The Assembly districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards,[1] forming a contiguous area, all within the same county.

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Judge of the Court of Appeals, was: Republican 391,000; Democratic 356,000; Greenback 75,000;[2] and Prohibition 4,000.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 7, 1879; and adjourned on May 22.

The New Capitol was then still under construction, being finished only in 1899; and the Senate met for the time being in the Court of Appeals chamber.

Due to heavy snowfall, many members had not arrived yet from the Western parts of the State, and the Legislature adjourned.