The US state located in the Appalachian region is the 10th smallest US state by area, and 38th by population. Following the Wheeling Convention in 1861 West Virginia was admitted to the Union after the start of the American Civil War. West Virginia broke away from Virginia, and became the 35th state admitted on June 20, 1863. The state was the first to break away from a Confederate state and one of two states admitted during the Civil War.

The state is known for its diverse geography and topographical features. It is known for mining and logging industries, political stances and labor history. The state is also known for the many outdoor activities from whitewater rafting, to mountain biking, backpacking, rafting, rock climbing, and hunting, among others.

West Virginia’s economy is extremely diversified. The state has several coal mines, and is known for timber production. The state greatly benefits from the tourism industry. The Snowshoe Mountains, Harpers Ferry, Morgantown, Charleston, the Cass Scenic Railroad, and Seneca Caverns, are among the many visited destinations by tourists annually. Chemicals industries, biochemical development, energy, coal, aerospace, forestry, healthcare, and government-sector jobs, are also prominent contributors to the state’s economy.

The capital city of West Virginia is Charleston, and this is the seat of the state government.  The state divides political power between three branches, the executive, the legislative and the judicial branch. 

The West Virginia Legislature has two houses: The House of Delegates and the Senate.  Both houses are citizen’s legislatures, which means representatives do not work full-time, and usually have other work in their communities. 

The executive branch is led by the governor, who is elected every four years at the same time as the US President.  The Lieutenant Governor is not elected but assigned by statute to the Senate President.

The judicial branch divides the state into 31 judicial circuit, with each circuit including at least one county.  The judges are elected in partisan elections, and serve eight-year terms.  The West Virginia high court is known as the Supreme Court of Appeals.  The state’s constitution allows for the creation of an Intermediate Level court; however, the legislature has not created one, and as a result, the Supreme Court of Appeals is one of the busiest courts of its kind in the country.  Justices are elected to this court to serve 12 year terms.

West Virginia is included in the Federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The state currently contributes 5 electoral votes to elections.

Labor and employment law, tax, bankruptcy cases, medical marijuana legislation, and federal and state government agency news and local legislation, are among the stories covered by the National Law Review for online visitors. The free, online resource, provides visitors the latest and most significant news and stories from the state, which not only affect residents, and surrounding states, but also affect the and the country as a whole.