Idaho was the 43rd state admitted to the US. It was admitted its statehood on July 3, 1890. Boise is the Capital City, and the state is referred to by its nickname, “The Gem State.” Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and Idaho Falls are the most populous cities in the state.

Agriculture is a major source of income for the state. Boise Idaho potatoes, as well as several other crops are cultivated and grown in the state. In addition to cultivation and agriculture, manufacturing is another major source of income for the state. Cotton, electrical manufacturing, chemicals, and technological manufacturing, are among the leading industries in the state.

Idaho still operates under its original constitution which was written in 1889.  This constitution models the federal government, with three branches of government, the legislative, executive and judicial branches.  The legislature is a bicameral body, drawing representatives from 35 districts, with each district getting one senator and two representatives.  The executive branch consists of elected constitutional officers, each elected to four-year terms.  The constitutional officers are: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Idaho state controller (Auditor before 1994), Treasurer, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

The state’s political party strength lies in the Republican party today. All current elected officials from the Governor to the auditor, state senate, US congress, and legislators, currently falls under the Republican Party control. In fact, since 1995, only three elected officials have been members of the Democratic Party (J.D Williams - Auditor, Marilyn Howard - Supt.of Public Inst., and Walt Minnick - Member of US House District). Idaho’s two congressional districts are also under Republican Control.

The judicial branch of Idaho consists of the Idaho Supreme Court, an intermediate appellate court and the Idaho Court of Appeals.  Idaho District Courts serve seven judicial districts.  The Idaho Court of Appeals hears cases assigned to it by the Idaho Supreme Court.

The National Law Review covers coming from Idaho, and the Ninth Circuit, which the state falls under the Appellate Court’s jurisdictional control. Visitors can read about agency news, healthcare industry, contract-negotiations, disability law, and employment law issues. Visitors can also read about general election news, state news, and updates from the state of Idaho on The National Law Review site.