The books in this kit explain the history of the government of New York state, beginning with the Iroquois League and its constitution. England ruled the colony of New York until the colonies declared their independence in 1776. When New York became a state, it set up its wn government by writing a constitution and electing a governor. Today, New York has three branches of government just as the national government does: executive, legislative, and judicial. New York City, like other cities in New York, has a mayor and a city council to run the city. (class set of books/teacher's guide/12 map trancparencies/ map activities blackline masters/big book with guide).