Description
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Governing States and Localities by Kevin B. Smith and Alan Greenblat (Eighth edition).
1. Discuss Federalism. What is federalism? What are some types of federalism? What are advantages and disadvantages of federalism? What are some alternatives to federalism? What is the relationship between the federal government and the states under federalism? How has that relationship evolved over time?
2. Discuss Financing State and Local Governments. What are some methods used by state and local governments to pay for services? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these funding sources? Why is funding more challenging for state and local governments than it is for the federal government? What are the major expenditures of state and local governments? Why do some of these expenditures make funding more challenging for state and local governments?
3. Discuss State and Local Politics. What is the role of state and local governments? Who has the power? What are some of the influences on state and local governments? What role do local media and other organizations play? What are some challenges faced by state and local governments?
4. Discuss Parties and Elections in the States. How do state and local governments regulate elections? What are some differences in how people vote? What are some differences in the nomination process? What is the role of political parties in state and local elections? What is the role of political parties in state government? What are some examples of one-party and two-party states?
