Illinois politics : a citizen's guide / James D. Nowlan, Samuel K. Gove, and Richard J. Winkel, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nowlan, James Dunlap, 1941-

Contributor:

Gove, Samuel K. (Samuel Kimball), 1923-2011.

Winkel, Richard J.

University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus). Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political science--Illinois.

Political science.

Illinois--Politics and government.

Illinois.

Physical Description:

viii, 265 p. : ill., maps.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Urbana : University of Illinois Press, c2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Considered a microcosm of the nation, the state of Illinois stretches almost four hundred miles from its northern limit at the Wisconsin line to its southern tip at Cairo, nestled between Kentucky and Missouri. Its political culture is as intriguing as the state is long. Illinois has produced presidents and leading members of Congress. It also has a long history of political corruption, including, in recent years, the federal indictments of two consecutive governors. The population of the state is exceptionally diverse, with a significant number of new immigrants. Its political allegiance, once firmly Republican, has trended ever more Democratic. Illinois can be divided neatly into three distinct regions: Chicago, the suburban collar surrounding the city, and the ninety-five downstate counties. Based on the research and experience of respected veterans of Illinois politics, this book shows how the government runs, how politics operates, and what obstacles and opportunities exist for change. It explains how power is exercised and how parties compete for it. For engaged citizens, scholars, and students, Illinois Politics: A Citizen's Guide is a timely and much-needed roadmap for positive change.

Contents:

Cover

title page

copyright

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Illinois in Perspective

2. Power, Parties, Groups, and the Media

3. Elections: Kent D. Redfield

4. Constitutions

5. The Legislature

6. The Executive

7. The Courts

8. The Intergovernmental Web

9. Education

10. Taxing and Spending

11. Illinois: Strong but not Achieving

Notes

Index.

Notes:

"Published in collaboration with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9786613028952

9781283028950

1283028956

9780252092015

0252092015

OCLC:

709664756