California Politics Essays for History 109

California Politics Essays for History 109

Write essays of at least one page each on four of the following questions.  Please use California Government and Politics Today or other suggested reading.  You may also use the handout I posted called “California Politics:  An Introduction with Suggested Online Resources” to gather material.  You will be graded primarily on how well you use the resources available.

1. California’s Political Culture. Using Chapters 2-3 of California Government and Politics Today, comment on how you see the social and historical context of California government.  What stands out in the history or our state and its government?
2. Chapters 4-7 all discuss how decisions are made in the democracy we call California.  Explain how ordinary people as well as powerful interest groups play a role in shaping our state policies.  Is California a healthy democracy?
3. The Legislature. Using Chapter 8 or other suggested information discuss how you see the strengths and weaknesses of our state legislature.  Why do people say our legislature has been ineffective in recent times?  What could we do to make it more effective?
4. The Executive Branch. Using Chapter 9, discuss why you think we need (or don’t need) eight different statewide elected officials.  Why not just have a governor and a cabinet appointed by the governor?  Explain your answer using the information available.
5. The Governor. Why is this a hard job?  Do you think the governor has much influence, or is our state mainly run by other factors such as the economy, the legislature, and public opinion?  Use Chapter 9 or other recommended sources to develop your answer.
6. The State Budget. Using Chapter 10, explain why our state leaders often have trouble agreeing on a budget.  Are we electing ineffective leaders, or is the problem related to the structure of our representative government and our tax system?  As Californians, what could we do to achieve a stable budget that will address important needs?
7. The Courts. Using Chapters 11-12, discuss how the judicial branch works in California government.  You might mention what you found out from reading these chapters.  (Did you know we have a State Supreme Court?)  What role do voters have in shaping the judicial branch and the legal system in our state?
8. Local Government. Using Chapters 13 and 14, or other recommended sources, discuss what you have learned about cities, counties, school districts, and special districts.  Why is local government especially challenging?