States are often described as "laboratories of democracy" because they serve as vibrant testing grounds for novel policies, approaches, and programs. Their successes and failures can be visibly traced, measured, and observed. And, despite the growth of federal powers, states continue to be immensely important units within the broader political system. Our course intricately covers the realm of state and local governments. It explores federalism and its various historical models, the structures of state and local governments (executives, legislatures, and courts), political systems and values, civic engagement and voter turnout, policies, challenges, and major issues. What should be the priorities of state and local governments today? How can they resolve these pressing problems? Prerequisite: PLAW 151. Students who previously completed PLAW 280: State and Local Politics may not register for this class.
PLAW 361 State and Local Politics
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