Delaware

Delaware is a state of the United States. It is known as the "First State" because it was the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution, thus making it the first state in the union. Ratification occurred on December 7, 1787.

Law and government

Delaware's fourth and current constitution was adopted in 1897 and provides for executive, judicial and legislative bodies. The legislative body consists of a House of Representatives with 41 members and a Senate with 21 members. The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Delaware and the judicial branch provides for a hierarchy of courts with the state Supreme Court being the highest.

Related Topics:
1897 - Governor of Delaware

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The present governor of Delaware is Ruth Ann Minner (Democrat). The lieutenant governor is John C. Carney. Delaware is also one of the few states (California being another) that elect the governor and lieutenant governor separately. Delaware's U.S. Senators are Joseph R. Biden (Democrat) and Thomas R. Carper (Democrat). Delaware's single US Representative is former Governor, Michael N. Castle (Republican).

Related Topics:
Ruth Ann Minner - John C. Carney - Joseph R. Biden - Thomas R. Carper - Michael N. Castle

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See: List of Delaware Governors

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Delaware only has 3 counties: Kent County, New Castle County, and Sussex County. See: List of counties in Delaware

Related Topics:
Kent County - New Castle County - Sussex County - List of counties in Delaware

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Delaware is not dominated by either major political party but it now tends to vote Democratic in presidential elections, having done so in the last four contests. John Kerry won the state's 3 electoral votes in 2004 with a margin of 8 percentage points and 53.4% of the vote. The Philadelphia suburbs of New Castle County vote Democratic, while Dover and Sussex County are mostly Republican.

Related Topics:
2004 - Philadelphia

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Delaware has one of the few remaining Courts of Chancery in the nation, which has jurisdiction over equity cases.

Related Topics:
Chancery - Equity

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Delaware is considered to have the most business-friendly legal system in the United States, and therefore a majority of publicly traded companies are incorporated in Delaware. Delaware Division of Corporations website

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