PROMPT
California: A State of Mind. In each of the three following areas, pick one facet of California that is different from most other states or from the United States as a whole: a. in its political institutions, b. in the role of race and ethnicity, and c. in some area of policy. Drawing on specific evidence from at least one reading for each area, discuss how Californias unique quality has shaped its politics.
Here is the information that needs to be included in the paper (plus additional research)
Politicial Institution: In depth analysis of Political Institutions throughout the 50 US States, demonstrates that California overall tends to slide more towards establishing strong local government institutions. California being alongside the most progressivist state in the United States allows its constituents to be policy involved, legislation has politically professionalized, and implemented term limit policy. Single most essential element in Californian policy is seen through the adoption of direct democracy. Allowing californian constituents to directly draft initiatives,pass policy driven referendum, and a recall procedures. Implementation of progressive government develops a rapid professionalizationwithin the political environment. Career politicians became the ideal choice as their sole purpose to passing legislation that the constituent wants to see. Eventually California’s government drafted term limits in order to keep politicians in check and to eliminate the abuse of a governmental position.
initiative process, Used more in CA than other states (Miller in Governing California book), as it is easier for citizens to place initiatives on the ballot 120 initiatives approved from 1914 to 2012 (more than any other US state) Examples: legalizing marijuana, regulating toxic substances, raising minimum wage, protecting coastal zones, regulating campaign finance Specific propositions: Prop 13 started by Howard Jarvis had huge impact on CA (schools, cities, and counties couldn’t raise as much revenue through property taxes)
Race and Ethnicity: With concerns over Race and Ethnicity, California has developed a much openly progressive political environment compared to the development of many other state. Within California’s history, referendums have passed in hopes of increasing political participation and representation. Overall having a Direct Democracy in California is effective through methods of allowing constituents to propose policy. An example would be seen in the campaign for prop 187, where latino voters incentivized to defeat the bill. With the greater control on behalf of the democratic party, the long lasting result pushed Latino constituents towards the democratic party camp. Latino participation switched over to an increased democratic support by about 21% from 1992-1996. California law is the complete reversed compared to many other states within the United States as it allowed for such interest to be adapted o take action. Latino participation is on the rise due to the ability of direct democracy, with a 24% increase in registered latino voters supporting the democratic party against the passage of prop 187.
CAs ethnic population affects public policy and elections much more than other areas of the nation Diversity due to CA being an “economic magnet” Increase in Chinese population after the Gold Rush Increase of African Americans from rural south to CA during WWII More Latinos and APIs than US as a whole Compared to other states, CA has expanded immigrant rights and protections (Citrin, Levy, and Campbell in Governing California book) Food stamp access not/less limited Granting in-state tuition prices for undocumented immigrants in universities Over 30 sanctuary cities Drivers licenses Changing populations reapportioning seats in House of Reps Southern CA population increase, more influence in state govt
Policy: Minority Barriers.
Describe the barriers to minority political participation in California, breaking down the participation process into stages and commenting on the relative success of blacks, Latinos, and APIs.
