1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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!

7. Some of our Agencies Click on each shape to see what that agency does!
NMCD
NMAG
SPO
GOV -
TRD
GSD -
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
Fishing,
Hunting, Recreation

8. 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