 general election, Michigan
voters approved a constitutional amendment bar ring people from being elected more than two times
as Governor, Lieutenant Gov er nor, or Secretary of State. The term lim its apply to terms of office
beginning on or after January 1, 1993.
STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Phone: (800) 292-3939
www.michigan.gov/mdard
E-mail: [email protected]
The Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development promotes the agri cultural interests
of the state. The major priori ties of the depart-
ment are food safety, eco nomic growth indicators
for agricultural pro duc tion, environmental
stewardship, and providing food for the hungry.
The department develops and implements
safeguards to protect the public from disease and
unsanitary condi tions in con nec tion with food
production and food handling, product labeling,
dairy products, animals, and plants. The
department carries out responsi bil i ties relating
to food, standard weights and mea sures, farm
produce storage, and dairy products; inspection
and enforcement of animal health; control of
plant pests and diseases; and inspec tion of beans
and perish able fruits and vegetables.
DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
P.O. Box 30212
Phone: (517) 373-1110
www.michigan.gov/ag
The Attorney General is the states lawyer. In
that capacity, the Attorney General and assistants
act as exclusive legal counsel for Michigans
departments, agencies, and officials and provide
representation in actions brought against legisla-
tors, the Governor, and judges. The Attorney
General is also responsible for issuing opinions
on questions of law submitted in writing by
mem bers of the Legislature and others. In
addition to being the states lawyer, the Attorney
General is the chief law enforce ment officer of
the state, charged with super vision of all
prosecuting attorneys and em pow ered to inter-
vene in any criminal proceeding.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Lansing Executive Office
Capitol Tower Building
110 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 800
Phone: (517) 335-3165
Fax: (517) 241-0546
TTY: (517) 241-1965
Detroit Executive Office
Cadillac Place
3054 West Grand Boulevard, Suite 3-600
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone: (313) 456-3700
Fax: (313) 456-3791
TTY: (877) 878-8464
The Department of Civil Rights, in imple ment ing
the policies of the Civil Rights Com mis sion,
investigates alleged discrimi nation in employ-
ment, public accommodation, public service,
education, and housing against any person, as
prohibited by the State Con stitution, state and fed-
eral law, and the Governors executive directives.
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MICHIGAN CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Capitol Commons Center
400 South Pine Street
Phone: (517) 373-3030
(800) 788-1766
Detroit Office: (313) 456-4400
www.michigan.gov/mdcs
The Civil Service Commission has overall
responsibility for regulating conditions of em ploy-
ment for classified civil service workers in all of
the departments of the executive branch of state
government.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
Capitol View Building
201 Townsend Street
Phone: (517) 373-3740
www.michigan.gov/mdch
The Department of Community Health is re spon-
sible for health policy and management of the
states publicly funded health service systems.
This department, the largest in state govern ment,
includes the Medical Services Admin istra tion
(the states Medicaid agency), the Office of Drug
Control Policy, the Office of Services to the
Aging, and the Crime Victims Services Com-
mis sion. The principal compo nents of the depart-
ment work in the areas of Medicaid and the
Michigan medical program, behavioral health
services, community public health, and drug law
enforcement, education, and prevention.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Grandview Plaza
206 East Michigan Avenue
P.O. Box 30003
Phone: (517) 335-1426
www.michigan.gov/corrections
E-mail: mdocweb.state.mi.us/edoc/contact.aspx
The Department of Corrections has jurisdiction
over all felons sentenced to prison in the state. It
administers and staffs all state prisons and the
Special Alternative Incarceration facility. Depart-
ment-employed field agents supervise proba-
tioners for the sentencing courts and supervise
parolees or those felons who have left prison and
are preparing for a full release from the
jurisdiction of the state. Felons who are being
supervised in the community prior to parole,
including those on electronic moni toring and
those in community corrections centers, also fall
under the jurisdiction of this state department.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
608 West Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30008
Phone: (517) 373-3324
www.michigan.gov/mde
The Department of Education is the state admin-
istrative agency implementing federal and state
legislative mandates in the field of education.
Among the departments primary functions are
pro viding educa tional leader ship, developing
edu cational standards, and adminis tering state
aid programs to school districts, public school
academies, and other public education agencies.
