New York State's Political Process

The activities of the New York State government, like those of our national government, are organized into three complementary branches: the legislative, the executive and the judicial. The state’s laws are written by the legislature, implemented by the executive and interpreted by the judiciary. Although the judiciary is no longer housed in the Capitol, the building contains spaces originally designed for each branch of government.

The Legislative Branch

The legislative branch of the state government is divided into two houses, the Senate and the Assembly. All legislators are elected to two-year terms and every New Yorker is represented by one member in each house. Bills that are approved in either the Senate or Assembly are then sent to the other house for consideration. If approved by both houses, they are sent on to the governor. A bill rejected by either house cannot become law.

The Senate Chamber

It is on the floor of this chamber that the sixty-three senators approve or disapprove a proposed law or bill. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor or, in his or her absence, the President Pro Tem of the Senate.

The Assembly Chamber

There are 150 members of the Assembly. The Assembly is presided over by the Speaker, who is elected by members of the Assembly.

The Executive Branch

As the chief executive of the state, the governor’s power and responsibilities are broad and extensive. The governor is responsible for implementing the laws of the state, overseeing the operations of the various departments and agencies, and preparing the annual budget. The governor is also instrumental in the legislative process. Bills passed by both houses of the legislature are either signed or vetoed by the governor. A vetoed law cannot become law unless each house overrides the veto by a two-thirds majority.

The Executive Chamber

This magnificent chamber has been the symbolic and ceremonial center of the executive branch since it was first occupied in 1881 by Alonzo Cornell. Most governors, however, have chosen to work in smaller adjoining rooms.

The Judicial Branch

The judicial branch of the government is responsible for interpreting the laws of the state and protecting its citizens. It comprises 3,600 judges and eleven different types of courts throughout the state.

The Court of Appeals

The Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, consists of a Chief Judge and six associate judges. The Court of Appeals was once located in the Capitol, but in 1917 it moved to State Hall on Eagle Street. The judges took most of their chamber with them when they moved and installed the wainscot, art collection and furnishings in their new space.

Got questions about civics at the Capitol? We have answers:

What are New York State's three branches of government?
Legislative Branch (State/Assembly), Judicial Branch (Court System), Executive Branch (Governor)

How many Senators are there?
63

How many Assemblymembers are there?
150

How many bills are proposed each year?
More than 10,000

How long are terms for the New York State Legislature?
2-year terms, no term limits

How long are terms for the New York State Governorship?
4 years, no term limits

What are the Governor's responsibilities?
The Governor's power and responsibilities are broad and extensive. He or she is responsible for implementing the laws of the state, overseeing the operations of the various departments and agencies, and preparing the annual budget. The governor is also instrumental in the legislative process. Bills passed by both houses of the legislature are either signed or vetoed by the governor. A vetoed law cannot become law unless

How many bills can the Governor veto each legislative session?
A vetoed law cannot become law unless each house overrides the veto by a two-thirds majority.

Can a veto be overridden?
A veto can be overridden with a vote in support of the bill by 2/3 of the membership from each house (Senate/Assembly)