State and Local Government: The Essentials

The Essentials version of State and Local Government shares its thematic structure and approach with the bestselling full-length text of the same name, providing condensed yet comprehensive coverage of local government and public policy issues. The authors explain the structures of state and local government--including historical perspective--as well as the function of each in the current political scene. Through engaging coverage of current events and an accessible writing style, the text fosters student interest and involvement in state and local politics and policy. For instructors who prefer a more streamlined text or for those who teach one-semester courses, The Essentials features six fewer chapters than its full-length counterpart--and a limited focus on policy.

Ann O'M. Bowman (Ph.D., University of Florida, 1979) is professor and holder of the Hazel Davis and Robert Kennedy Endowed Chair in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She teaches courses in state and local politics and policy, intergovernmental relations, environmental policy and management, and public policy process. Her research interests revolve around questions of institutional change, policy adoption and implementation, and intergovernmental dynamics. She has published numerous books and articles on these topics over the years.

Richard C. Kearney (Ph.D., University of Oklahoma) is professor of political science and public administration at North Carolina State University. He teaches courses in state and local politics and policy, public policy, public administration, and leadership. His research interests include comparative state politics and policy, labor relations, and human resource management policy. He has published prolifically on these and related topics.