The State Archives takes over, organises, indexes and preserves the records of the three state authorities (Grand Council, Government Council, Supreme Court/Administrative Court) and their subordinate bodies as well as the cantonal administration (central administration, schools, institutions). It advises the departments that are required to submit records on the organisation of their registries and supports them in the performance of their duties. It preserves the archives of the state entities before 1803, acquires private archives of historical importance and promotes historical research in the canton. It runs the archive service for municipalities as a company. The State Archives ensure - that legal and property claims can be asserted at any time on the basis of original documents. It thus makes a decisive contribution to legal security in the canton; - that parliament, government and administration as well as the courts always have access to documents produced in the past. It thus makes an important contribution to continuous state activity; - that the activities of the state authorities remain comprehensible to the public. It thus creates the conditions for democratic control that goes beyond current events; - that historical research can be conducted. It thus makes a contribution to the cultural identity of the people of Thurgau that should not be underestimated.