State Legislatures

I.        Historical Trends

    A.    1780's to Early 1800's

    B.    Jacksonian Democratization

    C.    The Gilded Age of Corruption

    D.    Twentieth Century Reform

    E.    Revitalization

II.        Functions

    A.    Policymaking - Enacting Laws

    B.    Representation

    C.    Constituency Service

    D.    Oversight

III.        Legislative Procedures

    A.    Sessions

    B.    Formulation and Introduction

    C.    Committees

    D.    Floor Action

    E.    Gubernatorial Leadership & Review

IV.        The Legislative Environment

    A.    Norms

    B.    Cue Taking

    C.    Leadership

    D.    Partisan Division

V.    Member Profiles

    A.    S.E.S.

        1.    Occupation

        2.    Income

        3.    Education

    B.    Professional/Amateur Nature -- Analysis

    C.    Women and Minorities

    D.    Incumbent Advantages

VI.        Parties and Legislatures

    A.    Varieties of State Party Division

        1.    One-Party States

        2.    Two-Party States

    B.    Party Composition and Control - Map

V.        Legislative Districting:  Law  (California; Colorado Constitutional Requirements - #45)

    A.    Standards

    B.    Processes

    C.    Gerrymandering

        1.    Partisan

        2.    Racial

    C.    Impact

Key Web Sites

National Conference of State Legislatures

Council of State Governments

Glossary of Legislative Terms

State Sites Related to
Legislative Districts and Redistricting

Internet Sites of the State Legislatures

Useful Web Links