This is an account of the dynamics and tensions in the relations between local and state governments in the United States. The focus is local, with special attention to local governmental autonomy and the goals and activities of local officials as they seek to secure resources, fend off regulations and interventions, and fight for survival as independent units. The author looks at the intergovernmental struggle from the bottom up, but in the process examines a variety of political activities at the state level and the development and effects of several state policies.The book offers an overview of the legal, political, and broad intergovernmental environment in which relations between these units of government take place, the historical roots of the conflict among them, and an analysis of contemporary problems regarding local authority, local revenues, state interventions and takeovers, and the restructuring of local governments. The author finds considerable reason to be concerned about the viability and future of meaningful local government. He suggests that while complete local autonomy is neither desirable nor feasible, there are good reasons to move more in that direction.