"In 1950 state government in New Jersey played a minimal role. There was no state sales tax or income tax. The state raised little revenue and provided little aid to municipalities, counties, and school districts. By 2002, dramatic changes had occurred. A sales tax was enacted, and raised several times. An income tax was enacted and raised several times. The state is now a major revenue raiser and provides considerable aid to local governments. This analysis examines how these changes came about.".

"Democrats enacted the major changes, but only with enormous reluctance and only under enormous pressure. And Republicans, with one exception, were not eager to repeal the actions of Democrats when Republicans regained power. Democrats did not play the simple role of being liberal, and Republicans did not play the simple role of being conservative. The behavior and motives of parties present an important puzzle, which this book also seeks to address.".

"The analysis focuses on how parties evolve in their electoral bases and concerns, and how these changes ultimately alter the political debate within a state and result in changes. It explains what prompted Democrats to enact change, how the electorate reacted (often subsequently rejecting the Democrats), and what Republicans did once they acquired power. It provides a richer and fuller understanding of how parties behave and how their behavior affects the role of state government."--BOOK JACKET.