|capital=Madison
|language=English
|governor=Scott WalkerTony Evers|gparty=RepublicanDemocrat
|senator1=Ron Johnson
|s1party=Republican
The state tree is the sugar maple, the state song is "[[On Wisconsin]]", the state flower is the wood violet, the state bird is the American [[robin]], the state animal is the [[badger]], the state [[fossil]] is the [[trilobite]], and the state fish is the [[muskellunge]].<ref>http://www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/scc/kids/facts.htm</ref>
The state Constitution of Wisconsin, like all of the other 50 states, acknowledges God or our Creator or the ''Sovereign Ruler of the Universe''. It says:
:''We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare, do establish this constitution.''
==History==
===Prior to U.S. independence===
The first people believed to have inhabited Wisconsin are called "Paleo-Indians", adaptable communities believed by those who accept [[evolution]] to have lived around 12,500 to 8,000 years ago,<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-002/?action=more_essay First Peoples]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> although evidence strongly points to a more recent timeframe. <ref>answersingenesis.org and other sources</ref> In the centuries surrounding the life of [[Jesus Christ|Christ]], the natives began to domesticate and build great mounds—culminating in the Effigy Mounds culture during the [[Early Middle Ages]].<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-004/?action=more_essay Effigy Mounds Culture]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> Around AD 1000, a new people and a relatively advanced culture, the Middle Mississippian culture, penetrated the area, emigrating from ceremonial city of Cahokia, which is estimated to have had tens-of-thousands of inhabitants.<ref name="Mississippian">[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-003/?action=more_essay Mississippian Culture and Aztalan]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> They built several communities in Wisconsin, which was at the far north of their reach, and they lasted until about AD 1200.<ref name="Mississippian"/> After European settlers started advancing inward, numerous native peoples moved westward, many of them settling in Wisconsin.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-005/?action=more_essay Iroquois Wars of the 17th Century]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref>
Europeans began exploring Wisconsin around the 1620s-30s, with Etienne Brule widely believed to have been the first European explorer to visit in 1622, although the authenticity of the account is disputed.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-006/?action=more_essay Arrival of the First Europeans]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> Wisconsin was under [[France|French]] influence until 1760, when the [[British Empire|British]] took over.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-008/?action=more_essay Colonialism Transforms Indian Life]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> The [[Fur Tradefur trade]] dominated economic activity in Wisconsin during the colonial period, where Europeans sold various items to the natives for [[beaver]] skins.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-007/?action=more_essay The French Fur Trade]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref>
===U.S. territory===
===Statehood===
In 1846, Wisconsin voters passed a referendum to become a U.S. state.<ref name="WSconstitution">[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-015/?action=more_essay The State Constitutions of 1846 and 1848]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> A constitutional convention met in [[Madison, Wisconsin]], drafting a very "advanced and progressive" constitution in December 1846 that included several controversial measures, such as allowing immigrants who applied for citizenship to vote and black suffrage.<ref name="WSconstitution"/> The proposed constitution was defeated in an April 1847 referendum, and a new convention drafted "a more acceptable and moderate" constitution, which was accepted by the voters in March of 1848.<ref name="WSconstitution"/> Wisconsin was admitted into the Union as the 30th state on May 29, 1848.<ref>[http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/wisconsin-enters-the-union Wisconsin enters the Union - This Day in History]. ''History.com''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref>
Prior to the [[Civil War]], Wisconsin was an important stop on the [[Underground Railroad]].<ref name="History.com">[http://www.history.com/topics/us-states/wisconsin Wisconsin]. ''History.com''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> "Wisconsin soldiers fought in every major battle of the Civil War," with the Iron Brigade being the most well-known unit from the state.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-023/?action=more_essay The Iron Brigade, Old Abe and Military Affairs]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref>
====Formation of the Republican Party====
[[File:C-library.jpg|thumb|290px|The Carnegie Library in Ripon, built 1910]]
