Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

The Executive Branch of State Government: People, Process, and Politics. Edited by Margaret R. Ferguson. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC*CLIO, 2006. 1 vol. 467 p. $95.00. ISBN 1-85109-771-6.

Many offices make up the executive branch of state bureaucracies, and these are led by governors whose roles have changed over time. Because social studies classes more often focus on the national executive branch, students are less likely to understand the evolution of this office. From limited power and few responsibilities, governors today are very much in the media coverage both in their own states and nationally. Learning about the challenges for governors begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of the executive branch and an historical overview of gubernatorial power. "Roles, Functions, and Powers of the Governors" introduces students to the various responsibilities of governors and both their formal and informal powers. The chapter on the role of this branch in state politics includes the budget process and "People Who Serve: Seeing, Winning, and Holding the Office" details the legal and informal requirements as well as information about gubernatorial elections. The relationship of governors to their legislatures, interest groups, the media, the courts, and Washington is charted in "The Politics of the Executive Branch." Inset boxes and a few black and white photographs illustrate the pages. Each chapter ends with references to additional resources and a brief list of recommended readings. Finally the executive branch is described state by state with web sites to provide additional information. A 14-page glossary of common executive terms and a 7-page annotated bibliography complete the book.