About the Government

Legislation

For the purpose of choosing members of the Legislature, the State shall be divided into 40 Senatorial and 80 Assembly districts to be called Senatorial and Assembly Districts. Each Senatorial district shall choose one Senator and each Assembly district shall choose one member of the Assembly.

— California State Constitution

Life Cycle of a Bill

The Legislature creates laws that represent the best interests of the citizens within each legislative district. Proposals for new laws are called bills. To become a law, a bill must successfully pass through a number of steps.

Gavel laying on desk

Branches of Government

Here you can find more information about several of California’s elected and appointed public officials and their responsibilities.

Senate chambers

Assembly and Senate

California has the largest population of any state, but one of the smallest state legislatures.

Senate floor

Find Your Representative

Click below to find out what Assembly Member and Senator represent you and the area of California in which you live.

Governors' Wall of Portraits

California Governors

The Governor is vested with the supreme executive power of the State of California and has the duty to ensure that the laws of the state are faithfully executed.

Collage of capitol and first lady

First Ladies

More than just the governors’ wives, California’s first ladies have made important contributions to the state and its people.

Additional Resources

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Educational Resources

These website links provide additional information on the Capitol Museum, California history and government, and state curricula.

About the Capitol

Discover the architecture, history, and development of the California State Capitol from its initial construction 150 years ago to the modern day.