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 |
State Legislator Term Limits - CS State Legislator Term Lengths - CS |