The department, which is responsible for the
certification of teachers, provides technical as -
sist ance to local districts, communities, and
individual schools and educators in regard to
curriculum, standards, school improvement, and
school programs.
DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Constitutional Hall, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 30473
Phone: (517) 373-7917
www.michigan.gov/deq
The Department of Environmental Quality works
to protect the public health and natural resources
for current and future generations by carrying out
a wide range of duties to safeguard Michigans
unique environ ment. The department enforces
the states statutes and policies dealing with the
use and condition of our water, soil, air, and
minerals. This task includes monitoring envi ron-
mental quality, close communication with federal
and local officials, and processing permits to
assure standards are maintained for the safety of
our resources and our citizens.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Grand Tower
235 South Grand Avenue
P.O. Box 30037
Phone: (517) 373-2035
www.michigan.gov/dhs
The Department of Human Services works to
improve the quality of life in Michigan by pro-
tect ing vulnerable adults, delivering juvenile jus-
tice services, and providing support to streng-
then families and individuals striving for inde-
pen dence. The department administers numerous
financial programs, including those related to
child care, development, and support; employ-
ment; food, cash, and home energy assistance
for eligible families; medical and disability assis-
t ance; and emergency relief. The Department of
22
Human Services operates a wide range of service
pro grams, including those pertaining to adoption,
adults with disabilities, foster care, juvenile jus-
tice, family preservation, domestic violence,
protecting children from abuse, migrant outreach,
refugee services, and teen parent and youth
services.
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND
REGULATORY AFFAIRS
P.O. Box 30004
Phone: (517) 373-1820
www.michigan.gov/lara
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs (LARA) promotes business growth and
job creation in Michigan by streamlining and
eliminating unnecessary or burdensome regu-
lations.
LARA has four primary focuses:
(1) Licensing and Regulatory; (2) The Michigan
Administrative Hearing System; (3) Employment
Security and Workplace Safety; and (4) The Office
of Regulatory Reinvention (ORR).
LARA also oversees the licensing and regula-
tion of individuals and entities on an annual
basis. It supports the health, safety and economic
well-being of the public through services and
regulation of the activities of organizations and
individuals. Additionally, the ORR is responsible
for creating a regulatory environment and pro -
cess es that are fair, efcient, and transparent.
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY
AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
3411 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Phone: (517) 481-8000
Veterans Phone: (517) 335-6523
www.michigan.gov/dmva
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
is the state agency that administers the Michigan
Army and the Air National Guard. The department
supervises two state-operated, long-term veterans
care facilities and cooper ates fully with the federal
government and Air National Guard in managing
various facilities through out the state. Michigan
National Guard units are available to the Governor
to assist local and state govern ment in coping with
natural disasters and civil emergencies.
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DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
P.O. Box 30028
Phone: (517) 373-2329
www.michigan.gov/dnr
The Department of Natural Resources, which
carries out the policies of the Natural Resources
Commission, is charged with conserving and
developing the states natural resources and
enhancing the states network of state lands,
forests, and recreational resources, including our
state park system. Management responsibilities
of the department extend to wildlife and fisheries
and overseeing hunting and fishing throughout
the state.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Phone: (888) SOS-MICH
(888) 767-6424
www.michigan.gov/sos
The Department of State, the oldest department
in Michigan state government, is administered
by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State
has constitutional as well as statutory duties.
The Department of State is responsible for
licensing drivers, the registration and titling of
vehicles, the regulation of automobile dealers
and repair facilities, the registration of voters
and admin istra tion of elections, and the certi-
fication of documents and public records.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE
333 South Grand Avenue
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, Michigan 48809-0634
Phone: (517) 332-2521
www.michigan.gov/msp
The Department of State Police is charged with
broad respon sibilities in the area of public safety.
The department provides not only direct police
service to citizens in the form of traffic enforce-
ment and criminal investigation, but also a wide
range of law enforcement support services to
local agencies through crime labs, canine units,
and tactical assistance.
