<P> Most states have part - time legislatures, while six of the most populated states have full - time legislatures . However, several states with high population have short legislative sessions, including Texas and Florida . </P> <P> In Baker v. Carr (1962) and Reynolds v. Sims (1964), the U.S. Supreme Court held that all states are required to elect their legislatures in such a way as to afford each citizen the same degree of representation (the one person, one vote standard). In practice, most states choose to elect legislators from single - member districts, each of which has approximately the same population . Some states, such as Maryland and Vermont, divide the state into single - and multi-member districts, in which case multi-member districts must have proportionately larger populations, e.g., a district electing two representatives must have approximately twice the population of a district electing just one . If the governor vetoes legislation, all legislatures may override it, usually, but not always, requiring a two - thirds majority . </P> <P> In 2013, there were a total of 7,383 legislators in the 50 state legislative bodies . They earned from $0 annually (New Mexico) to $90,526 (California). There were various per diem and mileage compensation . </P> <P> States can also organize their judicial systems differently from the federal judiciary, as long as they protect the federal constitutional right of their citizens to procedural due process . Most have a trial level court, generally called a District Court, Superior Court or Circuit Court, a first - level appellate court, generally called a Court of Appeal (or Appeals), and a Supreme Court . However, Oklahoma and Texas have separate highest courts for criminal appeals . In New York State the trial court is called the Supreme Court; appeals are then taken to the Supreme Court's Appellate Division, and from there to the Court of Appeals . </P>

Map of united states of america with states names