This very accessible book tackles some of the most difficult issues students face when studying Congress and state legislatures. It examines theoretical arguments on the nature of representation, the election process, and leadership battles, with a sharp focus on state legislative process and a critical examination of the election process. The book presents topics without overwhelming students with high-end statistical analysis. Articles taken from journals, press, and trade books provide access to scholarship and commentary that will allow students to make informed judgements about the performance of the U.S. Congress and the various state legislatures.