State and Local Politics

Jayme L. Renfro is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa. She enjoys teaching public policy and administration to both undergraduate and graduate students and has earned university- and college wide teaching awards. She is co-author, with Kevin B. Smith, of State and Local Government 2013–2014. She enjoys books, her husband, travelling, playing darts, her children, cake, and naps (not in that order).

"A lively and comprehensive set of readings that cover all the key elements of state politics. The topics are carefully selected and the essays engaging—highly recommended."Kevin B. Smith, University of Nebraska—Lincoln "This book is an uncommonly witty and lively examination of state and local government. These enjoyable case studies will engage every reader."John C. LePete, Palo Alto College "This timely volume provides a focused analysis on the most pressing issues facing state and local governments, applying the latest in political science and public policy research to ongoing social problems. The applied nature of the content as well as the end of chapter discussion questions make this a valuable resource for students and faculty."Christopher W. Larimer, University of Northern Iowa

• IntroductionChapter 1: The Comparative MethodBorders and BBQ: KCK and KCMO and the Dividing Lines of Government and CultureGeorgia on My Mind Using the Laboratories of Democracy to Keep People HealthyChapter 2: Federalism and Intergovernmental RelationsHurricanes, Floods, and Tornados Oh My! The High Cost of Disaster RecoveryFederal Ownership of Land, or, When Nevada isn’t Actually NevadaFedEd: Investigating Civil Rights Violations in SchoolsChapter 3: State Constitutions The Right to Hunt and Fish and Hang Out on the Front PorchProblems in Euclid and the Limitations of the Ohio ConstitutionFrom Plastic Bags to Guns: Preemption Laws and an Evolving Political LandscapeChapter 4: Budgeting, Finance and Fiscal PolicyTax Cuts and College Tuition: A Louisiana StoryIs Grandpa Bankrupting your City? A Look at Debts and Liabilities Isn’t that Their Job? How State Legislatures End Up Not Passing BudgetsChapter 5: Elections and Political ParticipationSocial Pressure and Voter TurnoutCybersecurity and Election Systems: When Is It Time to Panic?Is the Internet a Tool or a Distraction for Increasing Political Participation?Chapter 6: Political Parties and Interest GroupsA Two-Party System Requires Two Parties: Democrats in the South(Maybe Don’t) Show Me the Money: Big Money’s Influence in State and Local Elections ALEC and the Use and Misuse of Model BillsChapter 7: State LegislaturesDescriptive Representation and Policy Outcomes: Do Female Legislators Matter?Professional versus Citizen LegislaturesJeffrey Epstein and the Varying Interpretation of Federal Sex Offender Registry LawsChapter 8: State Executive LeadershipWhen It All Goes Wrong: The Impeachment of Governor Robert Bently and Eric GreitensThe Gubernatorial Incumbency Advantage Can a State Make a Difference on Environmental Policy?: California is Giving it a ShotChapter 9: State Court SystemsIn Loco ParentisJudicial Recall: How the Brock Turner Case Turned California on its HeadSelling Beer to Alcoholics: The Nebraska State Supreme Court and the Whiteclay ProblemChapter 10: The BureaucracyInteresting Work, Good Benefits, and Job Security: Why Work for the Government?Bureaucrat Bashing in the Era of Civil Service ShameVerruckt and the Case for Increased Government Regulation of Amusement ParksChapter 11: Local GovernmentsHandling an "Alien" Invasion in a Small Desert TownCouncil-Manager or Strong Mayor? Clearwater, FL DecidesPostville, IA: A Town Recovers from a Major Immigration RaidChapter 12: Regional Governance The Sprawliest Sprawl—Not Los Angeles?The Houston Metro Area: Flood City U.S.A.Tiebout Gets Schooled: The Indirect Benefits of Public Schools on Community SatisfactionConclusion