When the 1854 [[Kansas-Nebraska Act|Kansas-Nebraska bill]], which became law that same year, was proposed, it met very strong opposition in Wisconsin, regardless of one's political affiliation.<ref name="RiponGOP"/> Numerous meeting were held against the bill, and in one of them held in Ripon, Wisconsin on March 20, 1854,<ref name="History.com"/><ref>According to Encyclopedia.com, the date was February 28, 1854 [http://www.encyclopedia.com/places/united-states-and-canada/us-political-geography/wisconsin].</ref> political leaders under the leadership of lawyer [[Alvan E. Bovay]] proposed the creation of a new political party.<ref name="RiponGOP"/> Other similar meetings also supported creating a new party, and "in July of 1854, a convention was held in [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]] to organize the new party"—the [[Republican Party]].<ref name="RiponGOP"/> Ripon is thus considered by many to be birthplace of the party.<ref name="RiponGOP"/> From the beginning, the Republican Party performed very well in the state.<ref name="RiponGOP"/>
====Wisconsin Progressivism====
During the [[Great Depression]] in the 1930s, Progressivists continued to enact legislation in Wisconsin that expanded government programs and power, this time under the leadership of Robert La Follette's two sons, Robert La Follette Jr. and Phil La Follette.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-045/?action=more_essay Depression and Unemployment]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> In 1934, Progressivist Republicans, who were dissatisfied with the conservatism of both the GOP and the Democrats, split from the GOP and formed the [[Wisconsin Progressive Party]].<ref name="WPP">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/economics/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/wisconsin-progressive-party Wisconsin Progressive Party]. ''Encyclopedia.com''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> The party performed very well in the succeeding elections at first, capturing the governorship and state legislature, and was able to enact a "Little New Deal".<ref name="WPP"/> However, the party eventually lost support and was dissolved in 1946.<ref name="WPP"/>
Later in the 20th Century, the [[Democratic Party|Democrat Party]] continued its support for big government, Progressivist policies, and during this time it increased in size and power in the state.<ref name="WSencyc">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/places/united-states-and-canada/us-political-geography/wisconsin Wisconsin]. ''Encyclopedia.com''. Retrieved November 24, 2016.</ref>
====Socialism====
====Scott Walker and the conservative surge====
:''For further information, see [[Scott Walker]]''
[[File:Scott Walker 2014 Wisconsin Governor Victory Party.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Scott Walker celebrating his 2014 re-election.]]
Despite Thompson's accomplishments, the conservative [[Scott Walker]], who was first elected governor in 2010 has surpassed them. In the 2010 elections, conservative Republicans made large gains in Wisconsin, with Republicans taking control of the state legislature, the U.S. House delegation, and one U.S. Senate seat, all in addition to the governorship.<ref>[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2010-11-02-wi-full-election-results_N.htm Wisconsin: GOP wins Senate, House, gov. seats, ousting Feingold]. ''USA Today'' (from ''AP''). November 3, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref><ref>Stein, Jason & Johnson, Annysa (November 3, 2010). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/106582898.html Republicans take over state Senate, Assembly]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>
Walker became a leader of [[conservatives]] nationwide when he supported and then signed into law a repeal of most of the [[collective bargaining]] privileges of most government workers.<ref name="Bio">[http://www.biography.com/people/scott-walker-20941829 Scott Walker]. ''Biography.com''. Retrieved October 20, 2016.</ref> While liberals and [[labor unions]] strong opposed this move, Walker became the first governor to survive a recall election in 2012.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/05/polls-close-in-wisconsin-voter-turnout-reported-heavy.html Wisconsin's Walker survives recall by wide margin]. ''Fox News''. June 6, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> The GOP continued to make major gains, including in the 2016 elections,<ref name="Build">Bauer, Scott (November 9, 2016). [http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/tv/article113209848.html Republicans build majorities in Legislature]. ''The Charlotte Observer'' (from ''AP''). Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> when [[Donald Trump]] became the first Republican since 1984 to win the state, among other GOP victories.<ref>Kueppers, Courtney (November 8, 2016). [http://www.wpr.org/trump-becomes-1st-republican-presidential-candidate-1984-win-wisconsin Trump Becomes First Republican Presidential Candidate Since 1984 To Win Wisconsin]. ''Wisconsin Public Radio''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
Walker and the other conservative Republicans made major changes in other areas, including abortion, [[gun rights]], and fiscal conservatism. Walker lost re election in 2018 to Democrat Tony Evers.
