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Since becoming a state in 1863, West Virginians have been determined to preserve and perpetuate a strong government for the common welfare and security of our state.
 
State Flag: The design of the present state flag was officially adopted by the Legislature on March 7, 1929 by Senate Joint Resolution 18. Prominently displayed on the pure white field of today's flag and emblazoned in proper colors is the State Coat of Arms, the lower half of which is wreathed by Rhododendron. Across the top, lettered on a ribbon, is the constitutional designation - State of West Virginia. The white field is bordered on four sides by a strip of blue, and for parade purposes, all but the staff side are to be trimmed with gold fringe.
 
State Seal: Adopted by the Legislature on September 26, 1863, the Great Seal of West Virginia, which also is the Coat of Arms, symbolizes the principal pursuits and resources of West Virginia. The obverse side of the Seal bears the legend,State of West Virginia, together with the motto, Montani Semper Liberi(Mountaineers Are Always Free); a farmer stands to the right and a miner to the left of a large ivy-draped rock bearing the date of the state's admission to the Union, and in front of the rock are two hunters' rifles upon which rests a Phrygian Cap, or "Cap of Liberty." The Seal was designed by Joseph H. Diss Debar of Doddridge County at the request of the first West Virginia Legislature.
 
State Day: On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln approved the Statehood Bill for West Virginia, on the condition that the new state would gradually abolish slavery. West Virginia was proclaimed a state on April 20, 1863, with the bill becoming effective 60 days later (June 20, 1863).
 
State Songs: The West Virginia Hills, This is My West Virginia and West Virginia, My HomeSweet Home were designated as the official state songs of West Virginia, each ranking equally with others in official status, on February 28, 1963.
 
ABOUT YOUR STATE CAPITOL

Architect: Cass Gilbert                                              

Completed: February 1932                                        
 
Original Cost: $9,491,180

Grounds: 16 acres

Floor Space: 535,000 square feet

Outside Walls: 700 loads of Buff Indiana limestone

Interior: Main Unit: Imperial Danby Vermont Marble 

Wings: Tennessee marble

Floors: White Vermont Marble and Italian travertine

Chandelier: Czechoslovakian-imported crystal weighing two tons; 15,000 candle power; 179 feet, 9 inches from the floor; 54-foot gold chain lowered byhand winch at a set speed, requiring 3-1/2 hours to lower and 4-1/2 hours to return to stationary position. It is lowered for cleaning every four years prior to the gubernatorial inauguration.

How many members serve in the West Virginia Legislature?
What are their term limits?
West Virginia has a bicameral Legislature comprised of 134 members - 34 Senators and 100 Delegates. They are part-time, citizen lawmakers elected by the people.

Representing 17 districts, members of the Senate serve four-year terms with half of those seats up for election every two years. The presiding officer is the President who is formally elected by the Senate membership. In addition to Senate oversight duties, the President is the second ranking constitutional officer in West Virginia. He or she succeeds the office of Governor in the event of a vacancy.

Members of the House of Delegates represent 58 districts. They are elected for two-year terms with all of the seats up for election every two years. The Speaker is the presiding officer and is formally elected by the members of the House. He or she is the state's third ranking constitutional officer and is third in line of succession for the office of Governor.
 
When does the Legislature meet?
The Legislature meets for 60 consecutive days, usually beginning the second Wednesday in January. In years with a Gubernatorial Election, the 60-day Regular Legislative Session begins the second Wednesday in February.