A reliable, responsive, and respected text written by a distinguished author team. Building on a long tradition of clear and accessible writing, sound scholarship, and currency, this one-color adaptation from the comprehensive Government by the People: National, State, and Local Version addresses the needs of students and instructors with the most innovative response to teaching trends, as well as to trends in the discipline.

Exciting and informative boxed features. These boxes challenge students and offer insight into the issues of politics at the state and local level.

"Changing Face of American Politics." This feature addresses the diverse nature of the American political system. These unique boxes are designed to reflect the concerns and experiences of ethnic and minority groups in American politics, giving students tangible examples of the key trends in diversity on the American political landscape. These boxed features appear in context with topics presented in every chapter. By involving students on a personal level, this text engages them in a more meaningful, memorable study of politics as it affects their own lives. Topics include, "The Growing Diversity of State Populations," "Same-Sex Marriages and State Constitutions," and "Women Governors."

"FYI." These boxes address data and various issues in state and local politics. For example, "Number of Governments in the United States," "Charter Schools," and "Racial Profiling."

A multitude of maps, charts, tables, and graphics. Illustrate the concepts in the chapter to help students grasp the information. Examples: Figure 3-2, "Amending StateConstitutions," illustrates on a map how state constitutions require frequent amendment; Figure 4-1 shows an office block ballot used by some states; and Figure 5-1 is a pie chart showing the occupations of state legislators.

Chapter summaries and further readings. At the end of each chapter, you will find summaries that highlight the key topics covered in the preceding pages. Students can use the "Further Reading" section to find publications that delve deeper into the topic for research.