The executive branch is headed by the governor, who is elected to a four-year term. The lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, treasurer, and commissioner of agriculture and commerce are also elected to four-year terms.

The Mississippi Legislature is bicameral and consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The senators serve four-year terms while representatives serve two-year terms. Both chambers are responsible for passing laws.

The Mississippi judiciary is made up of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the chancery courts, circuit courts, and justice courts. The Supreme Court is the highest in the state and consists of nine justices who are elected to eight-year terms. The Mississippi Court of Appeals is made up of fifteen judges who are elected to eight-year terms. The chancery courts hear cases involving equity, wills, trusts, adoptions, guardianships, conservatorships, and divorces. Circuit courts are Mississippi’s general trial courts and hear both criminal and civil cases. Justice courts have limited jurisdiction over minor criminal offenses and small civil claims.