Description: In the first half of the course, we approach local politics in terms of a theory that assumes places compete over the positive and negative aspects of development. We examine this with historical and contemporary examples. We also seek to identify what motives cities have in using various types of public policies when competing with each other. A major theme is that development (zoning) policies are one of the few areas where cities exercise any political autonomy. We begin with an overview of the city in American political history, examine the relationship between urbanization and politics, then proceed to issues of conflict and inequality within (and between) cities. Emphasis is given to development issues and participation in local politics. In the second half of the quarter, we examine how (or if) variation in state political institutions have implications for how politics works in different states. We also assess how (or if) politics are "different" in Washington state and the American west. For this reason, we spend some time examining how political institutions are structured in different states (e.g. governors' powers, political parties, courts, election rules). The last few weeks of the course focus on some of political phenomena that often characterize politics in the western states: direct democracy, tax revolts, and fiscal problems.State and Local Politics
Donovan, Spring 2009
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email me at: donovan@cc.wwu.edu