Party Conflict and Community Development
Postwar Politics in Ann Arbor
Can political parties function and be effective at the local level?
Description
Through an in-depth study of Ann Arbor politics, Party Conflict and Community Development addresses fundamental questions of the relationship between partisan politics and municipal government. Since a large majority of middle-sized American cities operate with nonpartisan government, Ann Arbor's fiercely competitive, two-party system provides an essential counterpoint to other urban studies. Moreover, political activity at this local level gives unique insight into the relative strength and performance of American political parties.
Samuel J. Eldersveld examines in detail how this increasingly competitive system has led to innovative policy change. Finally, he offers comparisons to other American and European cities.
Reviews
"As an accounting and explanation of Ann Arbor's postwar development, this book is an ambitious undertaking. It is rich in detail and comprehensive in treatment."
- Political Science Quarterly
--Political Science Quarterly
". . . as a model of sensitive and readable quantitative analysis, this book deserves a wide readership."
- Choice
--Choice
". . . a masterful study of democratic representation at the urban level, one that returns the emphasis to the political forces and institutions that shape community life. Perceptive and innovative, it should take its place as one of the very best the discipline has to offer on political representation at he local level and on the political forces that shape modern urban America."
- American Political Science Review
--American Political Science Review
"The overall value of this book is beyond question. It makes significant contributions to our understanding of local politics in a partisan environment. . . . [It is] one that anyone interested in parties and the influence of partisan politics should read. It will also be of interest to anyone concerned with the relationship between the governed and those accepting the burden of governing. Finally, the book is relevant to those scholars interested in community development."
- Journal of Politics
--Journal of Politics
"As an activist himself for decades and past mayor, Eldersveld writes with deep knowledge of specifics. . . . There is lots here; do read it."
- Political Science Quarterly
--Political Science Quarterly