New
Jersey Economy and Government |
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Governor: Richard J. Codey, Acting Governor
Entered the Union: December 18, 1787 as the 3rd state New
Jersey sends 13 representatives and 2 senators to the U.S. Congress New
Jersey's largest industry is chemical production New Jersey is home to over 8300
farms, Tourists spend at least $17
billion each year in New Jersey. New Jersey is an important link
between major cities |
There are three branches to New Jersey's government. The chief of the Executive branch is the Governor. The governor's office is located in the State House in Trenton. The governor signs bills into law or vetoes them. The governor can also recommend laws and call the legislature into special session. The governor has the power to grant pardons and is the only person with the authority to call in the National Guard. The governor's official residence is a mansion called Drumthwacket, located in Princeton. To become governor a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 20 years and a New Jersey resident for seven years prior to the election. The Senate and General Assembly make up the Legislative branch. The Senate has 40 members, and the General Assembly has 80 members. One senator and two assembly members are elected from each of the 40 districts of New Jersey. The Senate and Assembly chambers are located in the State House in Trenton. The Legislature's main job is to enact laws. The Legislature can also propose amendments to the New Jersey Constitution. A legislator must live in the district he or she represents. Senators have to be at least 30 and have to live in New Jersey for at least four years before they are elected. Members of the Assembly must be at least 21 and state residents for two years. The Judicial
branch decides how state laws should be applied. The governor
appoints judges to the Supreme and Superior courts with the Senate's
approval. The judges serve seven-year terms, but after they have been
re-appointed once, they can serve until they are 70. |
Economy New Jersey is known for its industry, agriculture and tourism, and as a major transportation center. The state is noted for producing chemicals and pharmaceuticals, machinery and lots of other products, including electronic equipment, printed materials and processed foods. It has many oil refineries. New Jersey is a leader in industrial research and development. Telecommunications and biotechnology are major industries in the state, Princeton has developed into a high-tech center. New Jersey is also a huge agricultural state. The southern part of the state is known for its cranberry and blueberry production, while the central and northern parts are known for fruits and vegetables. New Jersey is 2nd in the production of blueberries and 4th in the production of peaches. Dairy products, eggs and poultry are also important. More than half of the clams caught in the United States come from New Jersey. New Jersey has a well-known vacation industry with ocean beaches, inland lakes, forests and mountain resort areas. Atlantic City is one of the largest visitor destinations in the state. New Jersey has a tremendous transportation system, including the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, Newark Airport, and two important seaports, Elizabeth and Newark. |
