Building Democracy: The Story of Legislatures | Episode 5

Overview

NCSL’s Our American States podcast presents a special six-part series, “Building Democracy: The Story of Legislatures.” This new mini-series covers the history, characters and stories of state legislatures in America, from the beginnings in Jamestown, to the present day and into the future.

Each episode in the series will contain interviews with experts from inside and outside the legislative world to provide a comprehensive view of historical events and their legacy in today’s legislatures. Extras will include extended guest interview clips, articles in NCSL’s State Legislatures magazine, blogs and resources for those who want to dive deeper into topics covered in the podcast.

Episode 5

The fifth installment of NCSL’s six-episode podcast series takes place in the not-too-distant past. The work of legislating changed dramatically between the 1960s and the 1990s, resulting in more responsive and representative legislatures.

By the early 1900s, legislatures had become increasingly dependent upon the executive branch, decreasing their coequal status in state government. Beginning in the late ’50s and early ’60s, demands on legislatures grew and lawmakers and their constituencies became more diverse.

In response to 20th-century challenges, lawmakers began to spend more time on the job, with sessions getting longer and more frequent, often including interim work. These changes, along with exponential increases in the number of legislative staff, brought the work of legislators and the mission of legislative institutions into a new age.

Delve into the characters, stories and organizations that believed in representative democracy and the legislative institution enough to come together and study, innovate and create stronger legislatures.

Guests

• Representative Senfronia Thompson, Texas | Bio
• Former Senator Fred Risser, Wisconsin | Bio
• E. Dotson Wilson, former chief clerk, California State Assembly | Bio
• Speaker Bryan Cutler, Pennsylvania | Bio
• Bill Pound, former executive director, NCSL | Bio

Additional Resources

• Building Democracy: Episode 5 | Transcript (coming soon)
• Building Democracy: Episode 5 | Show Notes (coming soon)
• Building Democracy: Episode 5 | Resources and Reading List
• Women in Legislatures
• Legislator Demographics