Comparing Two State Governments

Each state has its own government that is structured like the federal government. Each state has the three branches, executive, legislative, and judicial. The size of the state determines the size of the government. For example New York is a larger state than Mississippi therefor the size of the legislative branch differs. This is just one of the differences in these two state governments. The executive branch is the main law enforcement branch and in both states consists of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. In addition to these positions Mississippi also has a state treasurer and New York has a comptroller whose duties are about the same. In both states these four are elected by the citizens. The New York governor appoints the heads of the remaining departments while those in Mississippi are elected. In both states the governor is elected every four years. Mississippi is one of five states in the United States that holds its elections in odd numbered years while New York elections are in even numbered years. Unlike the president and vice president the governor and lieutenant governor run separately. In both states a gubernatorial candidate must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen and state citizen for at least five years. The legislative branch of both states is bicameral, which means it is
Its nine justices are voted in by citizens and serve eight year terms which are staggered provide continuity. The Mississippi Court of Appeals has ten judges who serve eight year terms which are also staggered. It hears appeal cases from lower courts. Mississippi also has chancery and circuit courts which operate on the state level. There are 20 chancery court districts in the state which hear cases on family matters. The 22 circuit court districts hear criminal and civil cases. These judges are elected for four year terms. Circuit courts have juries and chancery courts do