The State Legislature Branch
A state legislature is responsible for making laws that govern the state. The powers of a state legislature vary depending on the state but generally include the authority to:
- Enact laws and regulations that govern the state
- Approve the state budget and appropriate funds for state programs and services
- Oversee state agencies and their administration of state laws and regulations
- Represent the interests and concerns of their constituents in the state capital
- Impeach and remove state officials from office
- Approve or reject appointments made by the governor
- Approve constitutional amendments and changes to state laws
- Create and dissolve state agencies
- Draw the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts.
It should be noted that the structure of state legislatures also varies from state to state, some have a unicameral legislature (one body) and others have a bicameral one, with a lower and upper chamber.