North Dakota is governed by the constitution of 1889, as amended (144 times by January 2003). The constitution may be amended by a majority vote in the legislature; a majority vote of the state electorate is required for ratification. Amendments may also be proposed by initiative (by petition of 4% of the state's population).
State elected officials are the governor and lieutenant governor (elected jointly), secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, three public service commissioners, and the commissioners of labor, insurance, taxation, and agriculture. With the exception of the public service commissioners, who serve six-year terms, all terms are four years. Candidates for governor must be 30 years old, US citizens, qualified voters, and state residents for at least five years prior to election. In 2002 the governor's salary was $83,013.
The legislature, which convenes every two years (in oddnumbered years) beginning in early January, is bicameral, with a 49-member senate and a 98-member house of representatives. Regular sessions are limited to 80 legislative days. Only the governor may call for a special session. All legislators must be at least 18 years old, state residents for at least one year, and qualified voters in their districts prior to election; they serve four-year terms. In 2002 legislators received a per diem salary during regular sessions of $125 per calendar day. A two-thirds vote of the elected members of each house is required to override a gubernatorial veto. Bills that are not vetoed or signed by the governor become law after three days (or after 15 days if the legislature adjourns).
Voters in North Dakota must be US citizens, at least 18 years old, and must have been residents of the state at least 30 days prior to the election. The state does not require voters to register.