John J. Kennedy – författare

In The Contemporary Pennsylvania Legislature, John J. Kennedy explores a variety of topics that are relevant for any small lawmaking institution. He investigates to what degree current social and technological changes have affected the Pennsylvania legislature and how it has been transformed from a part-time lawmaking body to a full-time professional institution. The data for Kennedy's study comes from a survey of legislators who served in the 1993-1994 Pennsylvania Assembly as well as candidates who ran for office but were defeated. Noting that political parties are on the decline in the U.S., Kennedy examines whether lawmakers are more inclined to follow their own interests, their parties', or those of their constituents when voting on particular issues. In addition to discussing the philosophical dispositions of legislators, he also examines the electoral experiences of defeated candidates. Kennedy's study is an important resource for those interested in American government, the legislative process, or political science.

Pennsylvania Elections: Statewide Contests, 1950-2004 provides a systematic and thorough analysis of elections in Pennsylvania. The work focuses on voting trends across the state, analyzes the political geography of the state, and develops a narrative of the people and places that have shaped these elections. The book discusses 93 political campaigns and elections in the state and assembles the voting statistics of all 67 counties in the Commonwealth. This is the first time this information has been collected in a single, published volume. Along with this data is a discussion of the candidates and issues that have shaped Pennsylvania for more than a half-century. By combining quantitative political science, political history, and political geography, this book will appeal to those interested in the current shape of Pennsylvania's politics and will serve as a resource for future scholars.

Pennsylvania Elections provides a systematic and thorough analysis of every statewide election in Pennsylvania since 1950. The five chapters are divided between U.S. Senate elections, gubernatorial contests, statewide row offices, and presidential campaigns. Each of the 106 elections that have taken place since 1950 is analyzed within the context of the 67 counties in the Commonwealth and John J. Kennedy discusses the candidates and issues which have shaped Pennsylvania for more than a half-century. By combining quantitative political science, political history, and political geography, this book will both pique the interest of those interested in the state’s politics and serve as a reference source for future scholars.

Pennsylvania Government and Politics gives readers an overview of the government institutions and the politics of the keystone state. It explains how Pennsylvania compares to other states on a wide variety of demographic and economic areas, and examines detailed statistics relating to election results and political trends, with an emphasis on the current party realignment. This comprehensive coverage takes over where historical examinations end by providing specific contemporary data and detailed discussion of the state's political system.The book opens with a profile of Pennsylvania and its rich historical and political heritage. Subsequent chapters are devoted to the history of political parties and elections in the state, the Pennsylvania State Constitution, as well as the three institutions of government: the General Assembly, the executive branch, and the judiciary. The book closes with a chapter on local governments in Pennsylvania.Designed to blend engaging exposition with statistical information that enhances the readers' insights into both institutions and events, Pennsylvania Government and Politics is an ideal text for courses relating to Pennsylvania government and history within the state. It can also be used as a supplemental text for introductory courses in American national government and state and local government. Its tone and style make the book appealing to any lay reader with an interest in the topic.