Now we start looking at the "branches" of government.  Just like in the federal system, there are three: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.  We'll start with the branch that, at least in theory, is supposed to write laws (the "policy-making branch", as we like to call it).  It is also, one could argue, the branch that is the most representative of the people. 

Textbook Reading

Chapter 6 (Parts 6.A through 6.C)

Instructor Notes

Legislatures - Lecture Notes

Outside Links

Redistricting Powerpoint (by Mark L. Johnson)

Legislative Sessions in the States (CSG Book of the States - 2019)

Legislator Compensation - 2020 (National Conference of State Legislatures)

Salary Council wrestles with question of legislator pay (MinnPost - 2017)

Full and Part-Time Legislatures (National Conference of State Legislatures)

What I Wish I Knew - Part 1 (NCSL Our American States podcast - Jan 2019) (transcript on page)

What I Wish I Knew - Part 2 (NCSL Our American States podcast - Jan 2019) (transcript on page)

Two DFL State Senators quit caucus; become independents (Minn Public Radio - Nov 2020)

State Legislatures and Polarization (Measuring American Legislatures blog - 2013)

Updated Polarization Plot for 2015-2016 (Measuring American Legislatures blog - 2016)

Unit Assignments

Legislatures Quiz

State Legislatures Essay

State Legislator Term Limits - CS

State Legislator Term Lengths - CS

Legislative Sessions - CS

State Legislative Districts - CS

NCSL classification - CS