A lively introduction to New York state and local politics by a political scientist and a former State Assembly member who infuse their discussion of institutions and processes with the drama and significance of real power politics. Most New Yorkers have very little knowledge of how influence is wielded in Albany; here is a chance to look behind those closed doors. The book covers constitutional issues; historical, economic, social, and demographic factors; the functioning of executive, legislative, and judicial institutions; urban, local, and special district governments; parties, interest groups, and bureaucracies; finance; budgets; and health, education, and welfare programs.
