The Governor is the constitutional head of the State and appointed for a period of five years. The Governor seldom exercises his authority directly except under extraordinary circumstances. The council of ministers exercise all the executive powers of the state.

The council is assisted by the Secretariat headed by a secretary to the Governor. The State legislature consists of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly consist of 224 members with one member nominated by the Governor to represent the Anglo-Indian community. The term of office of the members is five years and the term of a member elected to the council is six years.

The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor and the other ministers are appointed on his advice. The Council of Ministers, the Cabinet, consists of Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers. The Chief Secretary, the head of the administrative services assists the Chief Minister in administrative responsibilities.