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DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY,
MANAGEMENT, AND BUDGET
George W. Romney Building
111 South Capitol Avenue
Phone: (517) 373-1004
www.michigan.gov/dmb
The Department of Technology, Management,
and Budget promotes a unified approach to
information technology management and pro-
vides centralized administration of services
including auditing, budgeting, employee re -
sources, financial services, fleet management,
mail, printing, property management, purchasing,
records management, and retirement services for
departments and agencies in the executive branch
of state government.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
State Transportation Building
425 West Ottawa Street
P.O. Box 30050
Phone: (517) 373-2090
www.michigan.gov/mdot
The Department of Transportation is responsible
for Michigans multi-modal trans por ta tion net-
work. Its mission includes providing quality
transportation services for the 9,500-mile state
highway system and its I-, US- and M-num bered
highways. The department admin isters programs
for all other modes, ranging from air, rail, and
bus transit to bicycle paths and Great Lakes port
develop ment. The departments duties include
developing and imple menting compre hensive
transportation plans for the entire state, admin-
istering state and federal funds allocated to these
modes, and administering federal aid programs
for local roads and bridges.
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
Phone: (517) 373-3200
www.michigan.gov/treasury
The Department of Treasury is the chief fiscal
agency of the state of Michigan and acts as an
economic advisor to the Governor on tax and
fiscal policy issues. Under the State Treasurers
direction, the department collects, invests, and
disburses state monies. It plays a major role in
revenue estimating and oversees any necessary
interim borrowings and all long-term bonding.
The Treasury Department is organized into an
executive office and bureaus to handle its diverse
responsibilities to taxpayers, businesses, local
gov ernmental units, and financial and public in -
st itutions.
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The State Constitution provides that The
judicial power of the state is vested exclusively
in one court of justice which shall be divided
into one supreme court, one court of appeals,
one trial court of gen er al jurisdiction known as
the circuit court, one probate court, and courts
of limited jurisdiction that the leg is la ture may
establish by two-thirds vote of the members
elected to and serving in each house.
The following de scrip tion of Mich i gans judicial
system is taken from One Court of Justicea
publication of the State Court Administrative
Office.
26 26
THE JUDICIAL BRANCH
ORGANIZATION CHART
SUPREME COURT
COURT OF APPEALS
PROBATE
COURT
CIRCUIT
COURT
COURT OF
CLAIMS
MUNICIPAL
COURT
DISTRICT
COURT
27
APPELLATE COURTS
Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court is the high est
court in the state, hearing cases ap pealed to it
from the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court
has the authority to decide which cases it will
hear. If an application is granted, the Supreme
Court will hear the case; if denied, the decision
made by the lower court remains unchanged.
The Supreme Court also has original ju ris dic-
tion over some matters.
In addition to its judicial duties, the Su preme
Court is responsible for the general supervision
of all courts in the state. The Supreme Court
also establishes rules for practice and procedure
in all courts.
The Supreme Court consists of seven jus tic es:
the Chief Justice and six Associate Justices.
Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals was established by the
State Constitution as an intermediate court
between the Supreme Court and the Circuit
Court. Judges of the Court of Appeals are
chosen in nonpartisan elections from four
districts of approximately equal pop u la tion.
TRIAL COURTS
Circuit Court
Circuit Courts are referred to as the trial courts
of general jurisdiction in Michigan because of
the very broad powers of this central part of the
states court system. Circuit Court has
jurisdiction over all ac tions except those given
by state law to another court. Generally
speaking, the Circuit Court handles all civil
cases in volv ing more than $25,000; all criminal
cases where the defendant could be sent to
prison; and all family and domestic relations
cases, including divorce, paternity actions,
juvenile proceedings, and adoptions.
Circuit judges are elected for six-year terms on
nonpartisan ballots.
Court of Claims
The Court of Claims has jurisdiction lim it ed to
hearing cases where someone is suing the state.
As a general rule, a state cannot be sued without
its consent. Mich i gan granted that consent by
establishing the Court of Claims. The Court of
Claims is part of the 30th Circuit Court (Ingham
Coun ty).
27
Probate Court
The Probate Court is a court of limited
jurisdiction. This courts main functions are
supervising the probating of wills and the
administration of estates, trusts, conservatorships,
and guardianships and dealing with matters
related to people protected by the court because
of mental illness or developmental disabilities.
