ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a compact introduction to state-local relations as they have been, as they are now, and as they are likely to be in the near future. It shows how state-local relations fit into the larger scheme of intergovernmental relations in the United States. The book demonstrates that governors and legislatures are willing to provide assistance for equalizing goods and services and for fulfilling popular functions, but this necessarily breeds financial dependency on state governments. It explores the evolution of development policy and reviews the state-local partnership in education. The book describes the emergence of programs to protect air and water quality and examines health and welfare policy. State and local governments have always been important in American politics. Congressional Republicans are in the ascendance, and their Contract with America envisions much less government overall.
