Every two years American voters turn out to elect several thousand representatives to state legislatures. Only now in Representation in State Legislatures do we have a detailed examination of how these officials perceive their jobs and how they attempt to do them. To provide answers to these questions, Malcolm E. Jewell conducted intensive interviews with 220 members of houses of representatives in nine selected states. He asked each legislator how he kept in touch with his constituents, how he resolved matters of policy, how he sought government resources for his district, and what services he provided for individual constituents. State legislatures differ greatly, and they are not institutionalized to the same degree as the national congress. It is difficult, therefore, to generalize on such effects as partisanship. Likewise it appears that past explanatory models do not adequately describe the complex relationships seen by most legislators in their work. The state legislature is changing. It is becoming more institutionalized. It is becoming more stable as fewer members retire and more are reelected. The trend is toward longer sessions, increased staff, and more activity. With this trend the legislator is becoming more visible; he can deal with lawmaking while having greater opportunities to provide services and to gain publicity for them. As the move, begun by the Reagan administration, to put more responsibility for programs on the states continues, the state legislatures will assume a place of greater importance in the governing of the United States. This pioneering study of representation will thereby gain significance both for the understanding it imparts and for the new questions it raises.
The issue of apportionment is one of the most important problems facing citizens of most of the states in America. It underlies many other problems of state government. Growing judicial concern with apportionment is evidence of a failure of the political process in many states. A political solution to the problem requires better understanding and more accurate information about apportionment, which may be found in The Politics of Reapportionment.Understanding the politics of apportionment may be broken down into four parts: What are the political factors that have caused the various states to follow differing courses in apportionment? What are the political consequences of these differences in apportionment? When a legislature is grappling with any reapportionment problem, what roles are played by the various political groups involved? What are the consequences of transferring this controversy out of the legislative arena?Jewell notes that a study of legislative apportionment is essential to an understanding of any representative system of government. In the U.S. the patterns of apportionment have vitally affected the nature of our state and national political institutions, and our political history has been marked by a number of colorful struggles over this issue. For these reasons, American political scientists have devoted more attention to apportionment than to many other problems of government.
This publication brings together plenary addresses and other papers originally present at the Second International Conference on Ageing, Spirituality and Well-Being. The contributions are compassionate, warm and humane. The book is often insightful, frequently surprising, and can, without hesitation, be recommended as an introductory text to undergraduate nurses who wish to pursue those themes so ably captured by the title.' - Nursing Philosophy 'This is a timely book, appearing when those in the medical profession are beginning to accept that the spiritual and religious needs of people, and in particular older people, are important subjects which deserve to be considered when assessing the quality of life of a patient.' - Signpost 'I enjoyed reading this book, with its rich explorations and insights into spirituality in later life... It brings together the views of some of the most well known academics, theologians and medical professionals working in this area... This book is beautifully edited, with an ample introduction, biographies of each of the presenters and enough reading references to fill at least a section of a library. Jewell says he hopes it will be a worthy contribution to the ongoing discussion of spirituality and well -being, and in this he undoubtedly succeeds. There are many snapshots of the life stories of older people scattered throughout the book. I will conclude with the comment of a woman with dementia to her occupational therapist after an art activity: "We have been on a wonderful journey, you and I. What fun we have had, laughing and singing. Holding a rainbow in our hands".' - Journal of Dementia Care 'It should be required reading for EVERY pastor, carer, visitor, family member'. -The Expository Times 'We are told that we live in a society where ageing is often viewed as an embarrassment, suffering and dying a meaningless experience and death a medical failure. The contributors, from medicine, theology and the social sciences, aim to give guidance on how the particular spiritual needs of the elderly can be defined and addressed; and how meaningful care and support can be given.' - The International Journal of Psychiatric Nursing Research 'This timely book is an excellent, accessible introduction to the spiritual aspects of ageing and deserves to be widely read by anyone with a pastoral concern. It also offers useful practical insights into our own ageing and suggests ways in which we might approach it creatively and with confidence.' - Methodist Recorder 'This collection of essays on the spiritual well-being of older people has something to offer believers and non-believers alike... All the contributors ponder the application of spirituality, either as a part of formal religion or not, to the lives of older people, and conclude that this area of care is fundamental to positive living in the fourth age of life... the essays are a thought-provoking and insightful contribution to the4 provision of hostilic care in old age. - Community Care 'This is an interesting and worthwhile book. The writings come from people of disparate professions and experiences and from several continents. We all have a great deal to learn of and from each other's traditions. I hope it will be read and used widely by church groups as well as professionals "living off the geriatric burden''. There is wonderful material here to help us make something of our awareness that there is more to life than individual material well-being.' -Dementia Plus Website How can we promote the enduring well-being of those who are moving into the 'fourth' age of life? Ageing, Spirituality and Well-being explores how well-being is not about physical health alone; having purpose in life and continual spiritual growth are vital elements for older individuals. This book provides guidance on how the particular spiritual needs of this age group can be defined and addressed, and how meaningful care and support can be given. The contributors use their expertise in the fields of medicine, theology and the social sciences to explore ways of overcoming obstacles and finding a balance when dealing with the inner, and inextricably linked outer, lives of elders, including those with dementia or who have had strokes. A collection of diverse views, practical observations and sound advice, this is a thought-provoking resource for all those concerned with the physical, mental and pastoral well-being of older people.
This is the last publication in The Anthology series and the authors eleventh release. For more information, visit Bing, James Malcolm Book Collection. Life is an adventure. Enjoy the ride.
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