Probate judges are elected for six-year terms on
District Court
The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction of
all civil (not criminal) cases up to $25,000 and
handles a variety of other proceedings. For
criminal cases, the District Court con ducts
preliminary examinations in felony cases and
handles all misdemeanors where punishment
does not exceed one year in jail.
District judges are elected for six-year terms on
Municipal Court
Municipal Court civil jurisdiction is lim it ed to
$1,500. There are four municipal courts in
Michigan. Typical cases include misdemeanors,
traffic and ordinance violations and jury trials.
28 28
29 29
Local government is the foundation of modern
democracy. From the founding of New England
to todays complex world, local government
has been the seed from which democracy has
grown and flourished.
In Michigans early years as a territory, although
ostensibly governed under the provisions of the
Northwest Ordinance, local government played
a key role in the life of an average person. Due
to the slow means of communication and trans-
portation at the time, Michigan was, in effect,
largely governed by local forms of government
until it became the twenty-sixth state on
January 26, 1837. Until the 1930s, local
governments remained primarily re sponsible
for pro vid ing direct services to the people of
Michigan. This rich tradition of local gov ern-
ment in de pen dence continues today, providing
Michigan residents with an effective voice in
the conduct of their everyday concerns.
Local governments, in general, were estab-
lished to help provide citizens with a more
direct voice in government and to promote
more effective management of local concerns.
Created by the state, local governments have
those powers and immunities specifically
provided by state law. In Michigan, the State
Constitution has established six forms of local
governmental entities: counties, townships,
cities, villages, intergovernmental districts and
authorities, and school districts.
Local Financing
Financing is the key to the operation of local
governments. Gaining an un der stand ing of this
significant process is essential to those wishing
to become more involved in helping design
Michigans future.
In order to help local units of government
provide necessary services, the state has granted
them the authority to tax and incur debt. It also
has established certain limitations on the extent
of this power. Local governments may also
receive funds from state and federal programs,
gasoline taxes for road im prove ments, special
assessments, and certain penalties and fines.
The primary source of local revenues, however,
is the property tax, with the amount levied
determined by multiplying the tax base of the
property eligible for taxation against the tax
rate. In Michigan, the tax base is set at 50 per-
cent of the true cash value of the property, and
the rate represents the mills multiplied against
that value (one mill equals one dollar of taxation
per $1,000 of taxable value).
Local units of government are restricted in their
general taxing authority to a 15-mill tax limit.
A countys electorate may choose to implement
a fixed millage approach which permits an
18-mill tax limit. This limit, however, does not
include voter-approved millage proposals for
schools, roads, sewers, or other authorized
purposes, and those taxes imposed by authorities.
On November 7, 1978, the voters of Michigan
approved Ballot Proposal E (the Headlee
Amend ment), which placed certain additional
limits on local taxation and financing. This
amend ment, in part, requires the state to pay for
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
IN MICHIGAN
state-mandated local activities, requires that
local property taxes not increase faster than
inflation, and prohibits local taxes from being
raised without voter approval.
More recently, with the passage of 1993 PA 145,
local property taxes were eliminated as a source
of funding for K-12 and intermediate school
district school operating funding. With approxi-
mately 64 percent of the then $10.2 billion in
total funding for schools eliminated, it became
necessary to look for a new way to restructure
Michigans tax system. In 1994, the voters of the
state of Michigan approved ballot Proposal A
by a margin of 1,681,541 to 750,952 in a special
election held on March 15, 1994. This proposal
(Senate Joint Resolution S), in part, imposed an
additional 2 percent rate on the 4 percent sales
and use taxes beginning May 1, 1994, that is
dedicated to the State School Aid Fund; and,
beginning with taxes levied in 1995, capped the
rate of property tax increases to the rate of
inflation or 5 percent, whichever is less. When
the property is transferred, it is assessed at true
cash value.
As to the property tax, 1993 PA 331 created the
State Education Tax Act, imposing a six-mill
state education tax levy on all property subject
to the general property tax. Public Act 312 of
1993 allows local school districts to levy not
more than 18 mills for school operating purposes
or the number of mills levied in 1993 for school
operating purposes, whichever is less. Home-
stead property, and, pursuant to 1994 PA 136,
qualified agricultural prop er ty are exempt from
the 18-mill levy.
