Focus in this book is on the years 1969 to 1972, a period in which the substantial good will existing between higher education and state capitols became strained by budget conflict and student unrest. Decisional case analyses are provided of the budgeting process, state aid to private colleges and community colleges, student unrest legislation, and tuition policies. The crucial behind-the-scenes considerations that influenced lawmakers in their relations with academe are also reviewed. The decision-making roles of the governor's office, the Bureau of the Budget, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the university systems and their campuses, and higher education interest groups are all examined. The author's experiences are supplemented by extensive interviews and questionnaires. Proposals for improving relationships between higher education and state government are offered. (Author/LBH)