New York is governed as a U.S. state under the **New York State Constitution**, with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The **state capital is Albany**, which houses the governor’s office, the State Legislature, and many key agencies.
## Structure - **Executive branch:** Led by the **Governor of New York**, along with other statewide elected officials such as the lieutenant governor, attorney general, and comptroller. - **Legislative branch:** Bicameral **New York State Legislature**, consisting of the **State Senate** and **State Assembly**. - **Judicial branch:** Headed by the **New York Court of Appeals**, the state’s highest court. New York’s court system has some distinctive terminology; for example, its main trial court is called the **Supreme Court**.
## Local government New York has a complex local government structure that includes: - Counties - Cities - Towns - Villages - School districts - Special districts and public authorities
New York City has its own large municipal government, while counties and towns play especially important roles elsewhere in the state.
## Political representation New York is represented in the **U.S. Congress** by two U.S. senators and a delegation of members in the U.S. House of Representatives apportioned by population. The number of congressional districts can change after each census and reapportionment cycle.
## Public services The state oversees or helps fund major systems including: - Public education - State universities and colleges - Transportation infrastructure - Medicaid and public health programs - State policing through the New York State Police - Environmental protection and park management - Corrections and public safety
For current officeholders, district maps, and agency leadership, official state and federal government websites are the best source because these roles can change through elections, appointments, and redistricting.