In addition to the 18 mills in local, non-
homestead property tax permitted to be levied
under 1993 PA 312, a limited number of high-
revenue school districts may levy supplemental
hold harmless mills on home stead property,
and, in some circumstances, on nonhomestead
property. Since 1997, inter mediate school
districts have been authorized to levy, on voter
approval, a regional enhance ment millage of
up to three mills. This millage may be levied
for a term of up to 20 years. Certain school
dis tricts may, with voter approval, levy up to
five mills for the creation of a sinking fund, and
a school district operating a com mu ni ty college
may levy taxes for operation at a rate equal
to the mills formerly authorized. With the
ex pira tion of such authorization, the district,
with voter approval, may renew the millage
autho rization, levy additional millage, or both.
Finally, an intermediate school district, pursuant
to 1994 PA 258, may authorize certain millage
for operating expenses, funding, vocational-
technical education programs, and special
education.
Another important source of local fi nanc ing is
the city income tax. Cities, with voter approval,
may institute an excise tax of not more than
2 percent on corporations and residents, and not
more than 50 percent of that amount on
nonresidents working in that city. Cities with
more than 750,000 in population have been
authorized to impose an excise tax of 2 percent
on cor pora tions, 3 percent on res i dents, and
up to 1-1/2 percent on nonresidents. Legislation
adopted in 1998 (1998 PA 500) will, however,
incrementally reduce the rate assessed residents
to 2 percent. The rate assessed nonresidents
will be adjusted accordingly (but no more than
50 per cent of the rate assessed residents).
30 30
31
Local units of government may also levy, in some
cases, taxes on mobile homes, low grade iron ore,
hotel-motel accommodations, real estate prop-
erty transfers, transportation dis tricts, and indus-
trial facility/commercial re ha bil i ta tion districts.
School districts, in addition to property taxes,
now receive their operating revenues from the
State School Aid Fund, which, in part, helps
equalize the states school districts resources
by financing K-12 schools with a per pupil
foundation al low ance.
The revenues for the school aid fund, in part,
are comprised of 60 percent of the state sales
tax at the 4 percent rate and 100 percent of the
revenue from the 2 percent rate, the 2 percent
from the increase in the use tax, the 4 percent
excise tax on liquor, 63.4 percent of the ciga-
rette tax, revenues from the real estate transfer
tax, and net proceeds from the state lottery. The
State School Aid Fund also receives revenues
from the Industrial Facilities Tax, Commercial
Facilities Tax, and Com mercial Forest Tax.
Finally, the federal government pro vides, on
average, 4 percent of the aid to public schools,
with the rate varying on the special characteris-
tics of individual school districts.
County Government
County governments, in terms of area, are the
largest form of local gov ern ment. Their relative
size enables them to serve as an administrative
arm of the state in many respects, pro vid ing for
such services as the main te nance of roads and
the recording of various types of official docu-
ments. With 695 elected county com mis sion ers
throughout Michigans 83 counties, this form of
govern ment truly provides a unique oppor tunity
to be come involved in the manage ment of local
issues.
Constitutional provisions in Michigan require
each of Michigans 83 organized counties to
elect, for four-year terms, a sheriff, a county
clerk, a county treasurer, a register of deeds,
and a prosecuting attorney. The Constitution
also permits the county board of commissioners
either to com bine or separate the offices of
county clerk and register of deeds. In ad di tion,
a county is required to establish a board of com-
missioners, consisting of members from each
district in the county. The districts are appor-
tioned every ten years. Commissioners are
elected on a partisan basis in each even-num-
bered year, and must be registered voters.
Charter counties, established under the provi-
sions of 1966 PA 293, differ, in part, from gen-
eral law counties due to the selection of a chief
administrative officer or elected county execu-
tive. The county charter, prepared by a partisan
elected charter commission, provides for the
election, concurrent with the term of office of
state rep re sen ta tives, of from five to 27 county
commissioners, de pend ing on the countys pop-
ulation.
