State Legislatures: Structure and Function

• The legislature in some states is called the general assembly, but most states call it the legislature.

How Legislatures Function

• State lawmaking bodies vary in name and size.
• New Hampshire, one of the nation's smallest states in area and population, has the largest legislature with more than 400 members.
• Nebraska has the smallest legislature, with only 49 members.
• Every state possesses a bicameral legislature, except Nebraska.
• A bicameral legislature consists of an upper house, known as the senate, and a lower house, generally referred to as the house of representatives.
• Senators usually serve four-year terms, while representatives serve two-year terms.
• Members must be American citizens and live in the district they represent.
• Representatives must be at least 18 years old in most states.
• The minimum age for senators ranges from 18 to 30.
• Originally, service in the state legislature required little time, but membership in the legislature has become a demanding job as state governments have gained more responsibilities.
• Some legislatures now meet year-round, and pay for members, making it more suited to the level of work.
• The Constitution gives the legislative branch - Congress - the power to make laws.
• State legislatures operate much like the U.S. Congress.
• Each house has a leader: a speaker of the house directs business in the house of representatives, and a president does the same in the senate.
• The majority political party selects the house speaker, and where the lieutenant governor does not preside over the senate, the majority party picks the senate president.
• Leaders greatly influence proposed legislation.