michigan_state_government

🏛️ Structure of Michigan State Government

Executive Branch

• Led by the Governor (currently Gretchen Whitmer).

• Other elected officials: Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State.

• Governor's Office Website

Legislative Branch

• Michigan Legislature: Bicameral system with the House of Representatives (110 members) and the Senate (38 members).

• Michigan House of Representatives Website

• Michigan State Senate Website

Judicial Branch

• Led by the Michigan Supreme Court, with the Court of Appeals and Circuit, District, and Probate Courts.

• Michigan Courts Website

🗳️ Elections and Voter Information

• Michigan Department of State (Elections Division): Oversees voter registration, election security, and candidate filings.

• Register to Vote

• Elections & Voting Info

• Michigan Voter Guide: Comprehensive guides for state and local elections.

• Voter Guide Portal

📊 Key Political Issues in Michigan

• Economic Development and Job Creation

• Education Reform and Teacher Retention

• Infrastructure and Water Quality (e.g., Flint Water Crisis)

• Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation

• Healthcare Access and Prescription Drug Costs

• Criminal Justice Reform and Public Safety

🤝 Civic Engagement & Grassroots Activism

• League of Women Voters of Michigan: Promotes informed and active participation in democracy.

  • LWV Michigan Website

• Michigan Environmental Council: Advocates for environmental sustainability and policy.

  • MEC Website

• Detroit Action: Focused on racial and economic justice advocacy.

  • Detroit Action Website

📰 Stay Informed

• Detroit Free Press: Covers statewide politics and government.

  • Detroit Free Press Website

• Michigan Radio (NPR): Offers in-depth reporting on Michigan government and issues.

  • Michigan Radio Website

• Bridge Michigan: Nonprofit newsroom focused on Michigan politics and public policy.

  • Bridge Michigan Website

📚 Educational Resources

• Michigan State Archives: Provides access to government and historical records.

  • Michigan State Archives Website

• BallotPedia Michigan: Neutral, fact-checked information on elections and policy.

  • Ballotpedia Michigan

📱 Useful Tools and Apps

• Countable: Follow legislation and contact your representatives.

  • Countable App

• CivicEngage: Portal for community-level civic information.

  • CivicEngage Website