Constituent Perceptions of the Legislative Process

In an era when many state legislatures are under-resourced, they increasingly rely on external actors for policy expertise. Externally drafted legislation (by bureaucrats or interest groups) is very common in U.S. State Previous research shows that voters are skeptical of legislation drafted by lobbyists or other outside groups and there is public disdain for these groups. This study explores how public opinion respond to the involvement of non-legislative actors in the drafting of state legislation. The rationale for this study stems from increasing concern over democratic legitimacy and transparency in state policymaking. This study measures existing perceptions of how legislation is drafted and how public opinion shifts under different combinations of partisanship and outside interest groups.