Drawing on the pulling together a massive amount of data, state-specific examples, and the most current scholarship, State Legislatures Today examines the theoretical and practical roles of the state legislature as both a policymaking institution and a historical foundation for the United States Congress. Squire and Moncrief examine the myriad differences amongst state legislatures while utilizing the United States Congress as a touchstone for additional comparison and contrast. Written in a highly accessible, often entertaining style, State Legislatures Today draws students into an analysis of: The professionalization of legislatures over time Factors in the decision-making process of legislators Structured and unstructured public opinion and its effects on legislators The relationship between legislatures and bureaucracies Features: Pulling current scholarship and data from a vast array of resources, State Legislatures Today provides a one-stop source for relevant information on state legislatures "Under the Domes" vignettes illustrate major themes and concepts of each chapter by offering case studies, personal stories, or vignettes that also provide texture and human dimension to the subject Thorough notes section at the end of each chapter gives students a trove of resources for further research Book jacket.