The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union

“In a distracted age, focus is a superpower, and this book’s supremely persuasive case to focus energy on state government and unlock its power will win you over. If you’re upset about what’s happening around the country, The Fourth Branch offers a concrete way to make change.”—Chris Hayes, MS NOW host and bestselling author of The Siren’s Call

This part handbook, part history, and part personal narrative will open readers’ eyes to the oft-overlooked arm of government that has done more harm and more good than any other in recent years: state legislatures.

After the 2024 election, many voters were left feeling disillusioned with America’s highest governing body. Anxious citizens point to the federal government and national elected officials with growing alarm, but the broken political system they see in Washington is merely a symptom. The site of that break—and the best opportunity to mend it—lies in the states.

In The Fourth Branch, co-founder of The States Project Daniel Squadron opens readers’ eyes to the oft-overlooked arm of government that has far more power than most people even realize: state legislatures. Nearly every major issue that Americans care about—from climate change to minimum wage, abortion access to criminal justice reform, gun control to paid family leave—can be determined without the involvement of the federal government. Detailing the systems, experiences, and strategic thinking that inform The States Project’s approach to making change—one designed to combat decades of conservative investment and manipulation at the state level—this guide is an urgently needed and galvanizing framework for participation in our democracy, made all the more engaging by Daniel’s stories of his time as a New York State Senator and his work with inspiring lawmakers around the country.

In examining the power and possibility of the states—both their capacity to influence national politics and the low barriers to involvement at the state level—this book will chart a course to real, grounded hope for the future through actions that any ordinary civilian can take to make concrete and lasting change. A compelling exploration of where power really lies in our government, The Fourth Branch will be a book for anyone who cares about our country and wants to do something about where it’s headed.