Chapter 7: Federal and State Government

 

Federal Government

The elected federal government includes two branches: executive and legislative. The third branch, judicial, is appointed, not elected.
 

• Executive
The executive branch of the federal government includes the President and Vice President, elected every four years ( 2008, 2012, etc.).
 
One of the most exciting elections in New Hampshire is the Presidential Primary Election held every four years, usually in February or March. Since New Hampshire holds the first Presidential Primary Election in the county, the eyes of the country are on us-and, since only about half a million people vote in the primary-your vote can make a tremendous difference in deciding the future president. Incidentally, New Hampshire began its "first in the nation" primaries in 1952.

When other states tried to set their primaries before ours, in 1977 the Legislature defined the primary date as "on the second Tuesday in March, or on the Tuesday immediately preceding the date on which any other state shall hold a similar election, whichever is earlier."

The candidates who win their party's nomination in the Primary Elections run against one another in the General Election, held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the same year. The General Election also includes the U.S. Senate and House races.
• Legislative
The legislative branch of the federal government is called the U.S. Congress. The Congress consists of (1) the Senate and (2) the House of Representatives.
---U.S. Senate
Like every other state in the union, New Hampshire elects two U.S. Senators. All state residents vote in both federal senate races. The elections are held every six years, with staggered terms (one senator in 2002, 2008 etc.; the other in 2004, 2010 etc.).
---U.S.House of Representatives
Based on population, New Hampshire is allocated two U.S. Congressional Representatives. Hanover is located in the Second U.S. Congressional District which elects one of these two U.S. Representatives. These elections are held in even-numbered years.

• For information about your federal officials,
contact the official websites for up-to-date information about current legislation, voting records, general information, and more. In addition, you are encouraged to write, call, email, or fax your federal officials or legislators.
 

State Government

The New Hampshire state capital is Concord, located 60 miles south of Hanover off Route 89.

All state officials serve two-year terms-with the State Primary Election held even-numbered years in September and the General Election, held concurrently with the election of federal officials, in November. Elected state government officials are:

• ExecutiveThe executive branch of the state government includes (1) the Governor and (2) five State Councilors, who serve as members of the Governor's Council.
  --GovernorAll New Hampshire voters vote in the Governor's race.
  --State CouncilorHanover is located in District 1 which elects one of the state's five Councilors.
• LegislativeInstead of being called the "State Legislature," the New Hampshire Senate and House together are referred to as the "New Hampshire General Court"- even though it is legislative, not judicial.
• The General Court consists of : (1) the State Senate and (2) the State House of Representatives.
  --State Senate  Hanover is located in NH Senate District 5 which elects one of the state's 24 state senators.
  --State House of Representatives Hanover is located in NH Grafton District 9 which elects four of the state's 400 House members. The New Hampshire House is the third-largest parliamentary body in the world.
• For information about your state officials contact official websites for up-to-date information about current legislation, voting records, general information, and more.
  

In addition, you are encouraged to write, call, email, or fax your state officials..

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In conclusion,

if you define your responsibilities as a citizen in the most narrow legal sense- your duties are to pay taxes and serve on jury duty when called. If, however, you consider your responsibilities as a citizen more broadly-your privileges include participating in the political process by voting in elections, serving on committees, and voicing your opinion on the governmental activities of your community. We hope that this booklet will help you increase and enhance your political involvement.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Chapter 1:  The Voters
Chapter 2: Town Government, Town Meeting, & Elected Officials
Chapter 3: Town Government Appointed Boards and Town Services
Chapter 4: Planning and Zoning
Chapter 5: School Government
Chapter 6: Municipal and School Finances 
Chapter 7: Federal, State & County Government & Elected Officials
Chapter 8:  County Government in New Hampshire
A Brief History of Hanover

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Home Page:  www.uppervalleyleague.org