Minnesota Politics and Government
Minnesota Politics and Government

Author: Daniel Judah Elazar

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 1999-01-01

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 9780803267145

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For the first time in decades, here is an in-depth look at Minnesota government and politics, providing a useful overview of the history, structure, and distinctive characteristics of the political system in the North Star State. Minnesota?s government is often held up as a role model for other states. Drawing on survey research, electoral analysis, interview data, and political experience, the authors examine contemporary politics in Minnesota, emphasizing in particular its long-standing moralistic dimension. Attention is given to the major components of the state?s political system: the constitution, legislature, courts, relationship to both the federal system and local governments, lobbying, elections, campaign finance, and public attitudes toward taxes and services. Equally important, the authors assess various enduring myths and views about Minnesota politics, including its legendary liberalism and citizen involvement in the political scene, and even consider how its new governor, former wrestler Jesse Ventura, fits into Minnesota?s traditions.

The State of State Legislative Ethics
The State of State Legislative Ethics

Author:

Publisher: National Conference of State Legislatures

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13:

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Presents an overview of state ethics laws. The goal of the publication is to help legislators, staff, lobbyists, the media and the public understand the complexities and extent of state ethics laws, strengthen interest in public service and restore public confidence.

Ambition, Federalism, and Legislative Politics in Brazil
Ambition, Federalism, and Legislative Politics in Brazil

Author: David Samuels

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2003-02-24

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 1139440179

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Ambition theory suggests that scholars can understand a good deal about politics by exploring politicians' career goals. In the USA, an enormous literature explains congressional politics by assuming that politicians primarily desire to win re-election. In contrast, although Brazil's institutions appear to encourage incumbency, politicians do not seek to build a career within the legislature. Instead, political ambition focuses on the subnational level. Even while serving in the legislature, Brazilian legislators act strategically to further their future extra-legislative careers by serving as 'ambassadors' of subnational governments. Brazil's federal institutions also affect politicians' electoral prospects and career goals, heightening the importance of subnational interests in the lower chamber of the national legislature. Together, ambition and federalism help explain important dynamics of executive-legislative relations in Brazil. This book's rational-choice institutionalist perspective contributes to the literature on the importance of federalism and subnational politics to understanding national-level politics around the world.