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This long-needed, volume gives an overview of the past, present, and future of American county government. Recognized authorities describe how county governments have developed, how they are chosen and function in metropolitan and rural counties, and how they interrelate with state and national units of government. This primer analyzing how governmental roles are changing and how counties governments in the future might better deliver essential human services is intended for students and professionals and for classroom use, for courses in state and local government, urban and rural studies, and public administration.
This expert overview begins with a short introduction and brief history. Then three chapters outline the broad characteristics of county governments today in terms of authority, structure, elections, legislatures and legislation, the capacities of county governments, and intergovernmental relations. Five chapters assess in turn how counties provide full-service government, the characteristics of metropolitan counties and urbanization, the special problems of rural county governments, shifting roles in county-state relations, and county policy objectives at the national level. The conclusion discusses counties, other governments, and future prospects. The reference list points to related readings of note.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction: Counties, Change, and Reform--An Overview by David R. Berman and Katheryn A. Lehman
American County Government: An Historical Perspective by Lawrence L. Martin
Governing the County: Authority, Structure, and Elections by Victor S. DeSantis and Tari Renner
Legislatures and Legislating in County Government by Alvin D. Sokolow
County Capacity and Intergovernmental Relations by William L. Waugh, Jr. and Gregory Streib
County Services: The Emergence of Full-Service Government by J. Edwin Benton and Donald C. Menzel
Metropolitan Counties and Urbanization by Vincent L. Marando and C. Douglas Baker
The Special Problems of Rural County Governments by Beverly A. Cigler
Shifting Roles in County-State Relations by Tanis J. Salant
Counties and the National Agenda by David R. Berman and Barbara P. Greene
Counties, Other Governments, and the Future by David R. Berman
References
Index
About the author
David R. Berman
