PUBPOL 3612

Politics and Processes of State and Local Government

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Federal governing systems cannot be understood without examining the differing and often overlapping structures at subnational levels. In this course, students will gain familiarity with these systems and how they cooperate or compete. The course considers history and culture to explain American federalism and its evolving impact on IGR. The course examines the federal, state, and local roles in delivering programs and services such as healthcare, transportation, education, land use, justice/incarceration, and environmental policy. The course also looks at how policy innovation flows in multiple directions among levels of government. This course offers future policy professionals a practitioner’s perspective on governing today. It is intended for individuals interested in careers in public administration, legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, state or local government, politics, consulting, planning, and nonprofit management.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Understand of the evolution and role of federalism, IGR, and IGM in the United States.
• Identify and evaluate key points of decision making, policymaking, and funding within the US system of government.
• Understand the role of various actors including elected officials, administrators, courts, and public.
• Analyze policy implementation by breaking down programs into components and understanding the roles of different levels of government.
• Understand relationships and political interplay between federal, state, and local government in the implementation of public policy.

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