This text distinguishes itself through its highly accessible writing style, brevity, inclusion of unique topics such as tribal governments, extensive discussion of intergovernmental relations, and its focus on the relationship between government and the governed--how individuals are affected by government decisions and how individuals influence public policy.

As the authors have done in previous editions, their "face-to-face" approach to the study of state and local governments personalizes the material, connects government to students' lives, and makes the material more meaningful and relevant to the student.