State constitution
Constitution of Minnesota
Data from MN Revisor of Statutes
Full article/section structure with condensed section text. The document was restructured into its current 14-article form in 1974. Read the verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Bill of Rights
§ 1 Object of government
Government is instituted for the security, benefit, and protection of the people, who may alter or reform it when the public good requires.
§ 2 Rights and privileges
No member of the state is disfranchised or deprived of rights except by the law of the land or the judgment of peers; there is no slavery or involuntary servitude except as punishment for crime.
§ 3 Liberty of the press
The liberty of the press shall forever remain inviolate; all persons may freely speak, write, and publish, responsible for abuse of that right.
§ 4 Trial by jury
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate and extend to all cases at law.
§ 5 No excessive bail or unusual punishments
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishments inflicted.
§ 6 Rights of accused in criminal prosecutions
The accused has the right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of the accusation, to confront witnesses, to compulsory process, and to counsel.
§ 7 Due process; double jeopardy; self-incrimination; habeas corpus
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process, twice put in jeopardy, compelled to witness against himself, or denied habeas corpus except in rebellion or invasion.
§ 8 Redress of injuries or wrongs
Every person is entitled to a remedy in the laws for injuries to person, property, or character, obtained freely and without delay.
§ 9 Treason defined
Treason against the state consists only in levying war against it or adhering to its enemies; conviction requires two witnesses to the same overt act or confession in open court.
§ 10 Unreasonable searches and seizures prohibited
The people are secure against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants require probable cause supported by oath and particular description.
§ 11 Attainders, ex post facto laws, contract impairment
No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.
§ 12 Imprisonment for debt; property exemption
No person shall be imprisoned for debt, except in cases of fraud; a reasonable amount of property is exempt from seizure for debt.
§ 13 Private property for public use
Private property shall not be taken, destroyed, or damaged for public use without just compensation first paid or secured.
§ 14 Military power subordinate
The military is at all times subordinate to the civil power and shall not be maintained in peacetime except by law.
§ 15 Lands allodial; void agricultural leases
All lands within the state are declared allodial; feudal tenures and long-term agricultural leases are prohibited.
§ 16 Freedom of conscience; no religious preference
The right of conscience is free; no preference shall be given to any religious establishment or mode of worship, and no compulsory support of any ministry.
§ 17 Religious tests and property qualifications prohibited
No religious test or property qualification shall be required for any office or public trust, nor for any voter.
Article II Name and Boundaries
§ 1 Name and boundaries
Defines the name and boundaries of the state and accepts the terms of the federal enabling (organic) act.
§ 2 Jurisdiction on boundary waters
The state has concurrent jurisdiction with adjoining states over the waters forming a common boundary.
Article III Distribution of the Powers of Government
§ 1 Division of powers
The powers of government are divided into legislative, executive, and judicial departments, and no person exercising the powers of one shall exercise those of another except as expressly provided.
Article IV Legislative Department
§ 1 Composition of legislature
The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives.
§ 2 Apportionment of members
The number of senators and representatives is fixed by law within constitutional limits.
§ 3 Census apportionment; district boundaries
The legislature redistricts congressional and legislative seats after each federal census; senate districts are single-member and as equal in population as practicable.
§ 4 Terms of office; vacancies
Senators and representatives serve the terms fixed by the constitution; vacancies are filled by special election.
§ 5 Restriction on holding office
A legislator may not hold another federal or state office incompatible with legislative service during the term.
§ 6 Qualification of legislators; judging returns
Legislators must meet age and residence requirements; each house judges the elections and qualifications of its members.
§ 7 Rules of government
Each house determines its rules and may punish or expel members.
§ 8 Oath of office
Each member takes an oath to support the constitutions and faithfully discharge legislative duties.
§ 9 Compensation
Legislators receive the compensation prescribed by law, set by a council for legislative salaries.
§ 10 Privilege from arrest
Members are privileged from arrest during sessions and travel, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace.
