Since the 1950s the DFL and the Republicans have vied sharply in contests for state offices. In the 1970s the Republican party changed its name to the Independent Republican party. The state has been notable for experimentation in novel features of local government and has also been a leader in the use of cooperatives. This phenomenon is perhaps explained by the cooperative heritage present among its many people of Scandinavian descent. In 1919 credit unions, cooperative creameries, grain elevators, and purchasing associations were supported by legislation that protected the institutions and instructed the state department of agriculture to encourage them.
Today there are several thousand cooperative associations in Minnesota serving diversified needs.
Since the mid-19th cent. In 1970 the urban population was two thirds of the total. Paul metropolitan area. Paul International Airport has become an important hub for the region. Licensed from Columbia University Press.