Every year, editor Kevin Smith pulls cutting-edge selections from publications such as Governing, State Legislatures, State News, and Campaigns & Elections to grab your students' interest with highly readable and up-to-date articles that hit close to home. Nearly 40 new articles cover the significant issues facing state and local government with the same context and currency you have come to expect as hallmarks of this reader. The 2011-2012 edition will help bring the latest analysis into your state and local government course.