New edition (first was published in 1976) of the standard text on the topic. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Colorado Politics and Government provides a political history and analysis of the state, emphasizing contemporary problems, conflicts, and their possible resolutions. In examining the political culture of the state, the authors elaborate on the political beliefs and voting patterns of its citizens and examine key political institutions, such as the governorship, the legislature, political parties, and the courts.

Survey after survey reveals that many Coloradans believe that the U.S. government is too big, too wasteful, and too intrusive. Yet Colorado is arguably one of the most federally subsidized states in the union, with forests, national parks, military bases, and research laboratories benefiting from the federal government’s largesse. A concise history of Colorado’s constitution and central political institutions, Colorado Politics and Policy offers a probing analysis of the state’s political cultures. It shows how the state, in many ways a template of the deeply contrary politics of the nation, puts political power into the hands of an ever-more-polarized electorate increasingly inclined to put the concerns of government to the test of the citizen-initiative. Colorado Politics and Policy is the result of broad-gauged and sophisticated research which includes author interviews with citizens and officials across the state, three specially commissioned statewide public opinion surveys, and extensive interviews with governors, legislators, judges, lobbyists, interest group leaders, and leading political analysts. This fresh and engaging interpretation is essential reading for those who want to understand Colorado’s major election trends, chief public policy and budget challenges, and this distinctively purple state’s unique political history.

When and how did Colorado’s government begin? How does it function today, and how can I play a part? Students can discover the answers to these questions and more with this exciting and informative book. Civics in Colorado Highlights: • Provides colorful, easy-to-follow pages with relevant civics images • Explains the roles of Colorado’s state leaders, local leaders, and citizens • Offers four chapters that demonstrate how basic civics concepts apply to Colorado • Includes a glossary, extension activity, guided reading questions, and other useful features Civics in Colorado covers the three branches of Colorado government, what it means to be an engaged citizen, the state’s interaction with federal government, and more. With this fascinating reader, Colorado educators can emphasize the civic rights and responsibilities of every single student. This book not only provides meaningful connections to students’ lives, but it also allows them to explore the past, present, and future of Colorado government.

This book delves into the origins, structure, and functions of Colorado’s system of government. It also looks at Colorado’s place in the larger United States government. Through easy-to-follow text, full color images, and carefully chosen primary source documents, the book looks at the individuals and organizations responsible for shaping Colorado’s government, while also explaining why a state government is important.

Did you know Colorado is known as the Centennial State? Or that it is the tallest state? This engaging social studies book is full of fun and interesting facts. Featuring four chapters, this Colorado book focuses on the start of the state, issues in the state, civic engagement, and Casimiro Barela. It includes a glossary, extension activity, guided reading questions, and other exciting features.Civics in Colorado covers the three branches of Colorado government, what it means to be an engaged citizen, the state’s interaction with federal government, and more. This book not only provides meaningful connections to students’ lives, but it also allows them to explore the past, present, and future of Colorado government.