State of North Carolina

The government of North Carolina is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. These consist of the Council of State (led by the Governor), the bicameral legislature (called the General Assembly), and the state court system (headed by the North Carolina Supreme Court). The Constitution of North Carolina delineates the structure and function of the state government. Executive branch North Carolina's executive branch is governed by Article III of the state constitution. The first North Carolina Constitution in 1776 called for a governor and a seven member Council of State elected by the legislature. Currently, the ten-member Council of State of North Carolina includes the following members elected by voters: Governor Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Secretary of State Commissioner of Agriculture Commissioner of Insurance Commissioner of Labor Superintendent of Public Instruction State Treasurer State Auditor