==Economy==
==Elected Officials==
As of 2017.
===Federal===
*Sen. [[Ron Johnson]] (R)
*Sen. [[Tammy Baldwin]] (D)
*Rep. [[Paul RyanBryan Steil]] [R, WI-01]
*Rep. [[Mark Pocan]] [D, WI-02]
*Rep. [[Ron Kind]] [D, WI-03]
*Rep. [[Glenn Grothman]] [R, WI-06]
*Rep. [[Sean Duffy]] [R, WI-07]
*Rep. [[Reid RibbleMike Gallagher]] [R, WI-08]
===Statewide===
*Governor [[Scott WalkerTony Evers]] (RD)*Lt. Governor [[Rebecca KleefischMandela Barnes]] (RD)*Attorney General [[Brad SchimelJosh Kaull]] (RD)
*Secretary of State [[Doug La Follette]] (D)
*State Treasurer [[Matt AdamczykSarah Godlewski]] (RD)
===Legislature===
Wisconsin's legislative branch consists of a senate and an assembly.
However, in In February 2011, 14 Democratic Democrat senators left the state to boycott a controversial Senate vote. [<ref>http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/116381289.html] </ref> See [[Wisconsin budget controversy]].
==Sports in Wisconsin==
[[Milwaukee]] is home to three professional sports teams. The [[Milwaukee Brewers|Brewers]] (baseball), the [[Milwaukee Bucks|Bucks]] (basketball), and the Admirals (hockey). Wisconsin is also home to the [[Green Bay Packers]] football team which has largest following , in the smallest city, of any professional sports team. Wisconsin is also home to various college sports programs, most notably the Wisconsin Badgers and the Marquette Golden Eagles.
== Abortion in Wisconsin ==
Wisconsin has the 8th lowest [[abortion rankings|abortion rate]] in the United States, and it has declined to a record low since 1974, the first year after ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'':<ref>Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com (Apr. 9, 2007)
httphttps://www.lifenews.com/state2218.html</ref>
:There were 9,580 [[abortion]]s done in the state in 2006, down from 9,817 in 2005. This is the third year in a row that abortions in the Midwestern state have decreased and the number is the lowest since 1974.
===Pro-life legislation===
In 2011, conservative governor [[Scott Walker]] signed the Wisconsin state budget into law, which defunded [[Planned Parenthood]], making Wisconsin the fourth state to defund the illegal program.<ref>Zagorski, Sarah (August 24, 2015). [httphttps://www.lifenews.com/2015/08/24/scott-walker-pushes-bill-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-after-it-sells-aborted-baby-parts/ Scott Walker Pushes Bill to De-Fund Planned Parenthood After It Sells Aborted Baby Parts]. ''LifeNews.com''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Walker also signed other [[pro-life]] bills into law,<ref>[http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-outlines-abortion-gay-marriage-positions-in-letter-b99375704z1-279975922.html Scott Walker outlines abortion, gay marriage positions in letter]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'' (from ''AP''). October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> including one banning abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy.<ref>Stein, Jason (July 20, 2015). [http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-signs-bill-banning-abortions-after-20-weeks-b99540949z1-317539131.html Scott Walker signs 20-week abortion ban, trooper pay raise]. ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel''. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref>
==Bibliography==
==References==
<references{{Reflist|colwidth=35em}} ==External links==*[http:/>/www.wisconsin.gov/Pages/home.aspx Official State of Wisconsin website]*[https://www.britannica.com/place/Wisconsin Profile] at ''Encyclopædia Britannica''*[http://www.encyclopedia.com/places/united-states-and-canada/us-political-geography/wisconsin Profile] at ''Encyclopedia.com''
{{USstates}}
[[Category:States of the United States]]