Government
Virginia's State Capitol is in Richmond, the capital since 1780.The Commonwealth of Virginia (as the state is officially called) is governed under its sixth constitution, adopted in 1970, effective in 1971. The governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general are elected to four-year terms. Other administrative officials are appointed by the governor, with the approval of the state legislature, called the General Assembly. The General Assembly consists of the Senate (40 members elected for four years) and the House of Delegates (100 members elected for two years). It meets annually.
The judiciary is headed by the Supreme Court of Virginia, which consists of seven justices elected to 12-year terms. Other courts include a Court of Appeals, the Circuit Court, juvenile and domestic relations courts, and general district courts. All judges are elected by the General Assembly.
The state has 95 counties. There are also 41 independent cities, which are not part of any county. Virginia sends 11 representatives and 2 senators to the United States Congress.
