The seat of government of the state of Nevada lies in the Nevada State Capitol. Located at the heart of Carson City, this Neoclassical Italianate structure has been a major landmark in the city. Unlike the towering capitols of the other states, this Alaskan marble capitol does not feature a big dome or giant columns. Constructed between 1869 and 1871, the capitol was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places on June 10, 1975.

The capitol compounds house the three branches of the Nevada government. These three shared the main building for more than 50 years until 1937, when the Supreme Court moved to the adjacent building. The Nevada Legislature convened in the capitol before it relocated to the new Legislative Building. In the 20th century, prominent Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps was commissioned to design the north and south annexes of the legislative wing.