California Government - due in 60 minutes - one page
iajmon
california1.pptCalifornia
Comparing California
to the Federal Government
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California’s Constitution
- State Constitutions are the governing documents of the state, just like the US Constitution
- Nevertheless, the US Constitution is always superior (Superiority Clause)
- All state constitutions have preambles, Bills of Rights, Checks and Balances, and Separation of Powers provisions
- Functions of state constitutions (p.1)
- Like the U.S. Constitution, California’s has limits on what the national gov’t can and cannot do
- Delegated vs. Granted Powers
California’s Constitution
- California Constitutional history
- First adopted in 1849
- Second iteration: Progressivism
- Between 1962-1974, creation of modern Cali Constitution
- Constitution is long and complex, describing county and city governments, and also a variety of specific and narrow topics
California’s Constitution
- Constitution provides for Direct Democracy
- Constitution provides for weak political parties
- Strong “Plural” Executive
- separate elections for Governor, Lt Governor, & Secretary of State
- Nonpartisan Judiciary
- While it is REALLY lengthy about state government structures, rights, formation, etc… It speaks very little about local governments.
- Establishes an extensive system for creating local governments such as counties and cities.
California’s Political Culture
- Similar to those of the rest of U.S.: democracy, freedom, justice, system of laws, political equality, etc.
- Differences between California and Federal can be explained by California’s migration patterns
- Innovator in politics
- California has a number of regional political cultures based on demographics, migration (settlement) patterns, economy, etc.
Comparing Executive Leadership
- California Governor vs. U.S. President
- Useful chart on p.85 of text
- Both elected, limited to 2 four-year terms, and are checked by bicameral representative legislatures, dominate their budget-making processes, and are symbolic leaders of their respective gov’ts.
- Both constitutionally constrained through system of checks and balances
California’s Governor
- Formal Power of the Governor
- Like the president, charged with implementing laws passed by legislature and/or by citizens
- Sets the agenda in state politics
- Operates in a “Plural” Executive
- Though limited by the Plural Executive, the governor’s powers still very powerful
- Line Item Budget Veto
California’s Governor
- Budgetary powers similar to the president in proposing the budget
- However, governor has to present a BALANCED budget, which usually leads to all the delay because of debates on allocation
- Needs 2/3 majority vote in each house of the legislature to pass
- Like the president, governor can make executive and judicial branch appointments.
California’s Governor
- Informal Powers
- In addition to formal powers, the governor has informal ones such as:
- Head of State
- Symbolic leader
- Leading voice in the state’s Budget Process.
- Summary of similarities/differences (p.85)
California’s Legislature
- Like Federal, California’s legislature is principle lawmaking body
- Has 2 lower houses
- The Senate
- The Assembly
- Responsible also for: Representation, oversight, and constituent functions (p.89)
California’s Legislature
- Background on the California Legislature
- Prior to 1990, California had one of the most professional legislatures in the country.
- A loss in confidence and dissatisfaction with a professional model legislature led to the passage of Prop 140
- Changes since 1990 due to adoption of Prop 140:
- Term Limits
- Cut legislative staffs by ~1/2
- Cut off legislators from retirement benefits
California’s Legislature
- Weak legislature in California
- Most important characteristics between California Legislature and U.S. Congress (p.98)
- Term limits
- Absolute vs. Simple Majority
- Weak legislature in California
- Domestic vs. Foreign policy issues
- Chief executives similarly the most influential figure inside or outside their legislature/Congress.
Courts of California
- They resolve disputes between parties
- Apply laws that legislatures (and others) enact
- Because of federalism, Californians are subject to both the state’s and the federal Constitution.
- When Constitutionality comes up, federal courts can override state court’s rulings
Courts of California
- Judicial Selection Process, Terms of Office, differences, similarities (p.105)
- Trial court judges appointed by governor, or elected in a nonpartisan election; 6 year terms.
- Supreme Court judges (lower level), a bit different
- SCOTUS, Justices nominated by President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, serve for life.
- Legislative court judges serve varying terms
Courts of California
- Judicial removal?
- Different for California vs. Federal
- Qualifications for judges
- Structure of Courts
- Like Federal courts, California is divided into 2 jurisdictions: Trial Courts and Appellate Courts
- Courts roles in political issues
California’s Voters and Direct Democracy
- Initiatives, Referendums, and Recalls (ch.4) are all disallowed at the federal level.
- California’s party system is weaker than those of other states, primarily due to direct democracy
- Direct democracy allows voters to express positions on issues without the help/interference of political parties
- Different settings through which voters can participate:
- General Elections
- Primary Elections
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Comparing California vs. Federal Policies
- Federal
- Defense and Foreign Policy
- Social Security
- Economic
- State and Local
- Infrastructure policies
- Public Safety
- Education (largest responsibility of States, including primary and secondary education)
- Healthcare
- Welfare (primarily a state and local function, but also shared responsibilities with Federal gov’t)
- THIS IS FEDERALISM AT WORK!!!
