GOVERNMENT

STATE GOVERNMENT

Statehood. In Maryland, State government began when the 9th Provincial Convention adopted the first constitution of Maryland on November 8, 1776.

Maryland, on April 28, 1788, became the seventh state to ratify the federal Constitution.

Executive Branch. The Governor, is the chief executive of the State. Elected by the voters to a four-year term, the Governor presides over the Governor's Executive Council. Known as the cabinet. the Council includes the heads of the sixteen departments which oversee most State government agencies.

Legislative Branch. The General Assembly, Maryland's bicameral legislature, consists of the Senate, led by the Senate President, and the House of Delegates, led by the House Speaker. As of January 1999, the 47-member Senate has 32 Democrats and 15 Republicans. As of the same date, the 141-member House of Delegates includes 106 Democrats and 35 Republicans.

Annually, the General Assembly convenes to enact laws on the second Wednesday in January for a 90-day session. In 1999, the General Assembly will convene its 413th session on January 13.

Judicial Branch. The Judiciary is headed by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Four court divisions make up the Judicial Branch: the Court of Appeals, the Court of Special Appeals, the Circuit Courts, and the District Court of Maryland.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local Government. Of the 50 states, Maryland is among those with the fewest number of local governments. Local government is found in Maryland's 23 counties; 157 towns and cities (including Baltimore City); and special taxing districts, which are created by State, county and municipal governments.

Maryland Elections
Maryland Constitution
Maryland State Government Budget
Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line