Politics in the American States: A Comparative Analysis

The "devolution revolution" has come to an end. States today have more power and more responsibilities than in the past, yet more financial constraints as well. In the wake of 9/11 and subsequent homeland security demands, the fiscal crises states currently face complicate an already complex political environment. Decisions about taxing and spending--a difficult enterprise under any circumstances--challenge policymakers as they shape their responses to other emerging issues, such as vouchers, health care reform, and social regulation.

Politics in the American States, eighth edition, continues a tradition of combining top-notch research with innovative pedagogy, bringing students unsurpassed content, accessible writing, and comprehensive comparative analysis of the 50 states. Twenty authors--actively engaged in the study of state politics and government--provide thorough coverage of key topics, including foundational chapters on intergovernmental relations, elections, and the legislative process, as well as new chapters on the initiative process and specific policy areas such as education and taxes.

In addition to the wealth of tables, figures, and maps showcasing comparative data, the authors provide engaging descriptive material in every chapter enabling students to make systematic and nuanced comparisons between states.

Virginia Gray is the Robert Watson Winston Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She teaches and does research on state politics, public policy, and interest groups. She has published numerous articles and books on these topics, including The Population Ecology of Interest Representation (with David Lowery) and Minnesota Politics and Government (with Daniel Elazar and Wyman Spano)

Russell L. Hanson is Professor of Political Science at Indiana University, Bloomington, where he has taught since 1980. He is interested in American federalism and has published articles on political culture and welfare policymaking in the states. Among his books are Governing Partners: State-Local Relations in the United States (1998) and Reconsidering the Democratic Debate (1993).