New Mexico : the setting / F. Chris Garcia -- The fragmented executive system / Alan Reed and Denise Fort -- The legislature / Paul L. Hain and Richard H. Folmar -- The judicial system / Peter Kierst -- The cabinet and the bureaucracy / Raymond W. Cox -- The fiscal structure of New Mexico / M. Brian McDonald and Juliana Boyle -- Constitutional politics in New Mexico / Dorothy I. Cline and Richard L. Folmar -- Local governments / Maurilio E. Vigil -- American Indians and tribal governments / Fred R. Harris and LaDonna Harris -- Governing New Mexico's schools / David L. Colton and Luciano Baca -- Voting, elections, and parties / Paul L. Hain and Jose Z. Garcia -- The mass media and New Mexico politics / Bob M. Gassaway and Fred V. Bales -- The politics of regulation / Suedeen G. Kelly and Hank Jenkins-Smith -- A concluding note / F. Chris Garcia, Paul L. Hain, and Gilbert K. St. Clair.

"This book, completely revised and updated, remains as indispensable today as when it first appeared in 1976. It is still the only volume that provides a basic background for every reader seeking a better understanding of the state's political system. Offered here is a concise introduction to the major institutions and processes of New Mexico government from the constitutionally defined roles of governors and legislators to their informal exercise of power and interactions with each other, citizens, courts, federal and state bureaucracies, media, and political parties."--BOOK JACKET. "In recent decades the state has seen attempts to reform its complicated governmental structure to respond to dramatic changes in its cultural, economic, environmental, demographic, and social character. The changes initiated in the 1980s are fully described in this new edition, with special attention given to state finances, local and tribal government, education, elections, and regulatory agencies."--BOOK JACKET. "Any present or future voter has in this book a knowledgeable, informative framework for understanding New Mexico government and making intelligent decisions about choices facing the state and its elected officials."--BOOK JACKET

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