What are the general functions of the legislative branch in relation to the other branches of government?
The state constitution separates the powers of state government into three main branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch has the authority to make laws; the executive branch, to administer laws; the judicial branch, to interpret laws and ensure that they are applied justly and equitably. The system of checks and balances provided in the constitution results in certain exceptions to these normally distinct roles. For example, the governor, as chief executive of the state, has the authority to veto legislation; legislators are constitutionally authorized to serve on certain administrative boards in the executive branch.
