Description
Book SynopsisWhy Are You Here? A Primer for State Legislators and Citizens is a challenge to Americaâs 7,382 state legislators and their constituents to critically examine their state legislature and take appropriate action to improve it.
Trade ReviewIt's a book that should be on the desks of 253 state House and Senate members. . . .Why Are You Here?: A Primer for State Legislators and Citizens, by former Sen. Franklin Kury, touches on virtually every aspect of what legislators should be thinking. * Pittsburgh Tribune-Review *
"Why Are You Here?" is a pep talk for state lawmakers and the constituents they serve-- an effort to bolster the work of legislatures at a time when they need it most. Diligently navigating some of the states' most pressing problems, Kury provides a concise, yet enduringly rich, source of knowledge and advice for anyone interested in the legislative process.... In just 100 pages, he covers a lot of ground, from the constitutional foundations of legislative government to the ethical dilemmas lawmakers are bound to face in office.... Whether consumed in an afternoon or consulted on a need-to-know basis, "Why Are You Here?" is both a trove of personal knowledge and expertise and a practical guide to the ins and outs of legislative practice. * State Legislatures Magazine *
[This book is] a treasure trove of information on how state legislatures operate that will provide students from high school to college. . . .[The book] should be required reading for any who would enter legislative office and for any high school to college-age student who would better understand its workings. * Midwest Book Review *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: A Handbook for Action PART ONE: ORIGINS AND PURPOSES Chapter One: The Constitutional Basis Chapter Two: The Work and Nature of Legislatures PART TWO: SOURCES OF DISCONTENT Chapter Three: Personal Benefits versus Public Service Chapter Four: Scandal and Ethics Questions Chapter Five: Expenditures of Money Meant to Influence Chapter Six: Apportioning State Legislative and U.S. Congressional Districts PART THREE: THE ULTIMATE QUESTION–WHY ARE YOU HERE AT YOUR STATE CAPITOL? Chapter Seven: Legislators Chapter Eight: Constituents PART FOUR: THE LEGISLATIVE TOOLBOX A.Online and Organization Information Sources B.Bibliography and Suggestions for Further Reading C.Readings for the Legislative Spirit 1.Article 61 of Magna Carta 2.Burke’s Bristol Constituency Speech (excerpt) 3.The Declaration of Independence 4.De Tocqueville’s Comments on American State Legislatures. 5.Legislative Corruption in Montana (Montana Supreme Court Opinion Excerpt) 6.Amanda Holt on Legislative Redistricting ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PHOTO CREDITS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX
