Your Government

Albany has been the officially designated seat of the state government for over 200 years. In 1777, before independence had even been won or statehood established, New York adopted its first State Constitution. Among providing for the first popularity elected chief executive and protecting certain rights, the Constitution established 3 branches of government, (Executive, Legislative and Judicial), and a system of checks and balances which would later be used as a model for the Federal government’s structure and constitution..

The Executive Branch is headed by the Governor, who is elected for a term of four years. The Lieutenant Governor, the Comptroller, and Attorney General are all part of the Executive branch.

The New York State Legislature, which is older than the U.S. Congress, was established as a law-making body and is comprised of two houses, the Assembly and the Senate, both of which have co-equal powers. These two houses have the power to make all laws in all areas of the state except those that have been reserved to the federal government or to the people.

The judicial system approximately consists of full-time judges, part-time judges and non-judicial employees. The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals is the chief judicial officer of the State. The Court of Appeals is the State's highest court. It comprises the Chief Judge and six associate judges who are appointed by the Governor for 14-year terms from recommendations by the Commission on Judicial Nomination and with the advice and consent of the Senate.