California's government operates under a representative/democratic/republican system. The state/governing/central authority is comprised of three distinct branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. At the helm of the executive branch stands the Governor, elected/appointed/designated to lead the state for a term of four years. The legislatu
From its origins as a Mexican territory, California's journey to statehood was a remarkable saga. Driven by dreams of gold, thousands flocked to the territory, transforming its landscape and society. This influx of people fueled a rapid growth, ultimately culminating in California's secession from Mexico as the 31st state on September 9, 1850. Th
Trying to find out how many counties are in California? You’re not alone. Be it for research, a road-trip map, or pub-quiz glory, the answer—58—comes up again and again, and stillthat short answer barely scratches the surface. California’s counties form an incredibly diverse mosaic: surf-washed beach cities, pine-covered mountain regio