Presents a study of Arkansas politics and government, which spots many encouraging trends. This work explains the causes and consequences of changes in Arkansas and asks whether they are profound and permanent ones or merely transitory changes in symbol and style. It considers the distinctive features of Arkansas politics.

Blair, a professor of political science at the University of Arkansas, is the author of "Silent Hattie Speaks: The Personal Journal of Senator Hattie Cara-way" and of numerous articles on Arkansas politics and government. It is published in association with the Center for the Study of Federalism.