This core text and review book on American state and local politics provides the background necessary for understanding how subnational governments work. The course is offered by 2/3 of the political science departments of U.S. colleges and is growing in popularity as increasing responsibilities are being thrust upon state and local level governments. The course is usually taken at the sophomore level and up, drawing non-majors as well as majors. Contemporary examples make this book timely but are introduced in such a way that they don't date the book. This concise, reasonably priced paperback should also appeal to general readers.