California Politics: A Primer

Description

The thoroughly revised Fifth Edition of California Politics: A Primer concisely explains how California’s history, political culture, rules, and institutions come together to shape politics today and how they will determine the state of affairs tomorrow. Author Renee B. Van Vechten begins with a brief political history of California, then walks through direct democracy, the legislature, executive branch, and court system. She covers local government and concludes with a discussion of the state’s budget process, campaigns and elections, political engagement, and policy issues. From the structure of the state′s government to its local representatives, policies, and voter participation, California Politics: A Primer delivers the concepts and details students need. New to the Fifth Edition An emphasis on California’s place in the federal system provides you with context around the state leadership′s resistance to Trump administration policies on things like California’s sanctuary state status, immigration, the environment, and more. Increased coverage of policy topics throughout the book helps you see how recent policy has impacted issues such as greenhouse gas emissions regulations, attempted "fixes" for water- and drought-related issues, new transportation projects, and prison reform.   Extended discussions of elections-related innovations introduce you to recent elections-related topics such as the Top-Two Primary, efforts to increase voter registration, all vote-by-mail elections, and redistricting. New coverage of the "Five Californias" gives you a better understanding of California’s political geography and how distinct segments of the population are primed for political engagement or disaffection. New lists of key terms with clear definitions at the end of each chapter enable you to review the content more effectively.  New and updated maps and graphics depict important topics such as California’s newly proposed high-speed rail project. About the Author Preface 1. Introduction Principles for Understanding California Politics 2. Critical Junctures Early California The Rise of the Southern Pacific Railroad Progressivism The Power of Organized Interests Growth and Industrialization in the Golden State The Initiative Process Takes Hold Hyperdiversity in a Modern State Recalling a Governor Pushing Ahead With More Reforms The Return of Jerry Brown Conclusion: Political Earthquakes and Evolving Institutions 3. Direct Democracy The Statewide Initiative Process Preparation Stage: Drafting, Public Review, and Titling Qualification Stage: Circulating Petitions, Gathering Signatures, and Signature Verification Campaign Stage: Persuading Potential Voters Postelection Stage: Court Challenges and Implementation The Power of the Initiative Process Referendum Recall Direct Democracy at the Local Level Conclusion: The Perils and Promises of Hybrid Democracy 4. The State Legislature Design, Purpose, and Function of the Legislature California Representatives at Work Lawmaking and Policymaking Annual Budgeting Constituency Service and Outreach Executive Branch Oversight Leaders Conclusion: Of the People, for the People 5. The Executive Branch California’s Plural Executive California’s Governor Head of State Chief Executive Legislative Powers Budgeting Power Chief of Security Sources of Power The Constitutional Executive Officers Administrators and Regulators Conclusion: Leading State Government 6. The Court System The Three-Tiered Court System On and Off the Court Court Administration Juries Criminal Justice and Its Costs Conclusion: Access to Justice 7. Other Governments County Government Municipal Governments Special Districts School Districts Regional Governments Federalism Tribal Governments Conclusion: The State’s Interlocking Systems 8. The California Budget Process California Budgeting 101 Mechanics of Budgeting: Revenue Mechanics of Budgeting: Expenditures, Deficits, and Debt Political Constraints on Budgeting Tax Burden: Highest in the Nation? Conclusion: Budgeting Under Variable Conditions 9. Political Parties, Elections, and Campaigns Democratic Stronghold, but Weakly Partisan Party in the California Electorate Party in Government Party Organizations Elections: Continuity and Change California Campaigns Conclusion: A Complex Electorate 10. Political Engagement Citizens and Politics Predictors of Political Participation and Disengagement The Five Californias One Percent Elite Enclave Main Street Struggling Disenfranchised News and Media Habits Types of Political Participation Major Voting Trends Special Interest Groups: Indirectly Connecting Citizens to Government Conclusion: An Evolving Political Community 11. Concluding Thoughts Notes Index