Colonial Government

• Holland established the province of New Netherland in 1621, in the area of present-day New York. The Dutch West India Company formed the government of New Netherland. Representatives of this government, such as the first Director-General Peter Minuit, were all company employees.
  
  When New Netherlands surrendered to England in 1664, it was renamed "New York." Under English rule, the colonists eventually won the right to have a say in their own governance. They formed the first permanent Colonial Assembly of New York in 1691.
  
  

Post-Revolutionary Government

• In the weeks following the Declaration of Independence, New York Colonial leaders held a convention in White Plains, New York, in order to form a constitution. The document was finally adopted in April of 1777. That same year, the New York State Legislature came into being. A bicameral, or "two house" system, it consisted of a 70 member Assembly and a 24 member Senate.
  
  

The New York Bill of Rights

• The New York Bill of Rights was enacted on January 26, 1787. In it, citizens were assured of protection against unfair imprisonment, inappropriate fines or burdensome taxes. They were guaranteed the right to bear arms and form militias. The Bill of Rights also protected citizens against forced military quartering and allowed for due process of law. Later additions included rights for jurors.
  
  

NY State Government Today

• The Executive branch of government oversees 20 departments, while the judicial branch includes trial courts, appellate courts and the State Supreme Court. In the legislative branch, citizens elect 62 senators and 150 assembly members.
  
  New York has initiated many reforms. In 1867, it proposed black suffrage. Although the measure was defeated, it denoted the tone of many progressives in government. New York gave women the right to vote three years before the 19th amendment granted women's suffrage nationally. In 2001, New York passed laws aimed at combating terrorism.
  
  

New York Device of Arms

• The New York Device of Arms, or Coat of Arms as it is more commonly called, was officially adopted in 1778. On either side stand two female figures, "Liberty" and "Justice." An American eagle stands atop a globe. In the center shield, the sun rises behind a mountain and overlooks the river. Below the shield is a banner with the state's motto, "Excelsior." Translated from Latin, it means, "Ever Upward."
  
  The New York Coat of Arms is used on the official seal of New York and all other important documents and letterheads. It is the symbol most associated with New York State government.