Week 11 Overview
Chapter 1 discusses the evolution of California’s political system from colonialization through statehood, the Gold Rush, the railroad political machine, the Progressive reformers, the Depression and World War II, and the political and economic revolution of the state, emphasizing the themes of continuity and change. A substantial part of the chapter describes California’s people, economy, and regions today.
Chapter 2 describes the organizational structure of California’s political parties and the patterns of partisanship among the electorate while noting while those who “decline to state” a political party when they register have increased in number.
Week 12 Overview
Chapter 3 describes California’s voters and candidates, emphasizing the differences between the total population of the state and those who actually participate in the political process. A substantial portion of this chapter describes and discusses the techniques of political campaigns, especially the use of direct mail and television. The role of the media, of particular significance in California, also is examined.
Chapter 4 surveys the variety and tactics of interest groups operating in California as well as regulations on their activities.
Week 15 Overview
Chapter 7 examines the executive branch in California, a microcosm of the state’s political system: it is riddled with fragmentation and redundancy. Eight major office holders are elected independently of one another. Among these, the governor stands out as most powerful. However, other officeholders—notably the attorney general and controller—exercise significant constitutional authority and enjoy considerable prestige. Noting the disjointed organization of the executive branch, this chapter sets out the responsibilities of the various offices and describes the state bureaucracy.
Chapter 8 examines budget making, the process for allocating the state’s resources. More often than not, the state’s political leaders are caught between pressure to spend more and the consequences they face for collecting the money to meet the state’s needs. This chapter presents California’s taxing and spending systems in their highly political contexts.
Week 16 Overview
Chapter 9 addresses local government, which affects the way we live even more than state government on a day-to-day basis. This chapter introduces the functions and organization of cities, counties, and other local governments. The process of forming these governments is described along with what they do. Internal politics are revealed through discussion of representation (at-large and district council elections) and executive power (mayors and managers). Special districts and the challenge of governing urbanized regions with so many different local governments are also discussed, along with taxing and spending and the current budget woes faced by many cities and counties.
Chapter 10 notes that the downsizing of national government and shift of domestic policy responsibilities to the states have raised serious questions about the relationship between California and the federal government. Key policy areas include high speed rail, immigration, the climate change and water. Because California is the most populous state in the union, the extent of its clout in Washington is critical to assuring leverage in these and other sensitive policy areas. This chapter focuses on California’s impact on the national policy making arena as well as the federal government’s commitment to California.
Discussion Board Topics:
Week 6 Discussion Board
President Trump’s relationship with the news media is a rocky one, with the president even singling out some media outlets as “enemies of the American people.” The tension is creating a lot of talk about “fake news.” What is your opinion of how the news media is covering President Trump? What do you think of the term “fake news,” and who is responsible for creating “fake news”?
Week 14 Discussion Board
Which state pays its legislators more than any other state but forces them to leave office as soon as they gain valuable experience? Answer: California. That situation is the result of California voters in 1990 and 2012 approving initiatives that provide strict term limits for state lawmakers. Meanwhile, members of Congress are not subject to term limits. Do you believe term limits are a good or bad idea? Please explain your position. What do you believe are the pros and cons of term limits with respect to the legislative process?
