Overview

Legislative organization and procedure represent the structural backbone of any state legislature. There is, however, no "off the shelf" formula for creating a state legislature, and legislative assemblies in the United States illustrate the wide variety of organizational patterns. For example:

Often called the "temples of democracy," state capitols or state houses are the places where legislatures tend to the business of the people. The beauty and grandeur of these buildings add an air of importance to the work that takes place there. State legislatures, however, face great expectations for public access to government services, so capitols must be maintained, upgraded to accommodate current technology, and secured to ensure that building occupants and the public are safe. The significance of these efforts serves as a reminder of the balance that must be perpetuated in maintaining public safety for legislators and staff while also encouraging citizen participation in the legislative process.