"Chapter 1"

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, students should be able to understand:

1.  The increased importance of the study of state and local government.

2.     The factors that account for the increased capacity of state and local governments.

3.     The underlying importance of people in the study of the institutions, processes, and policies at the state and local level.

4.  The challenges that state and local governments face in their efforts to solve problems.

5.     The importance of understanding political culture and its effect in different regions of the country.