Student governments can write their own bylaws, but they are often subject to outside authority as well. While the university administration may be the primary player in determining the powers of student governments, the state can be a powerful player as well in both limiting and empowering the student organization.
United States
Many student governments are nonprofit corporations established under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. This grants certain rights and responsibilities. Officers may not be sued directly for acting on behalf of their association. However, this limits other actions, such as 
endorsing candidates for public office.
Even if not directly incorporated, a student government may get nonprofit status from their university. Or it may simply act as an unincorporated association, which is not eligible for tax-exempt donations.
The Judiciary has many rulings which shape student government:
Manditory Student Fee Use
Student Elections
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