Think critically about California politics.
Governing California in the Twenty-First Century introduces students to the major institutions and processes of California state politics, and teaches them to think critically about how they affect their lives. Using contemporary examples and updated data on hot topics―such as the results of the 2020 elections, the environment, and immigration―Governing California shows students the relevance of state government. New co-author Melissa Michelson (Menlo College) expands on the coverage of race and ethnicity and how they intersect with California politics in this thoroughly updated Eighth Edition.
Author(s): Melissa Michelson, J. Theodore Anagnoson, Gerald Bonetto, J. Vincent Buck, Jolly Emrey, James J. Kelleher, Nadine Koch
Edition: 8
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 336
Publisher’s Notice
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Preface
Half-title Page
Chapter 1: California Government: Promise and Practice
The California Dream?
Why Study California Politics?
What Determines the Content and Character of California’s Politics?
The Crisis of California Politics
Conclusion
A Guide to This Book
Study Guide
Chapter 2: The Constitution and the Progressive Legacy
The Rules of the Game: California’s Constitution
The Progressive Movement and Its Impact on California Politics
Direct Democracy
California’s Constitution: Where Are We Now?
Study Guide
Chapter 3: Interest Groups and the Media in California
Character of Interest Groups
Interest-Group Strategies
The Legislature, Bribes, and Scandals
The Media
Interest-Group Politics in California: Where Are We Now?
Study Guide
Chapter 4: Parties and Elections in California
Political Parties
California’s Local Political Cultures from Left to Right
Elections in California
Campaigning in California
Voting in California
What Reforms Are Needed?
Study Guide
Chapter 5: The California Legislature
Functions
Members and Districts
Elections
Organization
Legislative Process
Differences from U.S. Congress
Challenges Facing the California Legislature
Recent Sessions of the State Legislature
California Legislature: Where Are We Now?
Study Guide
Chapter 6: The Governor and the Executive Branch
The Invisible Governor?
Formal Powers of the Governor
Gavin Newsom as Governor
Structure of the Executive Branch
California Executive Branch: Where Are We Now?
Study Guide
Chapter 7: The California Judiciary
Structure of the California Judicial System
Judicial Selection
Contemporary Issues in the Judiciary
California Courts: Where Are We Now?
Study Guide
Chapter 8: The State Budget and Budgetary Limitations
How Is the Budget Formed?
What Is in the Budget?
Budgetary Limitations
Recent California Budgets and the Budget Process
Study Guide
Chapter 9: Local Government
The Legal Framework: Dillon’s Rule, Home Rule, and Local Powers of Governance
County Governments
City Governments
Special Districts
Regional Governments
Local Government: Where Are We Now?
Study Guide
Chapter 10: Public Policy in California
Contemporary Policy Issues
Public Policy Challenges
Water Policy
Health Insurance
California’s Infrastructure
Conclusion
Study Guide
Answer Key
Notes
Credits
Index
