Most people know how the federal government works, but how much do you know about how your state government works? Do you know who’s in the cabinet? What powers the governor has? When can you meet with a lawmaker? We want to show you how government works in New York by answering these and other questions.

The first step is to understand the three branches of state government.

• JANUARY 9, 2019: New York State Legislative Session convenes.
• JANUARY 14, 2019: New York State Legislative Session begins.
• JANUARY 15, 2019: The governor is expected to deliver his executive budget proposal.
• APRIL 1, 2019: Final budget due.
• JUNE 19, 2019: Last scheduled legislative session date.

See the full list of the days the legislature will be in session

• New York State
• New York State Government Agencies
• New York State Assembly
• New York State Senate
• New York Court of Appeals

Errol Louis interviews political newsmakers, pundits and consultants from New York City and beyond on NY1's "Inside City Hall" program, every weeknight at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.