GOVT 327 Discussion Board 2
In politics, the relationship is one of the most determining factors in getting stuff
done. Although the primary responsibility for most legislators is to create law, they
also have several other duties to their constituents. For this Discussion, interact in a
free-flowing discussion on the responsibilities of a state legislator. In other words,
describe, as much as possible, what else a state legislator might find in his or her
job description. You must describe the legislator’s relationship with the executive
branch, the bureaucracy, and evaluative responsibilities of the state legislator. You
must also address constituent service, identification of state priorities, and what, if
any roles legislators may have with federal funds.
Thread: 250-300 words; 1 source
2 Replies: 100 words; 1 source
The textbook states that “Legislatures engage in three principle functions: policymaking,
representation, and oversight” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 137). When it comes to
policymaking, state legislatures participate in the deliberation process including “the revision of
old, laws, the passage of new laws, and changes in spending” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p.
137). State legislatures are expected to serve their constituents by representation in two ways.
First, they are to “speak for their constituents in the legislative chamber” (Bowman & Kearney,
2018, p. 137). Second, they are to “do the will of the public in designing policy solutions”
(Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 137). Another way that state legislatures serve their constituents
is by acting as their “facilitators in state government” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 137). State
legislatures also have the responsibility of oversight. The textbook states that “Concerned that
the laws they passed and the funds they allocated frequently did not produce the intended effect,
lawmakers began to pay more attention to the performance of the state bureaucracy” (Bowman &
Kearney, 2018, p. 137). This describes the relationship that state legislatures have with
bureaucracy. This is especially important when it comes time for the state’s budget and the
annual federal budget. This helps state legislatures see where their state’s priorities need to be in
regard to federal funding. They must also have a close relationship with the executive branch of
government because it the executive branch’s job to implement the laws written by congress.
They must also work closely with the President when it comes to financial matters especially the
federal budget. Legislatures play a major role in the federal budget process as they debate and
pass legislation regarding federal funds. Relationships are everything in politics. State
legislatures have to navigate many relationships to do their job efficiently.
References
Bowman, A. & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government. 10th ed. Cengage Learning.
https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/58ee96e0-c357-4d8f-8d15-
d22ad7449391/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
REPLY 1
Hello Jordan, I really enjoyed reading your discussion board post for this week’s assignment.
You did an excellent job explain the role and responsibilities of state legislatures in a clear and
concise way. Ultimately, state legislatures are in their position to serve the public to the best of
their ability. The textbook states that they are to “do the will of the public in designing policy
solutions” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 137). Their loyalty to the public should reflect in their
relationships with the executive branch and bureaucracy. It should also reflect in their decisions
regarding policy and funding.
Reference
Bowman, A. & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government. 10th ed. Cengage Learning.
https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/58ee96e0-c357-4d8f-8d15-
d22ad7449391/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
REPLY 2
Hello Monica, I really enjoyed reading your discussion board post for this week’s assignment.
You listed and explained the roles and responsibilities of state legislatures in a clear and concise
manner. I would like to add that ultimately, state legislatures are in their position to serve the
public to the best of their ability. The textbook states that they are to “do the will of the public in
designing policy solutions” (Bowman & Kearney, 2018, p. 137). Their loyalty to the public
should reflect in their relationships with the executive branch and bureaucracy. It should also
reflect in their decisions regarding policy and funding.
Reference
Bowman, A. & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government. 10th ed. Cengage Learning.
https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/58ee96e0-c357-4d8f-8d15-
d22ad7449391/page/91d74226e220c70dd1403c4b4dd1a68a
