Popular Government

Three recent decisions by federal courts appear to forbid most North Carolina school boards from considering race or ethnicity as they assign children to public schools. What forces led to these decisions, and what choices remain for school boards and parents?

Recent studies indicate that many American youths lack the knowledge, the skills, and the dispositions to participate fully in the democratic process. How can they be encouraged to become better citizens? One way is through the power of example.

Local Governments and nonprofits often have common objectives. A 1999 survey of the state's municipalities and counties reveals the diverse ways in which the two domains have been joining forces.

Are the ties that bind local governments and nonprofits as strong as they could be? Survey data and interviews offer insights, identify obstacles, and provide ideas on how to improve those relationships.

Charlotte, North Carolina, uses cameras at selected intersections to enforce the requirement that drivers stop at red lights. Why did the city introduce this innovation? What have been the results? Every picture tells a story.