Table of Contents

List of Tables, Figures, and Boxes
About the Authors
Preface
1. An Introduction to Government and Policymaking in the Commonwealth
2. A Framework for Governing: Exploring the Virginia State Constitution
3. From Blue to Red and Back Again: Voting and Political Participation in Virginia
4. Organized Interests: Political Parties and Group Politics in the State Capital
5. The Virginia General Assembly: Lawmaking in the Nation’s First Legislature
6. Steering the Ship of the State: Executive Power in Virginia
7. Law and Order in Virginia: The State Court System
8. Administering Government: Bureaucratic Power and Politics in Virginia
9. Paying the Bill: Budgeting and Finance in Virginia
10. Municipalities and Metropolitanism: Local and Regional Governance in Virginia
11. Inside the Laboratory: Public Policymaking in Virginia
Index

About the Author

Liliokanaio Peaslee is assistant professor of public policy and administration in the Department of Political Science at James Madison University. She has an undergraduate degree in political science, a master’s degree in social policy, and a joint PhD in politics and social policy. Dr. Peaslee has published in the areas of community policing, youth development, rural education and employment policy, and university–community partnerships. Her research currently involves evaluating mentoring programs for at-risk youth. Nicholas J. Swartz is assistant professor of public policy and administration in the Department of Political Science at James Madison University. He is also the director of the Master in Public Administration Program. He has an undergraduate degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate degree in public policy. Dr. Swartz has published in the areas of emergency management, city–county governmental consolidation, local government and nonprofit management succession planning, and university–town collaborations. He has worked with a number of local governments and nonprofits in Virginia to facilitate local community and economic development.

Reviews

"Peaslee and Swartz’s Virginia Government is thorough, well written, and concise—all ideal for student comprehension. This book is an articulate, forthright, and astute analysis of what makes the Commonwealth of Virginia unique among the states. Students will appreciate the critical, yet approachable, analysis provided by Peaslee and Swartz."
*Roy Kirby*

"The authors have succeeded in presenting a thorough, clear and concise overview of Virginia’s system of governments, the different sources of governmental authority, the responsibilities of the various municipalities, and the revenue sources for implementation of those responsibilities. Students should be able to easily understand how the various pieces of municipal government fit into the matrix of state government and how financial obligations are shared between all entities."
*Frederick M. Quayle*

"Liliokanaio Peaslee and Nicholas J. Swartz provide a much needed comprehensive introduction to Virginia government and politics that is essential to understanding the eccentricities of the state that V.O. Key, Jr. called the ‘political museum piece’."  
*Laura van Assendelft*

"Peaslee and Swartz have written an informative book on Virginia government and its history. The graphs and charts are timely and clearly articulate the important ideas and issues. Virginia Government: Institutions and Policy is an ideal companion book to any state and local government class."
*Mary L. Carver*