128 Assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts to a one-year term, the whole Assembly being renewed annually.

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

The Legislature met for the regular session at the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 7, 1851; and adjourned on April 17.

On April 17, twelve Democratic state senators resigned, leaving the Senate without the necessary quorum of two-thirds to pass "An Act to provide for the completion of the Erie canal enlargement, and the Black River and Genesee Valley canals".

Six of the resigned senators were re-elected; five vacancies were filled with men who later voted for the passage of the bill; and one election resulted in a tie.

On July 2, the Whig majority admitted their party fellow Wiliam J. Gilbert to the vacant seat.

Caleb Lyon and Moses P. Hatch changed from the Assembly to the Senate between the regular and the special session.