In this Book
- Oregon Politics and Government: Progressives versus Conservative Populists
- Book
- 2005
- Published by: University of Nebraska Press
- Series: Politics and Governments of the American States
summary
The political culture of Oregon has long had a reputation for innovative policy, maverick politicians, and independent political thought, but instead of using the term “progressive” to describe the state’s political leanings, the editors of Oregon Politics and Government believe a more accurate descriptor would be “schizophrenic.” Oregon Politics and Government provides not only an overview of the state’s politics and government; it also explains how the divide between progressives and conservative populists defines Oregon politics today.
Early in the state’s history, reformers championed many causes: the initiative and referendum process for setting public policy, the recall of public officials, the direct election of U.S. senators, and women’s suffrage. Since then, the state has asserted control over beaches, imposed strict land-use laws, created an innovative regional government, introduced voting through the mail, allowed for physician-assisted suicide, and experimented with universal healthcare. Despite this list of accomplishments, however, Oregon is divided between two competing visions: one that is tied to progressive politics and another that is committed to conservative populism. While the progressive side supports a strong and active government, the conservative populist side seeks a smaller government, lower taxes, fewer restrictions on private property, and protection for traditional social values. The struggle between these two forces drives Oregon politics and policies today.
Table of Contents
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- List of Illustrations
- pp. vii-viii
- Acknowledgments
- pp. ix-x
- One: A State Divided
- pp. 1-16
- Two: Place, People
- pp. 17- 29
- Four: Parties and Elections
- pp. 47-62
- Five: Direct Democracy
- pp. 63- 81
- Six: Interest Groups
- pp. 82-98
- Seven: Media
- pp. 99-114
- 8. The Legislature
- pp. 115- 133
- Nine: Governor
- pp. 134-151
- Ten: Bureaucracy
- pp. 152- 170
- Eleven: Judiciary
- pp. 171- 188
- Twelve: Local Government
- pp. 189- 203
- Thirteen: Fiscal Policy
- pp. 204- 224
- 14. Environmental Policy
- pp. 225- 241
- Fifteen: Health Policy
- pp. 242- 255
- Sixteen: Social Issues
- pp. 256- 269
- Seventeen: Education Policy
- pp. 270- 286
- Eighteen: Oregon in Perspective
- pp. 287- 295
- For Further Reading
- pp. 323- 331
- Contributors
- pp. 333- 336
Additional Information
ISBN
9780803205178
MARC Record
OCLC
649742610
Pages
348
Launched on MUSE
2012-01-01
Language
English
Open Access
No