| − | '''Missouri''' is a Midwestern state that was admitted to the Union as a slave state on August 10, 1821. Its nickname is the "Show Me State". Its capital is [[Jefferson City]] and its largest cities are, respectively, [[Kansas City]], [[St. Louis]], with Springfield in a far third. Missouri borders [[Illinois]], [[Kentucky]], [[Tennessee]], [[Arkansas]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Kansas]], [[Iowa]], and [[Nebraska]]. The incumbent Governor is [[Mike Parson]]. Due to a [[ballot initiative]] in Nov. 2022, Missouri has become a mecca of legalized [[cannabis]] exceeding $1 billion in annual sales. | + | '''Missouri''' is a Midwestern state that was admitted to the Union as a slave state on August 10, 1821. Its nickname is the "Show Me State". Its capital is [[Jefferson City]] and its largest cities are, respectively, [[Kansas City]], [[St. Louis]], with Springfield in a far third. Missouri borders [[Illinois]], [[Kentucky]], [[Tennessee]], [[Arkansas]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Kansas]], [[Iowa]], and [[Nebraska]]. The incumbent Governor is [[Mike Parson]]. Due to a [[ballot initiatives|ballot initiative]] in Nov. 2022, Missouri has become a mecca of legalized [[cannabis]] exceeding $1 billion in annual sales. |
| | Missouri is unique in how the vast rural portion of the state does not allow the [[liberal]] populated cities to dominate politically. For example, the governor for a long time controlled appointments to the St. Louis police department and election commission. | | Missouri is unique in how the vast rural portion of the state does not allow the [[liberal]] populated cities to dominate politically. For example, the governor for a long time controlled appointments to the St. Louis police department and election commission. |