A charter county is also required to hold parti-
san elections for sheriff, prosecuting attorney,
county clerk, treasurer, and register of deeds.
An oth er form of county government is the
optional form of unified county gov ern ment
created by 1973 PA 139. It permits either the
election of a county executive or the appoint-
ment of a professional county manager by the
county board of commissioners.
31
Township Government
Townships in Michigan are the second largest
form of local government. Townships provide a
number of important services to their residents.
From supervising elections, assessing property,
and collecting taxes to providing fire and police
protection, township gov ern ment makes an
important contribution to the lives of Michigan
citizens who are outside the jurisdiction of city
government. There are more than 6,500 elected
township officials in Michigan, making town-
ship government one of the most accessible to
those concerned citizens wishing to become
involved in local government.
Annual township meetings provide residents
with a direct voice in town ship affairs. Usually
held on the last Saturday in the last month of
each fiscal year, township meetings tra di tion al-
ly provided electors of the town ship with a
significant amount of in flu ence on the conduct
of township busi ness. Although the complexity
of the problems facing township governments
and townships ability to do away with the
annual meeting itself under certain circum-
stances have somewhat limited a citizens voice
on township matters, regular meetings of the
town ship boards continue to provide the
ordinary citizen with an important advisory role
on the conduct of town ship affairs.
Townships are constitutionally re quired to
provide for the election of, for four-year terms,
a township su per vi sor, clerk, treasurer, and two
or four township trustees who serve four-year
terms, all of whom then comprise the township
board. Candidates for the township board must
be registered voters, at least 18 years old, resi-
dents of Michigan, and residents of the township
for at least 30 days prior to the primary.
Charter townships are a slowly growing form of
township govern ment. Established under the
provisions of 1947 PA 359, charter townships
are more formally structured, and are therefore
some what less limited in the nature of their
leg is la tive and administrative powers. Charter
town ships usually have a stron ger authority to
tax and have greater protections from annex-
ation by contiguous cities than general law
town ships. The charter township board can
appoint a township superintendent, but if it
chooses not to, the township supervisor
automatically assumes the duties of this
position. Charter town ships are required to have
four trust ees.
City Government
City government is one of the most basic and
familiar forms of local gov ern ment. City
government differs from village government in
that a city is removed from township govern-
ance, and must therefore provide for its own
operation as well as for those services normally
provided by a township gov ern ment. There are
over 4,000 elected of fi cials in Michigans cities
and villages. This provides an excellent means
of becoming in volved in local gov ern ment. A
citys services include po lice and fire protection,
operation of its parks, cable tele vision services,
and public util i ties.
In the past, there were two main types of city
government charters governing Michigans
incorporated cities, fourth class cities (those
with pop u la tions of less than 10,000) and all
32 32
other cities which were classified as special
charter cities. According to the Mich i gan
Municipal League, all but one of the special
charter cities and, under the provisions of 1976
PA 334, all fourth class cities have become
re in cor po rat ed as home rule cities under 1909
PA 279. The charters of seven former fourth
class cities, however, continue to govern those
particular cities until they revise their former
charters.
City charters provide for the qual i fi ca tions for
public office and the election of a mayor, but
city governments may be governed through
various types of organizations, with the council-
man ag er currently being the most popular form.
Under this system, an elected city council
appoints a professional manager to administer
policies and programs designated by the
council. Other common forms of organi zation
include the mayor-council form of government
in which the mayor acts as the chief executive
officer and a coun cil serves in a legislative
capacity, counterbalancing, to various degrees,
the power of the mayor. A rarer form of
organization is that of the city com mis sion in
which each elected member of the city
commission serves as the head of a principal
municipal de part ment.
Village Government
A village, unlike a city, remains part of the
township government for a few functions. A
village normally provides several types of local
services such as police and fire protection, and
the maintenance of streets and side walks, but
must rely on the township for property assess-
ment and general election administration.
A village is required, under the pro vi sions of
1895 PA 3, to elect a pres i dent, six trustees, a
clerk, a treasurer, and an assessor, with the
president and trustees constituting the village
coun cil. An elected or appointed village officer
must be a registered voter. The term of office
for a village president, clerk, treasurer, and
assessor is four years, but the terms of office
vary greatly for trustees among Michigans
villages.
