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.

State House (from Rowe Blvd.), Annapolis, Maryland, April 1999. Photo by Diane P. Frese.

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 eighteen 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 9, 2002, the 47-member Senate has 34 Democrats and 13 Republicans. As of the same date, the 141-member House of Delegates includes 106 Democrats and 35 Republicans.

To enact laws, the General Assembly convenes annually on the second Wednesday in January for a 90-day session. In 2003, the General Assembly will convene its 417th session on January 8, 2003.

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. In addition, each county orphans' court has responsibility for probate.

Within the Executive Branch, the Maryland Tax Court hears appeals on tax issues, and administrative law judges of the Office of Administrative Hearings review contested decisions in State administrative law cases.

Of the 50 states, Maryland is among those with the fewest number of local governments. Local government is found in Maryland's 23 counties. Moreover, some 157 towns and cities (including Baltimore City) have their own governments. Created by State, county and municipal governments, special taxing districts exist in Montgomery County as well.

Carroll County Historic Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Westminster, Maryland, January 2002. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

In the U.S. Senate, Maryland is represented by two senators. In the U.S. House of Representatives, eight representatives speak for Maryland.

Maryland Constitution
Maryland Elections
Maryland State Government Budget
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line

Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us