Illinois Politics

Shifting demographics. Downstate versus Chicago. Billionaires and bribery. Even veteran observers need a roadmap to track Illinois' ever-changing political landscape. Melissa Mouritsen, Kent D. Redfield, and James D. Nowlan provide an up-to-date primer on Prairie State politics, government, and policies. Features include:Discussions of recent events like the 2015-2017 budget disaster, the response to COVID-19, and the fall of longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan;New chapters on corruption, social policies, and the political rules of the game;Perspectives on the nuts-and-bolts of campaign funding, the ways political actors acquire power or influence, and many other topics;Close examinations of complex issues like the state s increased polarization and its ongoing fiscal recovery.Fully revised and expanded, Illinois Politics blends detailed information with expert analysis to offer an essential resource for citizens, students, and public servants alike.