Dresang, Dennis and Gosling, James J., Politics and Policy in American States and Communities, 3rd Edition* With a unique organizing theme, a "face-to-face" approach, the book shows how individuals are affected by decisions of governmental officials and how individuals can influence public policy. This approach personalizes the study of state and local government, making it more meaningful to the reader. Three areas of extensive updating include: the changing nature of intergovernmental relations; the policy chapters (welfare reform, crime, juvenile crime); and the changing nature of partisan politics within states." For those interested in the U.S. state and local government.