The Sixth Edition of this best-selling text continues to provide the comprehensive and current coverage of institutions, political behavior, and policy-making at the state and local level. The strong policy orientation of the text, as well as its unifying theme of the increased capacity and responsibility of state and local governments have established this text as the standard for this course. Web resources in every chapter foster student interest in state and local politics and policy. An enhanced text-specific web site provides additional resources for instructors and students. Chapter 18, Environmental Policy, covers a broad range of issues to address the tension between economic and environmental interests. Overall revisions address the latest challenges facing the states as they try to overcome budget shortfalls and incorporate federal mandates. Breaking New Ground and Debating Politics boxes facilitate critical thinking and class discussion by presenting policy innovations and controversial issues. Updated coverage of e-government and the Internet explores the impact of technology on government and citizen participation.