NCJ Number
129597
Date Published
1990
Length
638 pages
Annotation
This reference book on State government reflects the view that States play a dominant role in American domestic governance and that State government institutions and innovations should be widely understood and appreciated.
Abstract
In response to a survey conducted by the Council of State Governments, State officials identified their top issues as education, economic development, the environment, human services, health care (including AIDS), and crime and corrections (including prison overcrowding and drug-related violence). State officials identified their greatest challenges in the next few years as building a stronger economic base; financing major reforms; maintaining the quality of life for citizens; assuring an adequate supply of clean water; redeveloping rural areas; satisfying a pent-up demand for services; and preparing for the 21st century in terms of educational, economic, health, and environmental needs. The reference book compiles responses from States in 10 chapters. The first four chapters focus on State constitutions and on State executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The chapter on the judicial branch explores the status of the judiciary and gives information on the court of last resort, intermediate appellate courts, and general trial courts and on the compensation, selection, and removal of State judges. The next five chapters examine State elections, finances, management and administration, activities and services, and intergovernmental affairs. The final chapter presents statistics and information about States, including capital, population, land area, government officials, and judges of the court of last resort. References, footnotes, and tables