State and Local Politics: A Guide to Key Cases and Topics

State and local politics play a vital role in the American political system. They are responsible for a wide range of issues that directly affect the lives of citizens, from education and healthcare to transportation and environmental protection.

State and Local Politics: Cases and Topics

by Niki Savva

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2891 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	154 pages

FREE

In recent years, state and local politics have become increasingly complex and contentious. This is due in part to the growing polarization of the American electorate, as well as the increasing influence of money in politics.

This guide provides an overview of state and local politics in the United States. It includes information on key court cases, landmark Supreme Court rulings, and important topics that shape local and state governance.

Key Court Cases

• Baker v. Carr (1962): This case established the principle of "one person, one vote." It held that state legislative districts must be drawn in a way that ensures that each person's vote has equal weight.
• Reynolds v. Sims (1964): This case extended the principle of "one person, one vote" to congressional districts. It held that congressional districts must be drawn in a way that ensures that each person's vote has equal weight.
• San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez (1973): This case held that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment does not require states to provide equal funding for education. This decision has been widely criticized, and many states have since adopted laws that require equal funding for education.
• Bush v. Gore (2000): This case was decided by the Supreme Court in the wake of the 2000 presidential election. The Court held that the Florida Supreme Court had overstepped its authority in ordering a recount of the votes. This decision effectively handed the election to George W. Bush.
• Citizens United v. FEC (2010): This case held that corporations and unions have the same right to spend money on political campaigns as individuals. This decision has been widely criticized, and many believe that it has led to a sharp increase in the influence of money in politics.

Landmark Supreme Court Rulings

• Marbury v. Madison (1803): This case established the principle of judicial review. It held that the Supreme Court has the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): This case established the principle of implied powers. It held that the federal government has the power to do anything that is necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.
• Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): This case established the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce.
• Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857): This case held that African Americans were not citizens of the United States and could not sue in federal court. This decision was later overturned by the Fourteenth Amendment.
• Brown v. Board of Education (1954): This case held that racial segregation of public schools is unconstitutional. This decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement.

Important Topics

• Education: State and local governments are responsible for funding and overseeing public education. This is a major issue in many states, as there is often a debate over how much money should be spent on education and how schools should be funded.
• Healthcare: State and local governments play a major role in providing healthcare to their citizens. This includes providing Medicaid and other health insurance programs, as well as regulating hospitals and other healthcare providers.
• Transportation: State and local governments are responsible for building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. This is a major issue in many states, as there is often a debate over how much money should be spent on transportation and how it should be funded.
• Environmental protection: State and local governments play a major role in protecting the environment. This includes regulating air and water pollution, as well as protecting natural resources.
• Economic development: State and local governments play a major role in promoting economic development. This includes providing tax incentives to businesses, as well as investing in infrastructure and education.

State and local politics are complex and ever-changing. However, by understanding the key court cases, landmark Supreme Court rulings, and important topics that shape local and state governance, you can be better informed about the issues that affect your community.

State and Local Politics: Cases and Topics

by Niki Savva

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2891 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	154 pages

FREE