State and Local Government
Governing States and Localities by Kevin B. Smith and Alan Greenblat (Eighth edition).
In at least three full pages, you will answer one of the following questions. The essay should be in Times New Roman, 12 point font, and be double spaced. It should be sent to me in a Word document. To answer a question, you can use the course readings posted on Canvas, the introductory module videos on Canvas, and the recorded Zoom lectures. No outside sources should be used in the essay. In your essay response, you need to answer the essay prompts. You also need to give and explain concrete examples in your essay. You should answer the essay question as completely as possible. In addition to content, the essay will be graded on writing, spelling, and grammar. The essay should be written in paragraph form and in complete sentences.
The essay should be written in your own words. It should not be copied word for word from online sources. If you do this, it is plagiarism and the penalty will be a zero on the exam. Your work must be your own. Students are prohibited from helping each other on the exam. Students turning in identical essays will receive a zero on the exam.
The essay should be uploaded on Canvas under “Assignments” and “Midterm Exam.”
1. Discuss Federalism. What is federalism? What are some types of federalism? What are advantages and disadvantages of federalism? What are some alternatives to federalism? What is the relationship between the federal government and the states under federalism? How has that relationship evolved over time?
2. Discuss Financing State and Local Governments. What are some methods used by state and local governments to pay for services? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these funding sources? Why is funding more challenging for state and local governments than it is for the federal government? What are the major expenditures of state and local governments? Why do some of these expenditures make funding more challenging for state and local governments?
3. Discuss State and Local Politics. What is the role of state and local governments? Who has the power? What are some of the influences on state and local governments? What role do local media and other organizations play? What are some challenges faced by state and local governments?
4. Discuss Parties and Elections in the States. How do state and local governments regulate elections? What are some differences in how people vote? What are some differences in the nomination process? What is the role of political parties in state and local elections? What is the role of political parties in state government? What are some examples of one-party and two-party states?
