Executive

At the top of the state government is the Governor, who is elected every four years. He/she appoints many government officials and is considered one of the most powerful governorships in the nation. The governor's mansion, Drumthwacket, is located in Princeton, not the state capital, Trenton.

Voters recently approved the creation of a Lieutenant Governor position, which will take effect in 2009.

Legislative

There are 40 NJ State legislative districts (map), each represented by 2 Assembly members serving 2-year terms (elected in odd-numbered years), and 1 State Senator (who serve 2, 4, and 4 years each decade, elected in years ending in 1, 3, and 7). The districts often cut across County lines. Democrats currently have a 48-32 advantage in the State Assembly and a 22-18 advantage in the Senate.

You can use this page, which lists legislative districts based on municipalities, to identify your legislative representatives.

Visit the New Jersey Legislature's web site for more information on legislators and legislation.

Judicial

The NJ Supreme Court consists of 7 judges all appointed by the governor - a chief justice plus six associate judges.