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State and Local Government
The People and Politics

First Edition


January 2027 | 500 pages | CQ Press
The First Edition of State and Local Government: The People and Politics by Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo, Emily M. Farris, and Mirya R. Holman offers students a fresh introduction to the levels of government closest to home. Accessible language, contemporary examples, and calls to action connect students with the dynamic arena of interconnected systems that make up today's state and local governments -- and with the people who shape those governments. Evidence-based research and engagement spotlights help students understand the science of state and local government, as well as how it can affect individual well-being. The book equips students with a better understanding how subnational politics works and why it matters, as well as with the civic engagement tools they need to influence the decisions that impact their daily lives. 

 
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Many (Many, Many) Variations of State and Local Government

 
Subnational Governments in the United States

 
Context Under Which State and Local Policy Operates

 
How States and Local Governments Vary in Their Politics

 
Where States and Local Governments Lead the Way on Policy

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 2: Federalism
Types of Government Systems

 
Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism

 
Constitutional Federalism

 
Shifts in Federalism Over Time

 
How Federalism Influences Policy

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 3: State and Local Elections
Role of Elections in State and Local Politics

 
Direct Democracy in State and Local Governments

 
The Evolution of Elections Administration

 
Free and Fair Elections

 
Institutional Features of Elections

 
The Ways You Run and Win

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 4: Voting, Political Participation, and Public Opinion
The Struggle for Access to the Ballot

 
Debates Over the Voting Process

 
Voting and Other Forms of Political Participation

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 5: Parties, Interest Groups, and Social Movements
Party Organizations and Party Platforms

 
Changes in State and Local Political Parties Over Time and the Rise of Polarization

 
Variation in Party Competition Across States and Localities

 
Interest Groups: Organized Politics Beyond Political Parties

 
How Do Interest Groups Get What They Want?

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 6: State and Local Executives
Colonial to Modern Day Governors: A Brief History

 
What Does a Governor Do?

 
Powers of the Governor

 
What Do Mayors and County Executives Do?

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 7: State and Local Bureaucracy
What is a Bureaucrat and What Do They Do?

 
The Evolution of the Bureaucracy Over Time

 
How Many Bureaucrats Are There, and What Do They Do?

 
Today’s State and Local Bureaucrats

 
Carrying Out Public Policy

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 8: Legislatures, City Councils, and County Commissions
The Business of Being a Legislator

 
Organization of State Legislatures

 
Characteristics of State Legislators

 
How a Bill Becomes a Law, State Legislative Style

 
Local Legislative Action

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 9: State and Local Courts
State Court Organization and the Types of Cases They Hear

 
Key Players in State and Local Courts

 
How Judges Are Selected

 
Court Decision Making

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 10: State and Local Finance
Revenue: Where Does the Money for State and Local Governments Come From?

 
Expenditures: What Do State and Local Governments Spend Money On?

 
How Institutions Shape State and Local Fiscal Policy

 
Current Issues in State and Local Fiscal Policy

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 11: Criminal Justice
The Politics of Crime

 
How Should We Control Crime?

 
Law Enforcement Actors, Politics, and Policy

 
Corrections Actors, Politics, and Policy

 
Calls for Reform

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 12: Environment
Environmental Federalism

 
State and Local Variation in Environmental Policy Explained

 
Environmental Justice

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 
 
Chapter 13: Health and Welfare
The Evolution of Health and Welfare Policymaking in the United States

 
The Involvement of States and Local Governments in Health and Welfare Programs Today

 
Factors That Shape State Policy Choices on Health and Welfare Programs

 
Local Governments and the Implementation of Federal and State Health and Welfare Programs

 
Conclusion

 
Key Terms

 
References

 

Stellar perspective on State and Local Government. The book provides real-world examples as well as historical context that will stimulate student discussions while providing political context for student research and deeper learning.

Nathan K. Stephens
Wayland Baptist Univsersity
Review

The authors’ clear, engaging voice makes complex topics in state and local governance accessible to students, helping demystify the political processes that shape their communities. I particularly appreciate the textbook’s balance of theory and real-world examples, which encourages students to connect academic concepts with current events and their own experiences.

Elizabeth I. Dorssom
Lincoln University of Missouri
Review

This textbook offers a refreshing and relevant approach to teaching state and local government. One of my favorite features is the integration of current issues and case studies, which adds immediate relevance to the material and sparks thoughtful classroom discussions. This textbook’s thoughtful structure and up-to-date content would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the classroom, helping students not only learn but also actively engage with state and local governance.

Kevin R. Dalina
Middlesex College
Review

This text provides students with an accessible means of thinking critically about state and local politics. It does so in a way that highlights the importance of state and local governing institutions to numerous aspects of our lives, from education to criminal justice.

Anthony Sparacino
York College/CUNY
Review

This text is an excellent overview of 21st century state and local governments. The learning tools, including vignettes, illustrations, and personal stories, provide an interactive and enlightening overview of the role of citizen involvement in state and local governments.

Stephen M. King
Regent University
Review

The student friendly language found throughout this text enhances the thoroughness of the material presented. Additionally, the text is ideologically balanced in a way that fosters conversation.

Anna Burgin Diallo
University of Arkansas
Review
Key features
Key Features:
  • Engagement Spotlight
  • Researcher Spotlight
  • Digging into Data
  • What Can You Do?
  • Chapter-Opening Vignettes
  • Clear, student-friendly language
  • Clear organization that moves students from understanding foundations to institutions to major policy areas.