The main focus of this volume is an exploration of the patterns of competition for political power at the state and local levels in American politics. This volume looks at institutionalized patterns of black political power as they have evolved in the aftermath of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

The editors argue that enough time has elapsed to warrant a new look at the circumstances in which black politics in America has played out. Chapters include an examination of the ability of black candidates to win statewide elections with crucial white support; an...