§ 11 Protest and dissent of members
Members may protest against any act and have their reasons entered in the journal.
§ 12 Biennial meetings; length of session
The legislature meets in regular session and is limited in the number of legislative days; the governor may call special sessions.
§ 13 Quorum
A majority of each house is a quorum; a smaller number may adjourn and compel attendance.
§ 14 Open sessions
The sessions of each house are open to the public.
§ 15 Officers; journals
Each house elects its officers and keeps a journal of its proceedings.
§ 16 Elections viva voce
In elections held by the legislature the vote is given openly (viva voce).
§ 17 Laws to embrace only one subject
No law shall embrace more than one subject, which shall be expressed in its title.
§ 18 Revenue bills to originate in house
Bills for raising revenue originate in the house of representatives; the senate may amend them.
§ 19 Reporting of bills
Every bill is reported and read before its passage.
§ 20 Enrollment of bills
The enrollment of bills is authenticated as provided.
§ 21 Passage of bills on last day prohibited
No bill may be passed on the last day of a session, except as specified.
§ 22 Majority vote of all members to pass a law
No law is passed except by a majority vote of all the members of each house, recorded in the journal.
§ 23 Approval of bills by governor; veto
Bills are presented to the governor, who may sign or veto them; the legislature may override a veto by a two-thirds vote of each house.
§ 24 Presentation of orders and resolutions
Orders, resolutions, and votes requiring the concurrence of both houses (except adjournment) are presented to the governor.
§ 25 Disorderly conduct
Each house may punish disorderly conduct by non-members interfering with its proceedings.
§ 26 Banking laws; two-thirds votes
Laws relating to banking and the issuance of currency require a two-thirds vote of each house.
Article V Executive Department
§ 1 Executive officers
The executive department consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, and attorney general.
§ 2 Term and qualifications
The governor and lieutenant governor are elected together for four-year terms and must meet age, citizenship, and residence requirements.
§ 3 Powers and duties of governor
The governor is commander-in-chief of the state military, may convene the legislature, grants reprieves and pardons through the pardon board, ensures the laws are executed, and reports on the state's condition.
§ 4 Terms and salaries of executive officers
The other executive officers serve four-year terms at salaries fixed by law.
§ 5 Succession to offices
The lieutenant governor and then others in a designated order succeed to the offices of governor and lieutenant governor.
§ 6 Oath of office
State officers take an oath to support the constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties.
§ 7 Board of pardons
A board of pardons composed of the governor, attorney general, and chief justice may grant pardons and commutations.
Article VI Judiciary
§ 1 Judicial power
The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, a court of appeals if established, a district court, and other courts authorized by law.
§ 2 Supreme court
The supreme court consists of a chief justice and associate justices, with appellate jurisdiction and original jurisdiction in specified matters.
§ 3 Jurisdiction of district court
The district court has original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases.
§ 4 Judicial districts; district judges
The state is divided into judicial districts, each with district judges as provided by law.
§ 5 Qualifications; compensation
Judges must be learned in the law; their compensation is fixed by law and not reduced during their terms.
§ 6 Holding other office
A judge may not hold another public office during the judicial term.
§ 7 Term of office; election
Judges are elected for six-year terms at general elections.
§ 8 Vacancy
The governor fills judicial vacancies by appointment until a successor is elected.
§ 9 Retirement, removal, and discipline
The legislature provides for the retirement, removal, and discipline of judges, administered by a board on judicial standards and the supreme court.
§ 10 Retired judges
Retired judges may be assigned to temporary judicial duties.
§ 11 Probate jurisdiction
Probate matters are within the jurisdiction of the district court.
§ 12 Abolition of probate court
Transitional provision abolishing the separate probate court and continuing its judges.
§ 13 District court clerks
The district court has clerks as provided by law.
