Government Framework

The Kentucky State Government is an intricate web of people, resources, commissions, boards, agencies, and governing bodies.  These individual groups are all part of the general structure set forth by the Kentucky Constitution.  The state government has three branches, the executive, legislative, and judicial, each with specific responsibilities.  By spreading authority to multiple branches, no one person or group has too much control.

Groups that fall under the three main branches serve the state as a whole, but the framers of the constitution recognized that local governments would be needed to serve the individual communities.  For that reason, the Kentucky Constitution also outlines the general structure for the county and city leaders.

Though each branch and local government exercises different responsibilities, you will see that the ultimate goals and duties of these groups are interconnected so that they can all work for the common good of Kentucky citizens.  

The Executive Branch of the Kentucky government enforces the laws and directs the services established by the Legislative Branch.  In this section you can learn more about the executive powers and those who exercise them.

The Legislative Branch debates and establishes laws or services to benefit Kentuckians.  Click on this section to read more about the structure and leaders of the legislative branch and to learn how you can become a part of the legislative process.

The Judicial Branch interprets our laws and maintains a system of justice.  In this section, you can learn more about the Kentucky Court of Justice and the key role that it plays in the government.