An authoritative guide to federal democracy from two respected experts in the field Around the world, federalism has emerged as the system of choice for nascent republics and established nations alike. In this book, leading scholars and governmental advisers Robert Inman and Daniel Rubinfeld consider the most promising forms of federal governance and the most effective path to enacting federal policies. The result is an essential guide to federalism, its principles, its applications, and its potential to enhance democratic governance. Drawing on the latest work from economics, political science, and law, Inman and Rubinfeld assess different models of federalism and their relative abilities to promote economic efficiency, encourage the participation of citizens, and protect individual liberties. Under the right conditions, the authors argue, a federal democracy-including a national legislature with locally elected representatives-can best achieve these goals. Because a stable union between the national and local governments is key, Inman and Rubinfeld also propose an innovative method for evaluating new federal laws and their possible impact on state and local governments. Finally, to show what the adoption of federalism can mean for citizens, the authors discuss the evolution of governance in the European Union and South Africa's transition from apartheid to a multiracial democracy. Interdisciplinary in approach, Democratic Federalism brims with applicable policy ideas and comparative case studies of global significance. This book is indispensable for understanding the importance of federal forms of government-both in recent history and, crucially, for future democracies.

"Making Cities Work" brings together leading writers and scholars on urban America to offer critical perspectives on how to sustain prosperous, livable cities in today's fast-evolving economy. Successful cities provide jobs, quality schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, effective transportation, and welcoming spaces for all residents. But cities must be managed well if they are to remain attractive places to work, relax, and raise a family; otherwise residents, firms, and workers will leave and the social and economic advantages of city living will be lost.

Drawing on cutting-edge research in the social sciences, the contributors explore optimal ways to manage the modern city and propose solutions to today's most pressing urban problems. Topics include the urban economy, transportation, housing and open space, immigration, race, the impacts of poverty on children, education, crime, and financing and managing services. The contributors show how to make cities work for diverse urban constituencies, and why we still need cities despite the many challenges they pose. "Making Cities Work" brings the latest findings in urban economics to policymakers, researchers, and students, as well as anyone interested in urban affairs.

In addition to the editor, the contributors are David Card, Philip J. Cook, Janet Currie, Edward L. Glaeser, Joseph Gyourko, Richard J. Murnane, Witold Rybczynski, Kenneth A. Small, and Jacob L. Vigdor.

From the iconic Pacific Coast to deep canyons full of stories to mountaintops with breathtaking views, explore the dramatic Southern California landscape without traveling deep into the backcountry. This book features easy-to-follow urban trails that allow hikers of all levels to discover the landmarks that shape the Golden state's cities and towns. Urban Hikes Southern California provides the latest information to plan a customized trip: Unique hikes, from tranquil ridgetop strolls to thriving downtown explorations Full-color photos and maps, detailed trail descriptions, and trailhead GPS Insightful hike overviews and details on distance, difficulty, canine compatibility, and more Southern California boasts a plethora of great urban hikes, and this guide highlights both family-friendly footpaths and culinary and gastronomic delights found along the way. Find hikes suited to every ability. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, from Redlands to Venice, learn what makes dozens of dynamic Southern California communities unique as you explore them on foot. Discover shoreline jaunts, hill-climbing treks, after-work rambles, and more. The book contains forty-one hikes that range from 3 to 8-miles. Each follows a variety of routes that include vibrant avenues, quiet residential lanes, park trails, pedestrian-only lanes, public stairways, beach boardwalks, and canal paths. Every excursion seeks out and describes viewpoints, natural features, local history, architecture, and street art. Starting points are selected for their ease of access and parking information is included. Many of the hikes are accessible to rail transit and directions are provided.

In 1934, WBT radio announcer Charles Crutchfield formed a spur-of-the-moment musical group to satisfy a potential sponsor looking for a ?hillbilly? radio program to showcase its products. Known as the WBT Briarhoppers, this group went on to become one of the longest lasting bluegrass/country ensembles in America, staying on the air until 1951 and then continuing to perform. Compiled from firsthand interviews, this work tells the story of the WBT Briarhoppers, analyzing the band's history and its connection to the growth of American radio and radio advertising. Using the Briarhoppers as a common thread, it examines changes in culture and the group's contribution to country and bluegrass music. The work also discusses legendary performers including the Tennessee Ramblers, The Johnson Family, and Bill and Charlie Monroe. A discography is included.