One of the many ways state governments are obliged to control themselves is through ethics commissions. How these commissions are structured, the jurisdiction they have, how they operate and what they cover varies greatly by state.

State ethics officials handle a gamut of complaints ranging from harassment and workplace discrimination to election expenditures, lobbying gifts and potential conflicts of interest. And every state does things in its own way.

Author and entrepreneur Molly Bloom, who persevered after the loss of her athletic career and legal troubles, shares her lessons in reinvention. 

Being ethical goes beyond just following the law. Alaska’s code of ethics states the obvious: “High moral and ethical standards among public servants in the legislative branch of government are essential to assure the trust, respect,...