Connecticut was one of the 13 colonies that adopted the U.S. Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. It became the 5th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution January 9, 1788.

Connecticut is divided into eight counties. The counties are divided into townships, called towns, which have very strong governments. In 1955, all county governments were abolished in favor of the town governments. Scattered throughout most towns are villages which have no government of their own. Municipalities are classified as boroughs and cities. Boroughs remain part of their respective towns, or townships, while cities are formed from one or more former towns. See Introduction.