Why States Matter introduces students to the very tangible and constantly evolving implications, limitations, and foundations of America's state political institutions, and accessibly explains the ways that the political powers of the states manifest themselves in the cultures, economies, and lives of everyday Americans, and always will.
I found this book a good choice to assign to a 200-level State and Local Politics class. It is not overburdensome with details and leaves plenty of new content to pour into lectures. The downside is the student misses out on multiple examples and graphics that traditional textbooks have. I would recommend this as an assigned text if one is looking for a brief edition at a comparatively low cost.
Woohoo! Finally done with this semester, which means it’s time to rank my assigned readings! This book was actually quite interesting & insightful into state governments & politics! I enjoyed that analysis they provided & their examples were easily understood. Overall this was a fairly fun assigned reading & gave great insight into our nation. Plus the author is bsu alum, go broncos!