PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTSTABLE OF CASES Chapter I. Introduction to the Study of State and Local Government LawA. Introduction B. States and Local GovernmentsC. The Vertical Distribution of Power Question Chapter II. State and Local Constitutional Law and Structure A. Introduction B. State Constitutional LawC. Local Constitutional Law and Structure D. An Introduction to the Law of Democracy for States and Local GovernmentsE. Subnational Constitutionalism Beyond States and Local GovernmentsChapter III. Local Government in the American Constitutional OrderA. Local Government as Agent of the State B. The American Polis: Local Government as Autonomous, Democratic Polity C. Local Government as Quasi-Proprietary FirmChapter IV. Local Government Formation and Boundary ChangeA. The Significance of Local Boundaries B. Municipal Incorporation C. Annexation and Boundary Change D. Boundary Change and the Right to VoteE. Special DistrictsChapter V. State-Local Relations A. Introduction: The Conflict Between Plenary State Power and Local AutonomyB. State Constitutional Limitations on State SupremacyC. Determining the Scope of Local Power D. PreemptionE. ConclusionChapter VI. Interlocal Relations and Metropolitan Area Problems A. Introduction B. Interlocal Conflicts and Regional Problems C. Interlocal CooperationD. Regional Governance StructuresChapter VII. State and Local FinanceA. Public Purpose Requirements B. Revenues C. Borrowing and Debt LimitationsD. Dealing with Fiscal DistressChapter VIII. The Business of GovernmentA. Local Service DeliveryB. Tort Liability C. Maintaining Order Notes and Questions INDEX