It is the sound of a new session. The gavel drops, calling the 108th General Assembly to order. New members and those re-elected take the Oath of Office. In the Senate and in the House, lawmakers are ready to govern.

"I think we're going to accomplish great things with the Governor," says Rep. Beth Harwell (R-Nashville).

The power on Capitol Hill is now overwhelmingly in Republican hands. The GOP has a 2/3 super majority in both chambers.

"You know it's an awesome responsibility to have that on our shoulders, and I feel like we're up to the task of leadership," says Harwell.

The big question here: will there be room for compromise? It's possible to pass any bill without a single Democrat's vote. Democrats are already trying to assert themselves, asking for more open meetings, and challenging some of the Republican proposals being offered.

"James K. Polk said one man with courage is a majority, and we will put that to test this session," says Sen. Jim Kyle (D-Memphis).

There are plenty of issues to debate, including wine in grocery stores, school vouchers, teachers with guns and reducing the tax on food. Democrat Representative Mike Stewart (D-Nashville) says Republicans will ultimately answer to voters.

"I suspect after this session, we'll see the people of Tennessee in many areas make a change and move toward Democrats and away from Republicans," says Stewart.

Several members say they're looking forward to a productive and efficient session.

"What the people really want us to do is balance the budget, cut taxes, have a smaller government, and get out as quickly as we can," says Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville).

The gavel has dropped on Capitol Hill. One party leads, the other keeps fighting. Lawmakers hope to complete their work on Capitol Hill by the end of April. Governor Haslam will present his budget proposal to the General Assembly at the end of the month.Tennessee Lawmakers Begin Session - John Dunn