POLI SCI hw

QUESTION:

Think about the recent changes to the CA elections process - the independent redistricting commission and the "top two" primary system.  Carefully consider the pros and cons you see in some of the articles. The academic community and the "jury" is still out on what the long range affects of the changes will be....  where do you weigh in?  Will these changes benefit Californians or put us at a disadvantage?  Is it business (or politics) as usual or has there been a significant shift?  Make sure to reference 3 of the 6 articles below in making your argument.(600 words)

Read the basics on the CA Top Two Primary to get a clear understanding of how it works:

http://earc.berkeley.edu/FAQs_P12.pdf

Read the piece from Chuck Schumer in the NY Times suggesting that the entire U.S. should use the Top Two system:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/22/opinion/charles-schumer-adopt-the-open-primary.html?_r=2

Read this opinion piece responding to Chuck and suggesting that the "Top Two" may not be as successful as voters might have hoped:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/06/06/is-californias-top-two-primary-working/

Learn about the CA redistricting process and how our districts are drawn:

http://www.brennancenter.org/analysis/californias-redistricting-process

Read this Op-Ed piece from one of the CA redistricting commissioners describing her satisfaction with the process:

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/aug/31/opinion/la-oe-dai-redistricting-20110831

Read this NY Times piece which discusses the combined effect on the two processes for CA and the impact on the CA Congressional delegation / factoring in the realities of seniority and experience.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/us/california-congressional-delegation-braces-for-change.html