A charter village, incorporated under the
provisions of 1909 PA 278, differs from a
general law village in that the charter generally
provides a greater number of variations in the
operation of the village, and may also provide
greater taxing authority for the village. A village
charter requires the election of a president, a
clerk, and a com mis sion or other legislative
body by a partisan, nonpartisan, or preferential
ballot, or by other legal means of voting.
Special Districts and Authorities
Intergovernmental districts and au thor i ties are
designed to provide spe cif ic services to units of
government within their area of jurisdiction.
Generally formed by any two or more cities,
villages, or townships, these authorities are
normally created to operate parks and public
utilities, or provide sewage disposal, drainage,
water, or transportation. Each au thor i ty has the
power to provide for the selection of officers,
and the abil ity to levy taxes with voter approval.
In addi tion, the last few years have seen the
development of a number of other types of
author ities, designed to pro vide specific serv-
ices, which do not cross local governmental
33 33
34 34
juris dic tions. Downtown devel op ment authori-
ties (DDAs) and business improvement districts
(BIDs), which are designed to promote down-
town business districts, and tax in cre ment
financ ing authorities (TIFAs), which are
designed to promote growth in the community,
are examples of this type of authority.
Some of the more well-known met ro pol i tan
districts are the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan
Authority, which is de signed to build and
operate parks, the Detroit/Wayne County Port
Authority, which has jurisdiction over the com-
mer cial ly navigable waters within its specific
domain, and the Suburban Mobility Authority
for Regional Transportation (SMART), which
is designed to provide planning services for bus
operations and other modes of transportation in
southeastern Michigan.
School Districts
Tradi tionally, school districts are administered
by a school board normally comprised of three
to 11 members who are elected on a nonpartisan
basis. Although certain standards for the
operation of school districts are mandated by
the State Board of Education, school board
mem bers have a considerable amount of discre-
tion in determining school district policy and
management. School board members normally
serve from three- to six-year terms and meet
monthly to set operational policy. Participation
on local school boards provides an excellent
vehicle from which a concerned citizen may
make a significant contribution to Michigans
outstanding system of education.
School districts in Michigan have traditionally
been classified into four types of districts
first, second, third, or fourth classbased on
the number of students in that district. Under
the changes associated with the Revised School
Code created by 1995 PA 289, all school
districts other than first class school districts
are reorganized as general powers school
districts. Another form of school district is the
intermediate school district, which is com prised
of a num ber of smaller school districts joined
together to provide services that the smaller
districts normally are not able to supply on an
individual basis. Intermediate school districts
are under the direction of a five- or seven-
member inter mediate school board. These
school board members serve staggered six-year
terms with no more than two seats up for
election every two years.
Any registered voter who has been a resident of
the district for at least one month prior to the
election is eligible for appointment or election
to a school board.
U.S. Senator
Name: District No.:
Address:
Phone No.: Staff Contact Name:
Notes:
U.S. Representative
Name: District No.:
Address:
Notes:
Governor
Name:
Address:
Notes:
State Senator
Name: District No.:
Address:
Notes:
State Representative
Name: District No.:
Address:
Notes:
35
IMPORTANT PEOPLE TO CONTACT:
35
Local Representative:
Name:
Address:
Meeting Date and Time:
Notes:
County Commissioner:
Name:
Address:
Meeting Date and Time:
Notes:
Other Names and Numbers:
Name: Title: Phone No.:
Address:
City:
Notes:
Address:
City:
Notes:
Address:
City:
Notes:
Address:
City:
Notes:
36
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS:
36
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How State

Takes part in cer e mo ni al lo cal and state functions.

May main tain an office within the dis trict.

May direct an in ves ti ga tion of any de part ment of

May remove elective and appointive of fic ers of the

Submits messages to the Legislature and recommends

May issue executive orders to reduce budget expenditures in response to revenue

May convene the Leg is la ture in ex traor di nary extra session;

May call a special elec tion to fill a vacancy in the

May grant reprieves, commutations of sen tenc es,

Serves as commander in chief of the states armed forces.

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