Government
Connecticut's state capitol is in Hartford. New Haven and Hartford functioned as twin capitals from 1701 to 1875, when Hartford was named the only capital.Connecticut is governed under its second constitution, adopted in 1965; the first constitution was adopted in 1818. The legislative power is vested in the General Assembly, composed of a Senate of 36 members and a House of Representatives of 151 members. Members are elected for two years.
The elected executive officers are the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, comptroller, and attorney general (all elected for four-year terms). The Supreme Court is the highest state court. Among other courts are an appellate court and a superior court.
The state has eight counties but they have no governmental functions, serving only as administrative subdivisions. The major units of local government are incorporated cities and unincorporated towns. (In Connecticut and other New England states, the designation "town" usually includes both urban and rural portions of a given area, much like a township in other parts of the country. While many Connecticut towns are small, some have populations equal to those of large cities.)
Connecticut sends two senators and five representatives to Congress.
