Illinois Politics: A Citizen’s Guide (2010) | New Version Coming August 2024
Buy now: Amazon (Old Edition) - Barnes & Noble (New Edition) - University of Illinois Press (New Edition)
Revised and Updated Version Coming August 2024
“Mouritsen, Redfield, and Nowlan have written the definitive book on Illinois politics in the early twenty-first century. They document the major changes that have occurred in Illinois politics and government in the last couple of decades, through a series of failed governorships, political scandals, the rise of Trump, and increasing polarization between the northeastern corner of the state and the rural areas downstate.”
- Christopher Z. Mooney, author of State and Local Politics: Institutions and Reform
Reviews for Illinois Politics: A Citizen’s Guide
“The best book on Illinois politics and government. With inside information and interviews never before available, Illinois Politics: A Citizen’s Guide will be used by scholars, students, and citizens for many years to come.
-Dick Simpson, former Chicago alderman and author of Inside Urban Politics: Voices from America’s Cities and Suburbs
“The story between the covers tells a gripping tale of the state’s past and present, and will unnerve readers about prospects for the future.”
-Illinois Times
“Educators, journalists, legislators - all who care about Illinois government and its role in shaping a better future for our state - should read this book.”
-Jim Broadway, Publisher, State School News Service
A Look Inside the old edition…
Why has corruption flourished in Illinois even as reformers struggle for ethical change?
How do the three regions of the state compete for resources?
When did the state become so blue?
What powers do the governor and other elected officials really have?
How are judges appointed to and removed from the bench?
Why does Illinois have more units of government than any other state?
How did higher education lose ground as a funding priority?
What role did politics play in the current budget deficit?
And how can Illinois move beyond its status as the “most average state in the nation”?
Use code S24UIP when ordering from the University of Illinois Press to receive 30% off
More About the New Edition…
Melissa Mouritsen is an associate professor of political science at the College of DuPage and the coeditor of Twenty-First Century Chicago.
Kent D. Redfield is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Illinois, Springfield, and the author of Money Counts: How Dollars Dominate Illinois Politics and What We Can Do About It.
James D. Nowlan is a former Illinois state legislator and was the running mate of Governor Richard B. Ogilvie in 1972. His books include Politics: the Starter Kit: How to Succeed in Politics and Government.