The Lawmakers

The oratory that boomed across the legislative halls of the country's State capitols last week was rich and idiomatic, troubled with thought and sprinkled with barnyard humor. But it was also more than that: better than the voices in Congress, it reflected the temper of the U.S. people in all its variety.

State Legislatures sometimes represent democracy at its shallowest, its most corrupt. (In Missouri, two years ago, a member offered to sell his vote for a $35 suit, with two pairs of pants.) But in wrestling with the great & small problems which the Constitution reserved to the States, the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!