The Colorado General Assembly

This book provides a lively and informative portrayal and analysis of Colorado's state legislature. Based upon documentary materials and more than two decades of direct observation by the author, the book combines treatment of the organisational structure and processes with the politics of the institution. New to this second edition is Straayer's treatment of two recent and highly consequential political developments in Colorado, namely, term limits and the so-called 'taxpayer bill of rights' (TABOR). Term limits have seriously affected both elections and leadership. Meanwhile, TABOR has had an enormous impact upon state policy and the legislature itself, and is discussed in the context of the legislature's Joint Budget Committee which is the General Assembly's most powerful committee. The only book of its kind, this book is sure to be the standard work on the topic for years to come.

John A. Straayer is Professor of Political Science at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.