Government includes the people and resources—as well as departments, agencies, programs, processes, laws, rules, and regulations—that define the relationship between federal, state, and local governments and their citizens. Some legal principles have a unique application when private citizens or entities interact with their governments.

In Connecticut, as in other states, the government is composed of three branches: the executive, led by the Governor; the legislative, consisting of the General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives); and the judicial, which includes a system of courts. The state government operates various departments and agencies that implement and enforce state laws, rules, and regulations. These entities manage programs and services for the benefit of the citizens. The relationship between the government and its citizens is also governed by the U.S. Constitution, which provides a framework for federalism, allowing both the federal and state governments to have separate powers while also sharing some powers. When private citizens or entities interact with the government, they are subject to administrative law principles. These interactions can include regulatory compliance, bidding for government contracts, or challenging government decisions. Connecticut has its own set of statutes and regulations that govern these interactions, and the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures transparency and the right of access to government records. Additionally, the state has laws that protect the rights of individuals when dealing with government entities, such as due process and equal protection under the law.