This book offers an overview of the legal, political, and broad intergovernmental environment in which relations between local and state units of government take place, the historical roots of the conflict among them, and an analysis of contemporary problems concerning local authority, local revenues, state interventions and takeovers, and the restructuring of local governments. The author pays special attention to local governmental autonomy and the goals and activities of local officials as they seek to secure resources, fend off regulations and interventions, and fight for survival as independent units. He looks at the intergovernmental struggle from the bottom up, but in the process examines a variety of political activities at the state level and the development and effects of several state policies. Berman finds considerable reason to be concerned about the viability and future of meaningful local government.

This book invokes the average citizen's perspective, encouraging readers to apply their own experiences with local government. The book thoroughly describes all forms of local government and details the long history of federal and local governmental relations. Special focus on recent developments including: strengthening the roles of states, tribes, and local governments is provided. The description of the policy-making process provides a concrete, unifying force in the text and discussions of historical legacies and regional differences give the reader a well-rounded understanding of the subleties of intergovernmental relations. Five separate chapters supply in-depth explorations of major policy areas such as crime and corrections, educational policy, social welfare and health policy, environmental policy and economic development, and fiscal policy and financial management. Other topics include a discussion of tribes and tribal governments, changes in federalism and electoral behavior, and welfare reform. Anyone with an interest in local and state governments and how they relate to the federal governent.

Explores the dynamics of state and community politics Politics and Policy in States and Communities explores the major issues facing states and localities and traces how the institutions of state and local government have changed over the years. The book explores topics such as the dramatic waves of reform in state and local government since World War II; the unprecedented role that governments play in today's political economy; and social conflicts over ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, and religion. Learning Goals: Upon completing this book, readers will be able to: Explore how they can participate in state or local politics Understand the major issues facing state and local governments today Understand how state and local governments have changed over time

In this new edition of Arizona Politics and Government, David R. Berman examines the continuity and changes in Arizona's political culture, constitutional foundations, geographical features, and changing social economic-political characteristics.

This brief version of the top-selling "State and Local Government" retains the unique thematic and historical approach of the comprehensive text in 12 chapters compared to 16. The condensed format provides explanations of the structure of state and local government, as well as their functions in the current political scene. In addition, descriptions of public policy issues appear at relevant points throughout the text and are better integrated into discussed topics.Coverage of e-government and the Internet explores how technology affects state and local government and citizen participation.Up-to-date policy focus addresses important issues facing government at this level and includes topics such as education, economic development, criminal justice, the environment, social welfare, and healthcare.Discussion of the slowed pace of "devolution" since September 11 is included in Chapter 2.

This book examines the issues and consequences of a declining property tax base with respect to local government autonomy. Some of the nation's leading scholars provide their views on how the property tax effects intergovernmental relations, local autonomy, and education finance. --from publisher description

A lively written, thought-provoking book which uses a clear, accessible approach to political conflict in American states and communities. It explores the what and the why behind current issues including illegal immigration, term limits, the fight against tobacco, campaign finance, sexual harassment, welfare reform, crime in the states, police and law enforcement, state correctional policies, the death penalty, abortion, affirmative action and more. This book compares the public policy and government management strategies of state and local governments, while focusing on the sources and nature of conflict. Coverage demonstrates how communities and states in America play an important role in the political life of the nation. For anyone wanting to learn more about State, Local, State and Local Government and Urban Politics.