Elmer v. Erickson v. Stafford King and

State -- works of internal improvement -- in general. 1. Minn. Const. art. 9, § 5, providing that ""the state shall never contract any debts for works of internal improvements, or be a party in carrying on such works,"" is subject to an implied exception in favor of works which are used by the state as a sovereign in the performance of its governmental functions.