Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, building had started on Maryland's

state legislature. It was there where the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris,

ending the Revolutionary War. A combination of colonial brick and classical columns,

with just a hint of a dome, that early statehouse helped to define what American democracy

looks like. The classical motifs were meant to link the young country to ancient ideas

of democracy and republicanism. Over time, other statehouses took that style and adapted

it. It's in these statehouses that ideas, well beyond architectural symbolism, have been

debated, tested, and copied. Now, a new generation of arguments is taking place, especially

on the right. I'm Charlotte Howard. This is checks and balance from the economist.

Each week, we take one big theme, shaping American politics and explore it in depth.

Today, what do state legislatures tell us about the Republican agenda?

While the Capitol in Washington might face gridlock, across the country, state houses are getting

to work. In more capitals, a single party has control, and their debates provide a window

into their broader priorities. For states led by Republicans, dockets are dominated by bills

related to abortion, identity, and kids. Is this culture war all consuming? What will be the

impact of these bills? And as the National Party dithers over its agenda, what does action on the

state level say about the future of the GOP? Today, we are joined by Adrice Colloon in Washington,

D.C. and Alexandra Suech-Bass, who's our correspondent in Texas. How are you both?

Thank you. Good to be here. It's always fun. Thanks for letting me drop by.

And Adrice, you've just come back from a week in Florida. How is that?

It was very warm, very delightful. When I left D.C., it was pouring rain and nearly freezing,

and then Miami was heavenly weather. So that was nice, but the work was also interesting as well.

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