About the Author
Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction
Principles for Understanding California Politics
Chapter 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
Chapter 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
Chapter 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
Chapter 5: The Executive Branch
California’s Plural Executive
California’s Governor
The Constitutional Executive Officers
Administrators and Regulators
Conclusion: Leading State Government
Chapter 6: The Court System
The Three-Tiered Court System
On and Off the Court
Court Administration
Criminal Justice and Its Costs
Conclusion: Access to Justice
Chapter 7: Other Governments
County Government
Municipal Governments
Special Districts
School Districts
Regional Governments
Federalism
Tribal Governments
Conclusion: The State’s Interlocking Systems
Chapter 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
Chapter 9: Political Parties, Elections, and Campaigns
Democratic Stronghold, but Weakly Partisan
Party in the California Electorate
Party in Government
Party Organizations
Party in Informal Networks
Elections: Continuity and Change
California Campaigns
Conclusion: A Complex Electorate
Chapter 10: Political Engagement
Citizens and Politics
Predictors of Political Participation and Disengagement
The Five Californias
News and Media Habits
Types of Political Participation
Major Voting Trends
Special Interest Groups: Indirectly Connecting Citizens to Government
Conclusion: An Evolving Political Community
Chapter 11: Concluding Thoughts
Notes
Index