Citizens Commission on Executive Reorganization Collection

The Citizens Commission on Executive Reorganization was crafted by South Dakota Governor Richard F. Kniep in June 1971 with the purpose of amending the executive article in the State Constitution. Amendment B sought to establish a four-year term for both the Governor, and the Lt. Governor, where they would be elected as a pair, with a two consecutive term limit. Previously, there was a two-year term for the governor, which did not allow enough time to establish well-rounded programs. Another major change that Amendment B brought to the floor was a reduction and reorganization of State Government Departments, from over one hundred and sixty departments, to just twenty five. This change would allow for better collaboration between programs with similar points of interest, and an easier to understand State Government for South Dakota citizens. The efforts of the Citizens Commission were successful in passing Amendment B in 1972.