The University of North Carolina Press

The New Politics of North Carolina

Edited By Christopher A. Cooper and H. Gibbs Knotts

Political scientist V. O. Key in 1949 described North Carolina as a "progressive plutocracy." He argued that in the areas of industrial development, public education, and race relations, North Carolina appeared progressive when compared to other southern states. Reconsidering Key's evaluation nearly sixty years later, contributors to this volume find North Carolina losing ground as a progressive leader in the South. The "new politics" of the state involves a combination of new and old: new opportunities and challenges have forced the state to change, but the old culture still remains a powerful force.

In the eleven essays collected here, leading scholars of North Carolina politics offer a systematic analysis of North Carolina's politics and policy, placed in the context of its own history as well as the politics and policies of other states. Topics discussed include the evolution of politics and political institutions; the roles of governors, the judicial branch, interest groups, and party systems; and the part played by economic development and environmental policy. Contributors also address how geography affects politics within the state, region, and nation. Designed with students and interested citizens in mind, this collection provides an excellent introduction to contemporary North Carolina politics and government.

Contributors:

Hunter Bacot, Elon University

Christopher A. Cooper, Western Carolina University

Thomas F. Eamon, East Carolina University

Jack D. Fleer, Wake Forest University

Dennis O. Grady, Appalachian State University

Ferrel Guillory, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sean Hildebrand, Western Carolina University

Jonathan Kanipe, Town Manager, Catawba, North Carolina

H. Gibbs Knotts, Western Carolina University

Adam J. Newmark, Appalachian State University

Charles Prysby, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Ruth Ann Strickland, Appalachian State University

James H. Svara, Arizona State University

Timothy Vercellotti, Rutgers University

About the Author

Christopher A. Cooper is MPA director and assistant professor of political science and public affairs at Western Carolina University. H. Gibbs Knotts is department head and associate professor of political science and public affairs at Western Carolina University.