California Politics Paper

POLSC – California Politics The course is a survey of the California’s political framework and process. The course covers the Constitutional structure and functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state and local levels, viewed in the context of political culture, political parties, pressure groups and citizenship. Text - California Politics 5 ( Author: Renee B. Van Vechten )

Learning Objectives • Describe the basic structures and procedures of California government • Analyze the pathways of public policy formation • Contrast several analytical models of California politics • Locate themselves with some discernment and judgment among the assertions

and choices in California public life • Fashion a political outlook that does some justice to the complexity of the world

and to the contributions of other thinkers • Recognize the origin of political conflict in their own values and expectations • Describe the relative impact of, state, local governments, and the initiative

process on the inhabitants of California Methods • Lecture videos, chat room discussions, videos, readings (text/posted articles &

essays)

Chapter 1: Introduction & Principles for Understanding Politics A. Overview The Contours of California as a State

B. Principles for Understanding Politics Definition of Politics 5 Principles: choice, political culture, institutions, collective action, rules, history

Chapter 2: California’s Political History in Brief History Matters Early California Progressive Era Pre- & Post-War Developments Initiative Process Rises Current Political Earthquakes

Chapter 3: Direct Democracy California’s Hybrid Democracy Direct Democracy The Statewide Initiative Process Referendum Recall Direct Democracy at the Local Level Consequences of Direct Democracy

Chapter 4: The Legislature State Legislature Design, Purpose, Functions Representatives at Work: Policymaking & Lawmaking Representation Annual Budgeting Constituency Service & Outreach Executive Branch Oversight Leaders

Chapter 5: The Executive Branch Features of the Plural Executive Governor Roles Sources of Power Other Constitutional Executive Officers Consequences of a Plural Executive State Administration

Chapter 6: The Executive Branch - California’s Court System Overview: 3-tiered structure Types of Cases Filling the Bench Terms of Office Court Administration Juries Criminal Justice System: Prisons

Video Resources:

California in Crisis | Fault Lines

Maddy Policy Brief - California Facts: The Economy

John Stewart on Direct Democracy

The Initiative Process

How a Bill Becomes a Law in California