Exam 1: New Directions for State and Local Governments

During the last three decades, states and localities have generally increased their capacity to provide services. Discuss factors that reinforce the performance of states and localities during this time period. In doing so, illustrate each factor with an example.

What are cultural wars, and how have they affected politics in the states? Provide specific examples that illustrate how cultural wars have affected politics and policy in the states.

The term _______ refers to the ability of government to respond effectively to change, to make decisions efficiently and responsively, and to manage conflict.

There seldom is tension between the national and nonnational governments in a federal system.

States and communities with more capacity work better than those with less capacity.

The concept of political culture refers to the attitudes, values, and beliefs people hold toward government.

As a general rule, state governments prefer to increase user charges, gasoline taxes, and so-called sin taxes on alcohol and tobacco in order to generate revenue. They only reluctantly raise sales and income taxes.

When surveyed about the characteristics of good government, the citizens of Iowa put trustworthiness, ethics, financial responsibility, and accountability at the top of the list.

Transparency refers to the ability of local stations to broadcast internal government meetings.

How have state constitutions changed over the past three decades?

How does government corruption impact the economy?

In the aftermath of the Great Recession, the "new normal" is an environment in many states characterized by

According to the text, what are the three unique characteristics of the United States' fifty-state system?

The social conflict over political and legal actions related to a morality issue such as same-sex marriage is an example of

As a precaution to reduce corruption, the states have moved to make government more open, understandable and accountable to the public. This is known as

Interstate cooperation is illustrated in the states working together to sue some of America's largest corporations to recover Medicaid funds spent on tobacco-related illnesses and to fight unfair business practices by filing an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp.