Earl Fry explores the forces behind the rise of state and local influence in foreign affairs.

The balance between state and federal health care financing for low-income people has been a matter of considerable debate for the last 40 years. Some argue for a greater federal role, others for more devolution of responsibility to the states. Medicaid, the backbone of the system, has been plagued by an array of problems that have made it unpopular and difficult to use to extend health care coverage. In recent years, waivers have given the states the flexibility to change many features of their Medicaid programs; moreover, the states have considerable flexibility to in establishing State Children's Health Insurance Programs. This book examines the record on the changing health safety net. How well have states done in providing acute and long-term care services to low-income populations? How have they responded to financial incentives and federal regulatory requirements? How innovative have they been? Contributing authors include Donald J. Boyd, Randall R. Bovbjerg, Teresa A. Coughlin, Ian Hill, Michael Housman, Robert E. Hurley, Marilyn Moon, Mary Beth Pohl, Jane Tilly, and Stephen Zuckerman.

An abridged version of the larger "State and Local Government text, the Essentials edition offers an option for instructors interested in incorporating outside readings or who teach on a quarter system. The text focuses on the increased capacity of state and local government roles in the federal system, offering a perspective on history and the current political climate. The up-to-date, comprehensive coverage fosters student interest and involvement in state and local politics.Relevant web sites and Internet resources are included at the end of every chapter.The comprehensive coverage includes information on the structure of individual government systems.The briefer format of the text provides a less expensive option and more accessible material for non-major students.