Maryland government is based on a written
compact known as the Constitution of Maryland.
The State has had four constitutions, each contain-
ing a declaration of rights—the State's bill of rights.
Maryland's first constitution was adopted during
the Revolutionary War in 1776, the second in
1851, and the third in 1864. The fourth and
present constitution was adopted in 1867. It con-
sists of a declaration of rights, the Constitution
proper, and those amendments ratified to date.

The source of all power and authority for gov-
erning the State of Maryland lies with its citizens.
The Constitution's Declaration of Rights makes
clear "That all Government of right originates from
the People, is founded in compact only, and is
instituted solely for the good of the whole, and they
have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter,
reform or abolish their Form of Government in such
manner as they may deem expedient." (Art. 1)

While responsibility for promoting the public
interest is vested in specific officers and agencies of
State government, actual governing authority re-
mains with the registered voters of Maryland. A
registered voter must be eighteen years of age or
older, a citizen of the United States, and a resident
of Maryland thirty days prior to the date of an
election.

Believing that it would be too cumbersome for
all persons to participate directly in the operation
of government, framers of the Constitution of 1867
followed precedent established in earlier Maryland
constitutions by delegating power to elected repre-
sentatives. They also continued to separate powers
of government into three distinct branches which
exercise certain checks and balances on each other.

The three branches of State government—ex-
ecutive, legislative, and judicial—act to preserve,
protect, and extend the privileges and obligations
provided to the citizens of Maryland by the State
Constitution. All three represent the interests of the
citizens of the State in their relations with other
states and the federal government, and each works
closely with and supplements the services of mu-
nicipal and county administrations. Checks and
balances provided by the Constitution of Maryland
ensure a certain beneficial degree of tension and
proprietorship among the three branches of State
government, and each carefully guards its preroga-
tives. The fundamental goal of State government as
a whole, however, is to serve the public interest.
Through periodic elections, referenda, and amend-

ments to the Constitution, citizens ultimately de-
termine the policies, functions, and extent of the
government of the State of Maryland.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH
The Executive Branch implements and enforces
Maryland's laws and provides executive direction
to government. It consists of various constitutional
and statutory officers and agencies. Its chief execu-
tive officer is the Governor, elected by the voters to
a four-year term each even-numbered year that is
not a presidential election year. The Governor is
responsible for ensuring that Maryland's laws are
executed effectively, that certain appointments as
provided by the Constitution or by law are made,
and that a budget is presented annually to the
legislature. As commander in chief of the military,
the Governor sees that the armed forces of the State
are able to meet any emergency. The Governor
appoints Judges to the State judiciary and may veto
legislation passed by the legislature. The Governor
is assisted by the Lieutenant Governor, who is
elected on a joint ballot with the gubernatorial
candidate. Duties of the Lieutenant Governor are
limited to those assigned by the Governor. The
Governor and Lieutenant Governor each must be
at least thirty years old and a resident and voter of
Maryland for the five years immediately preceding
election.

Other statewide executive officers also are pro
vided for in the Constitution. The Comptroller of
the Treasury superintends the fiscal affairs of the
State. The State Treasurer accounts for all deposits
and disbursements to or from the State treasury.
The Secretary of State attests to the Governor's
signature on all public documents and oversees all
executive orders, commissions, and appointments.
The Attorney General serves as legal counsel to the
Governor, the legislature, and all State depart-
ments, boards, and most commissions. The voters
elect the Comptroller and Attorney General. The
Treasurer is selected by joint ballot of both houses
of the General Assembly, and the Secretary of State
is appointed by the Governor. Each of these execu-
tive officers serves a four-year term.

An important agency of the executive depart-
ment is the Board of Public Works, composed of
the Governor, the Comptroller, and the Treasurer.
The Board approves all sums expended through
State loans, most capital improvements, and the
sale, lease, or transfer of all real property owned by
the State.