Wisconsin is a Great Lakes state in the United States. Its name is thought to be an adaptation of the Ojibwe word for "Red-stone place." Other theories are that it means "Gathering of the Waters" or "Great Rock."

It became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. According to the U.S. Census of 2010, Wisconsin's population was 5,686,986. Its capital is Madison and the largest city is Milwaukee.

Called "America's Dairyland," Wisconsin is best known for its cheese and the Green Bay Packers. The state is also noted for its historic breweries, bratwurst, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

With its location between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of geographical and glacial features. This varied landscape makes the state a popular vacation destination for outdoor recreation.

The Wisconsin State Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature. Together with the smaller Wisconsin Senate, the two constitute the legislative branch of the US state of Wisconsin.

Representatives are elected for two-year terms, elected during the fall elections. If a vacancy occurs in an Assembly seat between elections, it may be filled only by a special election.

The Wisconsin Constitution limits the size of the State Assembly to between 54 and 100 members inclusive. Since 1973, the state has been divided into 99 Assembly Districts apportioned amongst the state based on population as determined by the decennial census, for a total of 99 representatives. From 1848 to 1853 there were 66 assembly districts; from 1854 to 1856, 82 districts; from 1857 to 1861, 97 districts; and from 1862 to 1972, 100 districts.

The Assembly chamber is located in the west wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol building, in Madison, Wisconsin.

State Resources

Find information and resources here available from state agencies.
  • WI Governor’s Office - The official website of Governor Scott Walker’s office.
  • WI Department of Transportation - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol). WisDOT supports all forms of transportation and works closely with other state, federal and local agencies to meet changing and growing travel needs.
  • Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is organized into seven distinct divisions that work for a healthy environment, food supply and business practices. The divisions include Agriculture Resource Management, Animal Health, Food Safety, Agricultural Development, Trade and Consumer Protection, Management Services, and the Office of the Secretary.
  • WI Department of Public Instruction - The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. It is headed by the state superintendent of public instruction, Tony Evers, a nonpartisan, constitutional officer elected every four years.
  • WI Department of Justice - The Department of Justice exists to protect public safety and serving the people of Wisconsin.
  • WI Department of Veterans Affairs - The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs works on behalf of Wisconsin’s veterans community and provides important resources and information for veterans, their families, and their survivors.
  • WI Department of Workforce Development - The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is a state agency charged with building and strengthening Wisconsin's workforce in the 21st century and beyond. The Department's primary responsibilities include providing job services, training and employment assistance to people looking for work, at the same time as it works with employers on finding the necessary workers to fill current job openings.
  • State of Wisconsin – Full List of State Agencies - If you do not see an applicable agency listed above, please visit the full list of state-based agencies that may be able help with your state-based question or concern.

Wisconsin Quick Facts

  State symbols:
Information on this page was gathered from wikipedia.org and baldwin.senate.gov.