State Government Overview Like the Federal Government, New Mexico’s state government consists of three branches: Legislative Executive Judicial Each has a distinct role and its own responsibilities. The three branches create a system of checks and balances to maintain a balance of power.

Cabinet Departments & District Attorneys Executive Branch Governor & Lt. Governor Elected Officials Cabinet Departments & District Attorneys 4 year terms Secretary of State State Auditor State Treasurer Attorney General Commissioner of Public Lands Public Regulation Commissioners 32 Cabinet Departments / Offices & Boards 68 Agencies / 23,000 employees 13 District Attorneys State of New Mexico

Bernalillo County Metro Court Judicial Branch Supreme Court Court of Appeals District Court Magistrate Court Bernalillo County Metro Court Municipal Court Probate Court Courts decide arguments about the meaning of laws, how they are applied and whether they break the rules of the State Constitution. The State Supreme Court is the highest court and is located in Santa Fe. 5 Justices are elected to eight year terms. Other courts include: Court of Appeals – civil, non-capital criminal & juvenile cases, District Court – Tort, contract, real property rights & estates. Also domestic relations, mental health, appeals for administrative agencies and lower courts. Misdemeanor, Magistrate Court – Tort, contract, landlord/tenant rights ($0 - $10K), felony preliminary hearings, misdemeanor, DWI/DUI and other traffic violations. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court – Tort, contract, landlord/tenant rights, Felony first appearances; misdemeanor, DWI/DUI, Domestic Violence and other traffic violations. Municipal Court – Petty misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, traffic violations and other municipal ordinance violations. Probate Court – Informal probate: Estate (only uncontested cases, contested cases go to district court)

House of Representatives Legislative Branch Senate 42 unpaid members Regular session start on the 3rd Tuesday in January each year. They meet for 60 days in odd numbered years and 30 days in even numbered years. House of Representatives 70 unpaid members The Governor may call the legislature into special session at any time to work on fiscal matters or bills that were vetoed by the Governor. All Legislators receive a per diem allowance and mileage reimbursement during the session. Between regular sessions, legislators serve on interim committees that study a variety of issues.

How many… Q: How many Executive state agencies? Q: Approximately how many State Employees in the Executive Branch? A: Approximately 23,000 Q: How many branches of government in the State of New Mexico? A: Executive, Legislative, Judicial

Opportunity to Serve: Your decision to work in state government is a valuable one. State government offers its employees an engaging and diverse work environment that allows them to fulfill personal and professional goals while taking pride in providing services that contribute to New Mexico’s achievements. The work of a state employee impacts more than you might think. The State of New Mexico Executive Branch encompasses over 68 agencies that provide a vast array of services. Let’s take a look at some of them now!

Some of our Agencies Click on each shape to see what that agency does! NMCD NMAG SPO GOV - TRD GSD http://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/ - DFA DOH DOT DWS DPS SOS STO SRCA PSFA RLD ENV DOIT HSD DHSEM DVS GCB NMTD DGF New Mexico Attorney General We prosecute criminal and civil offenses; advocate for consumers and those without a voice; and serve as legal counsel for the State and its agents. Click on each shape to see what that agency does! File your taxes, get your driver’s license or renew your vehicle registration. Enterprise Services, Compliance and Project Management and Program Support. They are there when you need computer help! Renew your license or permit, reactivate or deactivate your license and check out if your chiropractor or building contractor is properly licensed or has been disciplined in the past. Do you use any of the services that these agencies provide? Do you have a drivers license – mvd/trd Do you work in a state building – gsd Do you use a computer for your job, or to input your time? DoIT Are your or any of your family members or friends a real estate agent, beautician, stylist, dentist? RLD for licensing Questions on employment or looking for a job? SPO Retiring in the future? PERA To see a listing of all of our Agencies click here http://newmexico.gov/A_to_Z.aspx Fishing, Hunting, Recreation

How do the 3 branches of government affect me? YOU Judicial Traffic violations, contract disputes, real estate rights Executive Your agency/job, drivers licenses, road repairs, unemployment insurance, services for the elderly or children Legislative Passing laws, distributing money to run the government, funding projects