The New Politics of North Carolina

Political scientist V. O. Key in 1949 described North Carolina as a “progressive plutocracy.” He argued that in the areas of industrial development public education and race relations North Carolina appeared progressive when compared to other southern states. Reconsidering Key’s evaluation nearly sixty years later contributors to this volume find North Carolina losing ground as a progressive leader in the South. The “new politics” of the state involves a combination of new and old: new opportunities and challenges have forced the state to change but the old culture still remains a powerful force.<br/><br/>In the eleven essays collected here leading scholars of North Carolina politics offer a systematic analysis of North Carolina’s politics and policy placed in the context of its own history as well as the politics and policies of other states. Topics discussed include the evolution of politics and political institutions; the roles of governors the judicial branch interest groups and party systems; and the part played by economic development and environmental policy. Contributors also address how geography affects politics within the state region and nation. Designed with students and interested citizens in mind this collection provides an excellent introduction to contemporary North Carolina politics and government.<br/><br/>Contributors:<br/>Hunter Bacot Elon University<br/>Christopher A. Cooper Western Carolina University<br/>Thomas F. Eamon East Carolina University<br/>Jack D. Fleer Wake Forest University<br/>Dennis O. Grady Appalachian State University<br/>Ferrel Guillory University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill<br/>Sean Hildebrand Western Carolina University<br/>Jonathan Kanipe Town Manager Catawba North Carolina<br/>H. Gibbs Knotts Western Carolina University<br/>Adam J. Newmark Appalachian State University<br/>Charles Prysby University of North Carolina at Greensboro<br/>Ruth Ann Strickland Appalachian State University<br/>James H. Svara Arizona State University<br/>Timothy Vercellotti Rutgers University