The Fifth Edition provides comprehensive and current coverage of institutions, political behavior, and policy making at the state and local level. Updated to reflect recent policy changes and challenges, the text strives to foster student interest and involvement in local politics, stressing that state government continues to have more legislative responsibility.With an up-to-date focus on policy, the text covers important issues facing institutions in this milieu such as education, economic development, social welfare, and health care. Revised web resources in every chapter offer the latest information on using the Internet to research state and local government. Expanded box features, Debating Politics and Breaking New Ground, reflect the text's focus on devolution, new challenges facing state and local governments, and the differing policies among states.