Beginning with the first edition in 1978, State and Local Government: Politics and Public Policies has been relied upon to present a concise, readable analysis of the structure and operation of state and local government. In this thoroughly updated edition, Saffell and Basehart emphasize how policies made in state capitals and city halls have an impact on our everyday lives, and they draw attention to ways in which students can become active participants in the affairs of their communities.

This all-new collection of compelling readings from respected sources such as Governing, State Legislatures, Stateline.org, National Governors Association, and Capitol Ideas hits all the crucial marks for your state and local government course. Year after year, these highly readable and up-to-date articles cover the significant issues. In this edition, readings look at topics such as the battle for control over state courts; voter ID laws; state advocacy efforts; city bankruptcies; and law enforcement reforms and issues in the aftermath of Ferguson. With the context and currency you have come to expect as hallmarks of this reader, Editor Kevin Smith’s 2015-2016 Edition brings timely and sharp analysis into your state and local government classroom.

Featuring a new collection of compelling readings from respected sources, State and Local Government hits all the crucial marks for your political science course. Year after year, these highly readable and up-to-date articles cover the significant issues. The 2018-2019 Edition covers topics such as the increasing ideological conflicts between state and federal governments and between state and local governments; voter ID laws; the continuing financial struggles of local governments; and K-12 and higher education reforms. With the context and currency you have come to expect as hallmarks of Kevin B. Smith’s reader, this edition brings timely and sharp analysis into your state and local government classroom.