The ninth edition of State and Local Government in a Federal System continues the tradition of comprehensive coverage, providing teachers with choices that are suitable to either two- or three-unit courses with emphasis on local or state government. Two new co-authors have been added. Chapter 2 (on state and local government powers) has been refreshed with a new overarching problem relating to short term rental and now addresses proposed changes in home rule provisions and state preemption practices proposed by the National League of Cities in 2020. Chapter 4 (on public finance) has been completely revised to update coverage concerning sources and strategies affecting government funding, borrowing, expenditures, federal oversight, and financially distressed municipalities in recent years.

All other aspects of the book have been thoroughly updated, including those relating to regional government, government employees, public education (funding and charter schools), federalism, the role of the state governors and legislatures, and more. This edition is particularly timely in that it integrates coverage of emerging legal issues relating to the COVID pandemic and devotes increased attention to social justice issues including possible implications for government liability.