State Constitutions for the Twenty-first Century: The Politics of State Constitutional Reform (Suny Series in American Constitutionalism) [Paperback]

G. Alan Tarr (Editor), Robert F. Williams (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0791466140 | ISBN-13: 978-0791466148 | Publication Date: June 30, 2006

The first systematic analysis of the obstacles to state constitutional reform.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Through illuminating case studies of reform efforts in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Virginia, this book—the first of three volumes—provides the first systematic analysis of the political obstacles to state constitutional reform. For those seeking constitutional reform, this useful resource can spell the difference between success and failure, and for those interested in state politics or constitutional politics, it offers rare insight into a distinctive aspect of American constitutionalism. Written by eminent scholars who were, in many cases, also active participants in the reform campaign, the essays provide practical experience, expert analysis, and lessons for future constitutional reformers.

"The distinguished contributors to State Constitutions for the Twenty-first Century have performed a valuable service for scholars and constitutional reformers alike, by explaining why state constitutional reform has become so difficult to achieve and also why it has occasionally succeeded, even in the face of significant obstacles." — John J. Dinan, author of Keeping the People’s Liberties: Legislators, Citizens, and Judges as Guardians of Rights

"If the bones of more noble political leaders of this new century are not to be added to the graveyards of state constitutional revision, then intrepid reformers must heed the political lessons found in these insightful studies of successful and unsuccessful reform of our nation’s state constitutions." — John Kincaid, Lafayette College

"A well-written and important work." — James T. McHugh, author of Ex Uno Plura: State Constitutions and Their Political Cultures

Contributors include Gerald Benjamin, Bruce E. Cain, Anne G. Campbell, A. E. Dick Howard, Rebecca Mae Salokar, G. Alan Tarr, and H. Bailey Thomson --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

At Rutgers University at Camden, G. Alan Tarr is Director of the Center for State Constitutional Studies and Robert F. Williams is Associate Director. Tarr is also Distinguished Professor of Political Science and author of Understanding State Constitutions. Williams is also Distinguished Professor of Law and author of State Constitutional Law: Cases and Materials, Third Edition. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 217 pages
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr (June 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791466140
• ISBN-13: 978-0791466148
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,881,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)