States, cities & tribes
state legislature
The lawmaking body of a state. All are bicameral except Nebraska's, which is unicameral and formally nonpartisan.
In full
State legislatures pass state law, set state budgets, draw district maps in most states, and confirm many gubernatorial appointments. They vary enormously in professionalism: some meet year-round with full-time staff, others meet for a few weeks every other year and pay members a token salary, which shapes who can afford to serve.
Also written as: general assembly, unicameral
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.