The following Key Offices of the State of North Carolina are established by the State Constitution, and all are elected positions. Some of these offices were created very early in colonial times by the Lords Proprietors or the Crown, and were considered to be so important that upon statehood North Carolina decided to continue them. Other offices were created much later, but were considered to be essential that they remain independent as specified in the State Constitution. Per the 1971 North Carolina Constitution, all of the leaders of these Key Offices make up the Council of State.

Click on the State Office name for more information, including a brief explanation of the Department, its history, and all previous leaders.