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We studied an underutilized source of data on legislative effectiveness & exploited its panel structure to uncover several interesting patterns. We found that effectiveness rises sharply with tenure, at least for the first few terms, even when we control for legislators' institutional positions, party affiliation, & other factors. Effectiveness never declines with tenure, even out to nine terms. The increase in effectiveness is not simply due to electoral attrition & selective retirement, but to learning-by-doing. We also found evidence that a significant amount of "positive sorting" occurs in the legislature, with highly talented legislators moving more quickly into positions of responsibility & power. Finally, effectiveness has a positive impact on incumbents' electoral success & on the probability of legislators moving to higher office. These findings have important implications for arguments about term limits, the incumbency advantage, & seniority rule. Tables, Appendixes, References. Adapted from the source document.

EXPLORES CONTRASTING APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF OVERSIGHT BY STATE LEGISLATURES. A FOCUS ON INDIVIDUAL ORIENTATIONS AND BEHAVIOR, REVEALS ATTEMPTS BY LEGISLATORS TO MAXIMIZE CREDIT, ACHIEVE CONCRETE RESULTS, AND AVOID TROUBLE FOR THEMSELVES. IT INDICATES THAT LITTLE OVERSIGHT IS PERFORMED.