Missouri Government

Since the publication of the first edition in 1985, Missouri Government and Politics has been widely acclaimed as an outstanding text. This revised and enlarged edition updates all of the chapters to reflect the changes that have occurred in the state's government during the last decade. Five new chapters have been added on topics previously unaddressed: economic development, energy, and the environment; state policy making in higher education; funding for education in the 1990s; the statewide elected executive officials; and the types of law in Missouri. The twenty-six chapters are grouped into four main categories: "The Context of Missouri Politics," "State Governmental Framework," "Policies and Policy Making in Missouri," and "Local Government and Politics in Missouri." Helpful additions to the basic text include more than fifty tables and figures, a glossary giving clear definitions of many governmental terms, and a bibliography on Missouri politics and government. The authors have become experts about Missouri by serving as teachers and researchers in Missouri colleges and universities, as candidates and workers in Missouri political campaigns, and as officeholders and public administrators in Missouri state government. Their collective experience in Missouri politics ensures that this new edition provides the most thorough and comprehensive overview of the structure and inner workings of Missouri's political system.

This unique book combines state-specific facts and 30 fun-to-do hands-on projects. The Government Projects Book includes making a three branches state government tree and adding leaves of each branch's functions, designing a simple census questionnaire, staging a mock classroom election, holding a meeting with Robert's Rules of Order and more! Kids will have a blast and build essential knowledge skills including research, reading, writing, science and math. Great for students in K-8 grades and for displaying in the classroom, library or home.

This approachable, valuable exposition on Missouri government fills a significant gap in the literature on the interpretation, use, and operation of state constitutions. The book provides a sweeping look at the constitutional foundations of the processes of Missouri government and places Missouri within the context of our larger federal system. The essential elements of government outlined in the constitution are introduced, and then analysis and interpretation of each document's articles is covered.