Expert: Michael Troy - 10/28/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Who makes up the Government in a state?  Or what is the Government in a State?  I would very much appreciate knowing this please.
Answer -
Hi Alice,  

A state is a political entity.  It can be a completely sovereign country like Germany, or a subset of a larger country like California.  The government is whatever person or group of people controls the state and sets the rules for everyone there to live by.  What makes up the government depends on the state.  It can be a king, a dictator, a
council, an elected legilslature and executive, or lots of other things.

Other things about Government, do you mean the entire State, for example, the Governor, the State Attorney General, the Courts, the Bar Association and so forth?
- Mike  

Answer
The Powers of government are divided up among many people.  Typically, most state governments in the US are divided into three Branches (Legilative (which is usually two parts, a house and senate) Executive (headed by the Governor) and the Judicial (which is the Court system).

Other elected offices are usually a part of the Executive Branch, such as the attorney general, Secretary of State, or other positions.  Sometimes these are appointed by the governor.  Sometimes they are elected.  

State Bar Associations are usually associated with the State Court system.

I hope this helps!
- Mike