An exploration of the relationship between individuals and institutions, revealing how decisions are made and power is exercised in a modern democracy. The subject of study is the Idaho Legislature which is made up of elected representatives and senators for Idaho’s 35 electoral districts. When the Legislature is not in session they go about their daily lives as teachers, ranchers, pharmacists and the like, but during session they are responsible for raising and assigning funds and making the laws by which the state is governed. Here, we observe them in committee meetings, in hearings, and in meeting with lobbyists and voters as they consider issues as varied as teachers’ salaries, the relationship between church and state, and the liability of corporations selling unhealthy food products.