The Essentials version of State and Local Government shares its thematic structure and approach with the bestselling full-length text of the same name, providing condensed yet comprehensive coverage of local government and public policy issues. The authors explain the structures of state and local government--including historical perspective--as well as the function of each in the current political scene. Through engaging coverage of current events and an accessible writing style, the text fosters student interest and involvement in state and local politics and policy. For instructors who prefer a more streamlined text or for those who teach one-semester courses, The Essentials features six fewer chapters than its full-length counterpart--and a limited focus on policy.