This reader is designed to illustrate specific themes within government. Readings and Cases juxtaposes selected texts from scholarly literature with case studies from popular publications to first define the concept at hand, then to illustrate how the concept is applied in contemporary society. Each of the sixteen chapters follows a user-friendly structure. First, a major topic within the study of state and local politics is introduced, followed by two readings culled from outside sources, and concluding with a concise summary highlighting the salient points introduced. The result is one text that examines major themes in both a classic and contemporary context.