Resumen de Parties and professionals, an exploration of turnover in U.S. state legislatures

Jordan Butcher

• Legislative turnover is a tool that helps us to understand how the legislaturefunctions and what attracts lawmakers to serve. The variation among U.S.state legislatures presents a unique opportunity to explore the factorscontributing to turnover rates. The existing research on legislativeprofessionalisation, party control, and party competition point to possiblemechanisms for member retention. This study examines the effects of thesemechanisms on turnover among the 50 states. By examining turnover, thiswork uncovers that professionals and strong parties have a place in thelegislature and encourage lengthier service, except in state lower chamberswhen there is increased district competition. This analysis lends insight intohow institutions and their restrictions can influence who serves and for howlong.