"Capturing the many ... changes taking place in the state and local government arenas, this book not only helps you understand structure, process, and policy, but also shows why your knowledge of state and local government is so important to your success as a professional and a private citizen. [The authors] help you get to know the players--the political parties, interest groups, media, state political systems, communities, business organizations, civic clubs, religious congregations--and how they interact to produce policy. Along the way, you'll discover how this policy making at the state and local levels affects your life--both personally and professionally--at nearly every turn."--Back cover.