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California Politics
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California Politics
A Primer

Seventh Edition
May 2023 | 264 pages | CQ Press
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Understand how California's political system works with this concise text, thoroughly revised for the Seventh Edition. Renée Van Vechten presses the reader to think about how history, political culture, rules, and institutions conspire to shape politics today, and how they will determine the state of affairs tomorrow. 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.

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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

 
Unleashing the Initiative

 
Hyperdiversity in a Modern State

 
Recalling a Governor, Take One

 
Pandemic Politics and Surviving a Recall

 
Conclusion: Political Earthquakes and Evolving Institutions

 
 
Chapter 3: Direct Democracy
The Statewide 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

 
Leaders

 
Conclusion: Of the People, for the People

 
 
Chapter 5: The Executive Branch
“California and Canada Partner to Advance Bold Climate Action”

 
“Governor Newsom Signs Legislation to Protect Women and Providers in California From Abortion Bans by Other States”

 
“Attorney General Bonta Affirms His Support for Commonsense Gun Laws in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Decision”

 
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

 
Juries

 
Criminal Justice and Its Costs

 
Conclusion: Access to Justice

 
 
Chapter 7: Other Governments
County Governments

 
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

 
Mechanics of Budgeting: 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
A Dominant-Party State

 
Party in the California Electorate

 
Party in Government

 
Party Organizations

 
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 Action

 
Major Voting Trends

 
Special Interest Groups: Indirectly Connecting Citizens to Government

 
Conclusion: An Evolving Political Community

 
 
Chapter 11: Concluding Thoughts

This text does an excellent job providing a broad-based understanding of the California governance. It is easy to read and the publisher provides resources to assist in teaching.

Dr. Roger Lang
MSJC

I feel the text covers the basics of state government in California and provides a solid foundation from which to expand an examination of the system of government in the golden state...One of the better texts covering the California government.

Steven Marin
Victor Valley College
Key features
NEW TO THIS EDITION
  • This edition focuses on policy developments that have been brought about by an unbalanced economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 gubernatorial recall efforts, and how the courts are addressing inequities across underrepresented or at-risk groups. Great care has been taken to address racial and ethnic politics throughout.
  • Increased coverage of policy topics help students see how recent policy has impacted issues such as the environment, housing and homelessness, incarceration, and infrastructure, and exemplifies California's status as either a leader or an outlier.
  • Extended discussions of election-related innovations like the mechanics and effects of universal vote-by-mail and other electoral reforms.
  • Updated coverage of the "Five Californias" gives students 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 students to review the content more effectively.
  • New and updated maps and graphics depict important topics such as recent protest activity in the United States and the spending on the three ballot measures in the 2022 midterm elections.

KEY FEATURES
  • Fast Facts boxes provide data and a snapshot of information on topics such as the legislature and plural executive.
  • Charts, graphs, and tables illustrate campaign and election trends, demographic patterns, and budgeting trends.
  • Photos, maps, and cartograms illustrate California's diversity, government in action, and citizen engagement.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Ch01_ Introduction

Ch02_Critical Junctures

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