Overview

Connecticut's state government comprises three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. It was founded in 1639 and is headquartered in Connecticut. The executive branch sees the election of six state officers: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, and Attorney General, each serving four-year terms. Additionally, Connecticut voters choose two U.S. Senators and five U.S. Representatives. The legislative branch, known as the General Assembly, consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives, with members representing districts based on population. Currently, there are 36 state senators and 151 state representatives. The Judicial Department includes the Superior, Appellate, and Supreme courts, with judges nominated by the governor and appointed by the General Assembly, except for probate judges who are elected by the voters of their respective town or district. Connecticut operates without county governments, instead, governance is organized into cities and towns. Geographically, Connecticut is New England's second smallest and southernmost state, covering 5,018 square miles. It shares borders with New York State, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, while its southern border is delineated by Long Island Sound.