The Connecticut State Government is made up of three separate branches: the
Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch. Each branch is
vital for the smooth running of the Connecticut State Government. To learn more about
each branch of government, please click on the links below.
The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is comprised of the Governor and the Lt. Governor. Other
members of the Executive Branch include the Attorney General, the Secretary of State,
the State Treasurer and the Comptroller. Although the Governor and the Lt. Governor
are the most visible and well known members of the Executive branch each official of
the Executive Branch plays a distinct and important role. The Executive Branch
oversees state agencies, sets the political agenda for the following year and helps
assure that laws are carried out across the state. The Governor and the Lt. Governor
are elected in November of even-numbered, non-presidential elections years and they
serve four-year terms.
The Legislative Branch
The Connecticut General Assembly is the Legislative Branch of the State of
Connecticut. The Legislature is comprised of Senators and Representatives. Similar to
their congressional equivalent, State Senators and Representatives are responsible for
passing laws, which help resolve problems, fund programs and develop solutions. At
least one Representative and one Senator represent each town or city. Some of the
larger towns and cities have multiple legislators in order to assure fair
representation of the entire population. Currently, there are 151 House Members and 36
Senate Members. The legislative session begins in January and runs to June in
odd-numbered years and begins in February and runs to May in even-numbered years.
During the Legislative Session, Senators and Representatives hold meetings, listen to
public testimony and take action on a number of issues and initiatives. State Senators
and Representatives are elected in November of even-numbered years and they serve
two-year terms.
The Judicial Branch
The third branch of the Connecticut Government System is the Judicial Branch. The
Judicial Branch is responsible for upholding laws, interpreting the Connecticut State
Constitution, and making sure that justice is done. The Judicial Branch is made up of a
number of courts including the Supreme Court, the Appellate Court, the Superior Court
and the Probate Court. Each Court is responsible for different types of cases including
cases involving settlement of estates, child custody issues and traffic violations.
The Supreme, Appellate and Superior Court Justices are nominated by the Governor and are
appointed by the General Assembly. These justices may serve renewable eight-year terms
but must retire at age 70. Voters elect probate judges and they serve four-year terms.
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