State and Local Politics Government by the People

"Updated to include the results of the 1996 elections that saw the Republicans retain control of both houses of Congress, this text examines the role of state and local politics in our federal system vis a vis the national government. Continuation of the Republican agenda to give more authority to the states will further the expanded policy-making endeavors of governors and state legislatures. State and Local Politics: Government by the People, Ninth Edition, is a timely look at how state governments operate in this dynamic environment." "Who influences local governments? What are the effects of party politics? And what role do the people play in decision making by state legislatures, governors, and bureaucrats? These are questions raised by the authors. A look at the prerogatives and perquisites of legislators and governors, how they perform their duties, and how they work with other state and local elected officials are included. A chapter is devoted to the role of the courts and to the judicial reform movement. The relationship between local governments, the power of mayors, and how decisions are made in counties, towns, and suburbs are covered extensively." "Closing with a discussion of who works for and who pays for government, this critical analysis of the dynamics of state and local politics will shed light on the debate over who runs American government at every level."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved