Delaware has had four state constitutions, adopted in 1776, 1792, 1831, and 1897. Under the 1897 document, as amended (136 times by January 2003), the legislative branch is the general assembly, consisting of a 21-member senate and a 41-member house of representatives. Annual legislative sessions begin in January and must conclude by 30 June. The presiding officers of both houses may issue a joint call for a special session, which is not limited in length. Senators are elected for four years, representatives for two. Members of the house must be at least 24 years old; senators must be 27. All legislators must have been residents of the state for three years and must have lived in their district for one year prior to election. Legislators earned $33,400 annually in 2002.
Delaware's elected executives are the governor and lieutenant governor (separately elected), treasurer, attorney general, and comptroller. All serve four-year terms. The governor, who may be reelected only once, must be at least 30 years old and must have been a US citizen for 12 years and a state resident for six years before taking office. In 2002 the governor's salary was $114,000. The legislature may override a gubernatorial veto by a three-fifths vote of the elected members of each house. A bill that the governor fails to sign or veto becomes law after 10 days (Sundays excluded) when the legislature is in session. An amendment to the state constitution must be approved by a two-thirds vote in each house of the general assembly in two successive sessions with an election intervening; Delaware is the only state in which amendments need not be ratified by the voters.
Voters in Delaware must be US citizens, at least 18 years old, and permanent state residents. Restrictions apply to convicted felons and those declared mentally incompetent by the court.