Government of Nevada

Government of Nevada

The Government of Nevada is structured under the Nevada Constitution and operates as a representative democracy with three co-equal branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. In addition to the state government, Nevada also includes 17 county governments, 27 federally recognized tribal governments, and dozens of city and town governments.

This page serves as the central guide to understanding how Nevada’s government functions, how laws are made, and how residents can engage with the process.

Overview of State Government

• **Executive Branch**: Led by the Governor and includes statewide elected officials and state agencies.
• **Legislative Branch**: The Nevada Legislature, a bicameral body that creates state laws.
• **Judicial Branch**: The Nevada court system, including the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and district courts.

Nevada’s state capital is Carson City. The current Nevada Constitution was adopted in 1864, the same year the state joined the Union.

Branches of Government

• Legislature of the State of Nevada — Bicameral body made up of the Senate and Assembly. Responsible for passing laws and the state budget.
• Governor of Nevada — The head of the executive branch. Oversees state agencies and enforces laws.
• Nevada Judiciary — Includes the Supreme Court of Nevada and lower courts that interpret state laws and ensure justice.

Local and Tribal Governments

• County and Tribal Governments in Nevada — Explains how Nevada’s 17 counties operate, along with the structure and sovereignty of Native American tribal governments.
• Cities and Municipal Governments (coming soon) — Overview of incorporated cities like Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and smaller towns that manage local services.

Elections and Civic Participation

• Nevada Elections and Voting — How residents register to vote, participate in elections, and understand election results.
• Ballot Initiatives in Nevada — Explains how voters can propose and approve new laws or constitutional amendments through the ballot process.

State Constitution and Law

• The **Nevada Constitution** is the state’s founding legal document. It defines the powers of government, rights of citizens, and rules for lawmaking.
• Nevada law is published in the **Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS)**, updated after each legislative session.

Public Access and Transparency

Nevada offers numerous tools for residents to monitor government activity:

• The Nevada Legislature website provides bill tracking, live hearings, and session archives.
• State agencies are required to follow open meeting laws and publish public records.
• The Secretary of State’s office manages election integrity, business filings, and campaign finance disclosures.

Intergovernmental Relations

Nevada works in coordination with:

• **Federal agencies**, especially on land management, defense, and public lands (over 80% of Nevada is federally owned).
• **Tribal governments**, via formal consultation processes and the Nevada Indian Commission.
• **Regional planning agencies** for water, housing, and economic development (e.g., in Clark and Washoe Counties).