Government

New Hampshire is governed under its 1784 constitution, the second in its history. The legislature, called General Court, consists of a Senate of 24 members and a House of Representatives of 400 members. All members are elected for two-year terms. New Hampshire's House of Representatives is the largest state legislative body in the United States. The legislature meets annually.

The governor is elected for a two-year term and is assisted by an executive council of five members, also elected for two-year terms. There is no lieutenant governor; if the governorship becomes vacant the president of the Senate succeeds to the office. The secretary of state and state treasurer are elected jointly by House and Senate. The heads of most other administrative agencies are appointed by the governor with the council's approval.

The judiciary is headed by a supreme court of five justices and includes a superior court and district and municipal courts. All judges are appointed by the governor with the council's approval.

New Hampshire has 10 counties. The state sends two senators and two representatives to the U.S. Congress.

Governors of New Hampshire