Mississippi has historically trended Republican in presidential elections but Democrats have had an advantage in local elections. The state was once among the wealthiest due to cotton plantations and slave labor but experienced a collapse after the Civil War when the cotton market declined and slaves were freed. Today, Mississippi is the poorest state and relies heavily on federal subsidies as well as industries like casinos, though it remains reliant on cotton production.

1. Mississippi

2. Partisan Makeup of Mississippi Two Party Competitive 2008 Election Results Senate Seats: 27 D/25 R House Seats: 74 D/48 R In recent Presidential elections, the state has trended Republican (in 2004, there were 46 R counties vs. 18 D. counties) Polls show that on a local level, however, citizens identify with Democratic ideals; In 2008, Democrats held an advantage, by only about 1%

3. Economics Pre Civil War: --5th wealthiest state in the nation --Cotton plantations --Slaves as property --Low population Post Civil War: Drop in Wealth; $500 million (43% slave value) to $177 million in total assets Collapse of Cotton (Lost value, Lost crops due to floods and drought, Labor migration)

4. Economics Today Poorest state In the nation; reliant on Federal subsidies Still somewhat reliant on cotton; Map shows cotton production in US and Mississippi Gulf and River Casinos Before Katrina Miss. had 2nd largest Industry (just after Nevada) Continuously expanding