Who governs North Carolina?
Three branches share state power. Knowing which one handles an issue helps you find the right public office.
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The General Assembly is the legislative branch: the Senate and House of Representatives make state laws. The executive branch carries out those laws. The governor leads it, but North Carolina also elects other statewide officials with their own responsibilities, including the attorney general and state treasurer.
The judicial branch is the court system. Courts resolve legal disputes and interpret the law. North Carolina’s courts include the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Court and District Court. A court’s role differs from an agency’s responsibility to deliver a service or a legislature’s responsibility to change a law.
Start with the question you want answered. For a state service, look for the responsible agency. For a proposed law, follow the General Assembly. For a local service, check your county or municipality. NC.gov’s government directory is a useful starting point; the state Constitution explains the branches’ formal powers.