Federal and state governments are divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. County and municipal governments are patterned after the same system, but with some variations.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Executive Branch

Elected officials: The President and Vice President-4 yr terms. Appointed: Fourteen department heads (the Cabinet)

Legislative Branch

Elected officials: 100 Senators (2 per state)-6 yr terms;
435 Representatives (based on population)-2 yr terms

Judicial Branch

Appointed by the President, with approval of the Senate: U.S. Supreme Court, 12 appellate courts and 90 district courts.

Executive Branch

Elected officials: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor-4 yr terms
Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer-4 yr terms;
21 heads of departments and offices.

Legislative Branch

Elected officials: 50 Senators-4 yr terms; 203 Representatives-2 yr terms.

Judicial Branch

Elected judges: State Supreme Court, two appellate courts, 60 district courts

Updated 05/05