Austria's nine states (Bundesländer) form the country's primary administrative division and possess significant constitutional autonomy within the federal system. Each state maintains its own government, consisting of a governor (Landeshauptmann) and parliament (Landtag), with legislative authority over matters not explicitly reserved for the federal government. The states handle regional administration including local planning, construction regulations, healthcare facilities, social services, and parts of the education system. They also supervise the districts and municipalities within their boundaries, manage regional infrastructure projects, and maintain their own police forces. This decentralized structure reflects Austria's federal character, balancing national unity with regional self-governance and allowing states to address local needs while coordinating with federal policies on taxation, defense, and foreign affairs.