Pennsylvania Government and Politics

Pennsylvania Government and Politics gives readers an overview of the government institutions and the politics of the keystone state. It explains how Pennsylvania compares to other states on a wide variety of demographic and economic areas, and examines detailed statistics relating to election results and political trends, with an emphasis on the current party realignment. This comprehensive coverage takes over where historical examinations end by providing specific contemporary data and detailed discussion of the state's political system.

The book opens with a profile of Pennsylvania and its rich historical and political heritage. Subsequent chapters are devoted to the history of political parties and elections in the state, the Pennsylvania State Constitution, as well as the three institutions of government: the General Assembly, the executive branch, and the judiciary. The book closes with a chapter on local governments in Pennsylvania.

Designed to blend engaging exposition with statistical information that enhances the readers' insights into both institutions and events, Pennsylvania Government and Politics is an ideal text for courses relating to Pennsylvania government and history within the state. It can also be used as a supplemental text for introductory courses in American national government and state and local government. Its tone and style make the book appealing to any lay reader with an interest in the topic.

John J. Kennedy, who holds a Ph.D. from Temple University, is professor of political science at West Chester University where he regularly teaches courses in American government, Pennsylvania government, state and local government, the United States Congress, and American political parties. Dr. Kennedy is a frequent political commentator and has been featured on NBC, NPR, and PBS as well as in the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Al-Jazeera America. He is the author of the books The Contemporary Pennsylvania State Legislature and Pennsylvania Elections.