When discussing the law-making body of a state in the United States, the term "state legislature" is commonly used. However, there are a number of synonyms that can be used to refer to this body. These include the state General Assembly, state House of Representatives, state Senate, state Congress, state Legislative Assembly, and state Legislative Council. Depending on the specific state, the legislature may be structured differently, with varying numbers of members and types of chambers. Regardless of their specific name or structure, state legislatures play a critical role in shaping the laws and policies of individual states, influencing everything from education to environmental regulations to taxes.