Why States Matter: An Introduction to State Politics

by Gary F. Moncrief, Peverill Squire

Overview

When it comes to voting, taxes, environmental regulations, social services, education, criminal justice, political parties, property rights, gun control, marriage and a whole host of other modern American issues, the state in which a citizen resides makes a difference. That idea—that the political decisions made by those in state-level offices are of tremendous importance to the lives of people whose states they govern—is the fundamental concept explored in this book. Gary F. Moncrief and Peverill Squire introduce students to the very tangible and constantly evolving implications, limitations, and foundations of America’s state political institutions, and accessibly explain the ways that the political powers of the states manifest themselves in the cultures, economies, and lives of everyday Americans, and always will.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538136140
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/17/2020
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.75(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Peverill Squire holds the Hicks and Martha Griffiths Chair in American Political Institutions at the University of Missouri.



Gary Moncrief is University Foundation Professor of Political Science at Boise State University.

Table of Contents

Preface
Chapter 1: Making a Case for the States
Chapter 2: States and the Federal System
Chapter 3: State Fiscal Systems
Chapter 4: The Policymaking Environment in the States
Chapter 5: The Policymaking Capacity of State Governments
Chapter 6: Public Policy and the Role of the States in a Changing Federal System
Chapter 7: States and Their Local Governments
Chapter 8: Elections and Political Parties
Chapter 9: Why States Matter Now
Index
About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

[T]he best of the state and local texts. And it's not particularly close.” —Dave Claborn, Howard Payne University

“Why States Matter is an accessible and engaging introduction to state politics using a comparative approach. The authors incorporate research and current events to explain state politics and policymaking. The text outlines the important role of states in US policymaking while also highlighting the issues and challenges facing state governments.” —Jaclyn Kettler, Boise State University

“Why States Matter is a clear, engaging text that helps students understand the central role states play in politics and citizens’ lives. Both more approachable and more substantive than a traditional undergraduate textbook, Why States Matter will draw students in and help them to better appreciate the role of states.” —Nicole Shoaf, Missouri Southern State University

From the Publisher

[T]he best of the state and local texts. And it's not particularly close.

Dave Claborn

Why States Matter is a clear, engaging text that helps students understand the central role states play in politics and citizens’ lives. Both more approachable and more substantive than a traditional undergraduate textbook, Why States Matter will draw students in and help them to better appreciate the role of states.

Nicole Shoaf

Why States Matter is an accessible and engaging introduction to state politics using a comparative approach. The authors incorporate research and current events to explain state politics and policymaking. The text outlines the important role of states in US policymaking while also highlighting the issues and challenges facing state governments.

Jaclyn Kettler

"Why States Matter is a timely and important look at the role of the states in the American federal system. While much of the American public and media focus on Washington, D.C., Moncrief and Squire remind us of the crucial place of the states in the American system. The book provides an accessible but thorough introduction to state policy making and politics.

Jonathan Winburn

Since Why States Matter was first published, there have been many important political developments at the state level that have not only affected people's lives, but have also impacted the relationship between the federal and state governments. In the second edition Moncrief and Squire address many of these developments, and have therefore strengthened the argument that students and scholars interested in American politics should not neglect what happens in state legislatures across the country. I know my students will enjoy the new edition, as they have reacted positively to the state-level comparative approach taken by the authors.

Richard Ledet