California Government and Politics Today

by Field, Mona

• ISBN13: 9780321129628
• ISBN10: 0321129628
• Edition: 10th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-01
• Publisher: Longman

Summary

The Tenth Edition of this brief and inexpensive best-seller offers up-to-date coverage and comprehensive discussions of California government and politics, including coverage of the 2003 recall election and its aftermath. This lively text offers a unique approach to California government that blends political data with economic, cultural, and demographic trends, and analyzes the link between the economy and the political process. California Government and Politics Today is written by a college professor who is also an elected official in California, offering a unique insider's view that will engage and inform students. This completely updated new edition encourages political activism and the development of the reader's own unique political views.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
CHAPTER 1 California Politics in Perspective	1	(7)
CHAPTER 2 The Californians: Land, People, and Political Culture	8	(8)
CHAPTER 3 California's Historical Development	16	(7)
CHAPTER 4 Freedom and Equality: California's Delicate Balance	23	(8)
CHAPTER 5 Media Influences and Interest Groups	31	(7)
CHAPTER 6 Political Parties and Other Voluntary Associations	38	(7)
CHAPTER 7 Campaigns and Elections	45	(8)
CHAPTER 8 The California Legislature	53	(8)
CHAPTER 9 California's Plural Executive	61	(9)
CHAPTER 10 Paying the Bills for the Golden State	70	(8)
CHAPTER 11 California Courts and Judges	78	(7)
CHAPTER 12 Criminal Justice and Civil Law	85	(7)
CHAPTER 13 City Governments	92	(7)
CHAPTER 14 Counties, Special Districts, and Regional Agencies	99	(6)
CHAPTER 15 Challenges for California's Future	105	(8)
APPENDIX A: Directory of Political Organizations That Anyone Can Join	113	(3)
APPENDIX B: California State Offices	116	(16)
APPENDIX C: Useful Websites	132	(2)
APPENDIX D: How to Get in Touch with Your Elected Officials	134	(2)
Glossary	136	(6)
Bibliography	142	(2)
Index	144