Understanding Missouris Constitutional Government
Publisher: University of Missouri Press
Published: 2010
Language: eng
Number of pages: 161
ISBN-13: 9780826219039
Description: In the study of American government, analysis of state governments is often neglected in favor of concentration on the national system. Certainly in-depth knowledge of our countrys constitutional structure is critical to an understanding of American government, but this continuing inattention to the complexities of state governments has left a hole in the literature available to help us understand the role state governments play in the federal system. State constitutions served as guides for the construction of the U.S. Constitution, but they have their own character and significance. As such, it is imperative that teachers, students, and historians fully understand the creation, administration, and adjudication of state governments.Understanding Missouris Constitutional Governmentpresents a case study in the foundations of state governments.

The book provides a sweeping look at the constitutional foundations of the processes of Missouri government.Authors Richard Fulton and Jerry Brekke place Missouri within the context of our larger federal system while using the states constitution as a touchstone for the discussion of each element of state government.Understanding Missouris Constitutional Governmenthas a dual framework specifically designed to enhance the readers learning experience. First, the essential elements of government outlined in the constitution are introduced, and then analysis and interpretation of each of the documents articles is covered. This organization permits readers to build an understanding of a particular elementfor example, the legislatureby learning its fundamental organization, processes, and purposes in a straightforward manner. After gaining that primary perspective, the reader can use the formal analysis in the second section to explore interpretations of each article.

Not only helpful to the general reader, this two-part structure makes the text especially useful in courses on American government, state and local governments, and particularly Missouri government and constitution. In short,Understanding Missouris Constitutional Governmentis an approachable, valuable exposition on Missouri government as reflected in the day-to-day operations outlined in the Missouri constitution. It fills a significant gap in the literature on the interpretation, use, and operation of state constitutions. Since Missouri law dictates that all levels of education should teach government and constitution at the national and state levels, this book will be an indispensible resource for educators while serving as a valuable reference for journalists and public officials in the state.