Maryland is governed by three branches of government. The executive branch, including the governor; the legislative branch, or General Assembly; and the judicial branch.

The governor and members of the General Assembly are elected to four-year terms. The last election for statewide office in Maryland was in 2006, while the next is scheduled for 2010.

Maryland's governor is Martin O'Malley, the former mayor of the City of Baltimore.

The General Assembly, or state legislature, has 188 members - 47 in the Senate and 141 in the House of Delegates. The Senate President is Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. The House Speaker is Michael Busch. The General Assembly convenes for a 90-day session each year beginning in January. The state's fiscal year runs July 1-June 30.