California State Capitol
Learn about California's government center where laws are made and the state's history is preserved!
What is the California State Capitol?
The California State Capitol is the official seat of government for the state of California. This is where our state's leaders work to create and pass laws that affect everyone living in California. The Capitol building is located in Sacramento, which is California's capital city.
The Capitol is more than just a building—it's where our state's legislature meets. The legislature is made up of elected officials who represent different parts of California. They discuss important issues and decide on new laws. The Capitol also houses the office of the Governor, who is the leader of California's executive branch.
Did You Know?
The California State Capitol building was completed in 1874 and has been the center of California's government ever since!
Location in Sacramento
The California State Capitol is located in Sacramento, which became California's capital city in 1854. Sacramento is situated in Northern California, about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco. The Capitol building sits at the west end of Capitol Park, a beautiful 40-acre garden with trees from around the world.
Sacramento was chosen as the capital because of its central location and its importance during the Gold Rush. Before Sacramento, California had several other capital cities, including Monterey, San Jose, and Vallejo. The Capitol building we see today was constructed between 1860 and 1874.
1849
California's first constitutional convention was held in Monterey
1854
Sacramento became the permanent capital of California
1874
The current Capitol building was completed after 14 years of construction
The California Legislature
The California Legislature is the part of government that makes laws for our state. It is made up of two separate groups called "houses":
- State Assembly: This is the lower house with 80 members who serve 2-year terms
- State Senate: This is the upper house with 40 members who serve 4-year terms
Together, these two houses are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on bills that can become California state laws. For a bill to become law, it must pass both houses and then be signed by the Governor. The Legislature meets in the Capitol building in Sacramento for most of the year.
California State Government
California's state government has three separate branches, just like the federal government:
Legislative Branch
Makes the laws (State Assembly and Senate)
Executive Branch
Enforces the laws (Governor and state agencies)
Judicial Branch
Interprets the laws (Courts and judges)
This system of separating power into three branches is called "separation of powers." It helps ensure that no single part of government becomes too powerful. The Capitol building primarily houses the legislative branch and the Governor's office (executive branch).
Capitol Building Tours
The California State Capitol offers guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about our state's government and history. These tours are available on weekdays and are led by knowledgeable guides who can answer questions about the building and how government works.
Construction Begins
Work started on the Capitol building we see today
Building Completed
The Capitol building was finished after 14 years of construction
Restoration
A major restoration project returned the Capitol to its original appearance
Public Access
The Capitol welcomes thousands of visitors each year for tours and to observe government in action
During a Capitol tour, visitors can see the beautiful rotunda with its impressive dome, visit the legislative chambers where laws are made, and explore the Capitol Museum which showcases California's history. The surrounding Capitol Park features monuments, memorials, and gardens with plants from around the world.
California State Capitol Quiz
Test your knowledge about the California State Capitol! Answer all 5 questions to see how much you've learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the California State Capitol:
Capitol Trivia
Discover amazing facts about the California State Capitol!
Architectural Style
The Capitol is built in the Neoclassical style, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. This style was chosen to represent democracy and civic virtue.
Capitol Park
The Capitol sits within a 40-acre park that features over 200 types of trees from around the world, including rare specimens like the Camphor tree planted in 1870.
Impressive Dome
The Capitol's dome rises 210 feet above the ground floor and weighs over 6.5 million pounds! It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in California.
Temporary Capitols
Before Sacramento became the permanent capital, California had several temporary capitals including San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia between 1850-1854.