Article VII Elective Franchise
§ 1 Eligibility; ineligible persons
Every citizen 18 or older who meets residence requirements may vote; persons convicted of felony (until restored), under guardianship, or of unsound mind are ineligible.
§ 2 Residence
Absence from the state on public or military business does not lose or gain a voting residence.
§ 3 Uniform oath at elections
The legislature may require a uniform oath of electors at elections.
§ 4 Civil process suspended on election day
No voter is subject to arrest on civil process during attendance at an election or travel to and from it.
§ 5 Elections by ballot
All elections are by secret ballot.
§ 6 Eligibility to hold office
Every qualified voter is eligible to hold office subject to constitutional limits.
§ 7 Official year of state
Fixes the beginning of the official year and terms of office.
§ 8 Election returns; board of canvassers
Election returns are made to the secretary of state and canvassed by the state canvassing board.
§ 9 Campaign spending limits
The legislature may provide for the public financing of and spending limits in political campaigns.
Article VIII Impeachment and Removal from Office
§ 1 Impeachment powers
The house of representatives has the sole power of impeachment; the senate tries all impeachments.
§ 2 Officers subject to impeachment
The governor, other executive officers, and judges may be impeached for corrupt conduct or crimes and misdemeanors in office; judgment extends only to removal and disqualification.
§ 3 Suspension
An officer impeached is suspended from duties until acquitted.
§ 4 Service of impeachment papers
Impeachment papers are served on the accused as provided.
§ 5 Removal of inferior officers
The legislature provides for removing inferior officers for cause not warranting impeachment.
§ 6 Recall
A state officer may be recalled by the voters for serious malfeasance, nonfeasance, or conviction of a serious crime, on petition and election.
Article IX Amendments to the Constitution
§ 1 Amendments; ratification
Amendments proposed by a majority of each house are submitted to the voters and take effect if approved by a majority of those voting at the election.
§ 2 Constitutional convention
A convention to revise the constitution may be called by a two-thirds vote of each house and approval of the voters.
§ 3 Submission of convention constitution
A constitution drafted by a convention is submitted to the people for ratification.
Article X Taxation
§ 1 Power of taxation; exemptions
Taxes are uniform on the same class of subjects and levied for public purposes; certain property (public, religious, educational, charitable) may be exempted, and the legislature may classify property.
§ 2 Forestation
The legislature may provide for the taxation and encouragement of forestation and reforestation.
§ 3 Occupation tax; ores
An occupation tax is imposed on the mining and production of ores, its proceeds distributed as provided.
§ 4 Motor fuel taxation
Taxes on motor fuels are dedicated to highway purposes.
§ 5 Aircraft
Aircraft may be taxed for the acquisition and maintenance of air navigation facilities.
§ 6 Taconite taxation
Provides for the taxation of taconite and related iron-bearing material, with limits on changing the tax.
§ 7 [Repealed]
This section has been repealed.
§ 8 Parimutuel betting
The legislature may authorize and tax parimutuel betting on horse racing.
Article XI Appropriations and Finances
§ 1 Money paid from state treasury
No money is paid from the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation by law.
§ 2 Credit of the state limited
The credit of the state shall not be given or loaned to any individual, association, or corporation, with stated exceptions.
§ 3 Internal improvements prohibited; exceptions
The state shall not engage in works of internal improvement except as authorized by the constitution.
§ 4 Power to contract public debt
The state may contract public debt for enumerated purposes and defines what constitutes public debt.
§ 5 Public debt purposes
Public debt and works of internal improvement may be undertaken only for the purposes specified.
§ 6 Certificates of indebtedness
The state may issue short-term certificates of indebtedness in anticipation of revenues.
§ 7 Bonds
State bonds are issued as authorized, secured by the full faith and credit of the state.
§ 8 Permanent school fund
The permanent school fund, derived from school lands, is held and invested inviolate for the support of public schools.
§ 9 Investment of permanent university fund
The permanent university fund is invested for the benefit of the University of Minnesota under stated restrictions.
