Despite all the media and public attention that is devoted to policy debates in Washington, DC, not all the political action in America is in the nation’s capitol. Some of the most important issues that affect our lives on a day-to-day basis are routinely influenced by the political decisions made in state legislatures. Environmental protection, law enforcement, public schools, welfare, taxation, transportation, and business regulation are among the broad range of issues that state legislatures deal with whenever they meet. Even though state legislatures play a significant role in shaping public policy, few Oregonians have a good understanding of their legislature. This guide was created by students in the Engaging Democracy Capstone course at Portland State University to help provide the public with a better understanding of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.