New Jerseys Government

New Jersey’s constitution, the third in its history, was adopted in 1947. It grants considerable power to the governor, who may serve two consecutive four-year terms and be elected to a third after a lapse of four years. Constitutional amendments may be initiated either by the senate or the assembly. The final adoption of an amendment requires the approval of the voters in a general election. The governor is the only elected executive officer. All …

…all of whom serve seven-year terms. The counties are governed by bodies of officials known as freeholders, who are elected for three-year terms and are responsible for the maintenance of county properties and institutions. The smaller cities and townships mostly have a mayor and a city council, but some have city managers or commissions. New Jersey elects two U.S. senators and 13 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The state casts 15 electoral votes.