State and Local Politics

Catalog description

This course will explore the role of state and local governments in the US system. Students will explore a variety of theories and models that attempt to explain the power relationships between the federal government and various state and local governments. Course topics include: state constitutions, federalism, governors, state legislatures, state courts, taxing and budgeting, and local government structures. Additionally, students will examine their own roles in state and local communities. Special attention will be given to both the state of Illinois and Bloomington-Normal.