Current anatomical models of the cortico-basal ganglia (BG) network predict reciprocal discharge patterns between the external and internal segments of the globus pallidus (GPe and GPi respectively), as well as cortical driving of BG activity. However, physiological studies revealing similarity in the transient responses of GPe and GPi neurons cast doubts on these predictions. Here, we studied the discharge properties of GPe, GPi and primary motor cortex neurons of two monkeys in two distinct states: when eyes are open vs. when they are closed. Both pallidal populations exhibited decreased discharge rates in the "eye closed" state accompanied by elevated values of the coefficient variation (CV) of their inter-spike interval (ISI) distributions. The pallidal modulations in discharge patterns were partially attributable to larger fractions of longer ISIs in the "eye closed" state. In addition, the pallidal discharge modulations were gradual, starting prior to closing of the eyes. Cortical neurons, as opposed to pallidal neurons, increased their discharge rates steeply upon closure of the eyes. Surprisingly, the cortical rate modulations occurred after pallidal modulations. However, as in the pallidum, the CV values of cortical ISI distributions increased in the "eye closed" state, indicating a more bursty discharge pattern in that state. Thus, changes in GPe and GPi discharge properties were positively correlated suggesting that the sub-thalamic nucleus and/or the striatum are the main common driving force for both pallidal segments. Furthermore, the early, unexpected changes in the pallidum are better explained by a subcortical rather than a cortical loop through the BG.