In this lesson plan, students are assigned a member of the California Assembly to research and a political faction to represent. Students examine representative bills voted on by the California Assembly to determine if their member's voting record coincides with the views of their political faction. Ultimately, students must decide whether, and…

States that the modern governor is a "new breed" of policy activist and skilled manager, leading revitalized state governments. Describes the forces that have transformed the governor's office and state legislatures. Concludes that state governors are more influential because state governments are better equipped for the task of…