§ 10 Exchange of public lands
The state may exchange public lands, reserving mineral and other rights.
§ 11 Timber lands as state forests
Timber lands may be set apart as state forests, with revenue disposition provided.
§ 12 Local aid to railroads limited
Counties, townships, and municipalities may not give aid to railroads except as authorized.
§ 13 Safekeeping of state funds
State funds are kept securely; embezzlement of public money is a felony and disqualifies from office.
§ 14 Environment and natural resources fund
A dedicated environment and natural resources trust fund receives lottery proceeds for the protection of natural resources.
§ 15 Clean water, land and legacy dedicated funds
A dedicated sales tax increase funds the outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage funds.
Article XII Special Legislation; Local Government
§ 1 Prohibition of special legislation
The legislature shall pass no local or special law on enumerated subjects where a general law can be made applicable.
§ 2 Special laws; local government
A special law applies to a local government unit only when approved by the affected unit, unless the legislature provides otherwise.
§ 3 Legislation affecting local government
The legislature may provide general laws relating to the powers and government of local units.
§ 4 Home rule charter
Any local government unit may frame and adopt a home rule charter.
§ 5 Charter commissions
Charter commissions are provided for to frame and propose home rule charters.
Article XIII Miscellaneous Subjects
§ 1 Uniform system of public schools
The legislature shall establish a general and uniform system of public schools and secure a thorough and efficient system throughout the state.
§ 2 Prohibition as to aiding sectarian school
No public money or property shall be appropriated or used to aid any school controlled by a religious sect.
§ 3 University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota retains the rights, immunities, and endowments granted at its founding under its board of regents.
§ 4 Lands taken for public use; compensation
Land may be taken for a public way or use by any person or corporation only on making just compensation.
§ 5 Lotteries
The legislature may authorize a state lottery and on-sale and off-sale of its tickets.
§ 6 Combinations to affect markets
The legislature may prohibit combinations to monopolize markets or fix prices.
§ 7 No license required to peddle
No license to peddle the products of the farm or garden shall be required.
§ 8 Veterans' bonus
Authorizes bonuses and benefits for veterans of the armed forces.
§ 9 Militia organization
The legislature provides for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia.
§ 10 Seat of government
The seat of government is at Saint Paul, changeable only by constitutional amendment.
§ 11 State seal
The state has a great seal kept and used as provided by law.
§ 12 Preservation of hunting and fishing
Hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish are a valued part of the state's heritage and are forever preserved for the people, subject to regulation.
Article XIV Public Highway System
§ 1 Authority of state; participation of subdivisions
The state establishes and maintains an integrated public highway system, with participation by its political subdivisions.
§ 2 Trunk highway system
A trunk highway system connecting the state's cities is established and maintained by the state.
§ 3 County state-aid highway system
A county state-aid highway system is established and financed as provided.
§ 4 Municipal state-aid street system
A municipal state-aid street system is established for larger cities.
§ 5 Highway user tax distribution fund
Revenues from highway user taxes are dedicated to and distributed among the highway funds.
§ 6 Trunk highway fund
The trunk highway fund is dedicated to the trunk highway system.
§ 7 County state-aid highway fund
The county state-aid highway fund supports the county highway system.
§ 8 Municipal state-aid street fund
The municipal state-aid street fund supports the municipal street system.
§ 9 Taxation of motor vehicles
Motor vehicles are taxed on a basis dedicated to highway purposes.
§ 10 Taxation of motor fuel
Motor fuel taxes are dedicated to highway purposes.
§ 11 Highway bonds
The state may issue bonds for trunk highway purposes.
§ 12 Motor vehicle sales tax apportionment
A share of the motor vehicle sales tax is apportioned to transportation purposes.
§ 13 Motor vehicle sales tax allocation
Allocates motor vehicle sales tax revenue among highway and transit purposes.
Full, verbatim text at MN Revisor of Statutes