Questions and Answers
The budget must be passed by a majority of those present and voting in both chambers of the legislature.
False
Most states require a two-thirds majority to pass their budgets each year.
False
What is California's population, foreign-born population, and approximate number of undocumented immigrants?
38.3 million, 10.2 million, and 2.7 million
'Latino' or 'Hispanic' is one of the racial categories in the US Census, which is taken every 10 years.
Signup and view all the answers
Compared to the proportion of immigrants who speak English at home in the US population, the proportion of immigrants in California who speak English at home is?
Signup and view all the answers
According to this book, what are the reasons for the inability of the California legislature to make decisions that benefit the state as a whole?
Signup and view all the answers
What are California's term limits for the governor, Assembly, and state Senate?
Signup and view all the answers
Undocumented immigrants will be able to obtain a driver's permit in California as of 2015.
Signup and view all the answers
'Majoritarian' as applied to California government means that?
Signup and view all the answers
California's institutions of higher education produce sufficient numbers of graduates for the state's needs in the foreseeable future.
Signup and view all the answers
California is a white minority state.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the population by demographic group in California, from most to least?
Signup and view all the answers
Why study California politics?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a majoritarian government?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a republican government?
Signup and view all the answers
California has more immigrants, and more undocumented immigrants, than any other state.
Signup and view all the answers
What are some reforms mentioned in the text?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'California Dream' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Budget and Voting
- A majority of those present and voting is not required for budget passage in the legislature.
- Most states do not mandate a two-thirds majority for annual budget approval.
Demographics of California
- California's population: 38.3 million.
- Foreign-born population in California: 10.2 million.
- Approximate number of undocumented immigrants in California: 2.7 million.
US Census and Racial Categories
- "Latino" or "Hispanic" is not classified as a racial category in the US Census.
Language Proficiency
- The proportion of immigrants speaking English at home is lower in California compared to the overall US population.
Legislative Decision-Making
- The California legislature struggles to make effective decisions due to the strong influence of interest groups and the mandatory two-thirds vote to raise taxes, compounded by the state's size and density.
Term Limits
- Governor's term limit: 8 years.
- Term limits for the Assembly: 12 years.
- Term limits for the state Senate: 12 years.
Undocumented Immigrants
- As of 2015, undocumented immigrants can obtain a driver's permit in California.
Majoritarian Government
- California's governance is characterized by significant public influence, allowing voters to participate in decisions through direct democracy and initiatives.
Education and Employment
- California's higher education institutions do not adequately meet the state's future workforce needs.
California's Diversity
- California is classified as a white minority state, reflecting demographic shifts within the population.
Demographic Groups
- Population ranking by demographic groups: Latino, White, Black, Asian.
Importance of Studying California Politics
- California politics have personal impact, highlight low levels of statewide participation, and showcase excessive interest-group involvement.
- As the most diverse state with the 8th largest economy and highest population, it serves as a critical study area, characterized by a majoritarian approach.
Types of Government
- Majoritarian government: influenced heavily by public opinion through initiatives, referendums, and recalls.
- Republican government: elects representatives to make decisions based on the Madisonian model.
Immigration Facts
- California leads the nation in both total immigrants and undocumented immigrants.
Political Reforms
- Recent reforms include citizen-led redistricting, a new "top-two" primary system, and a constitutional amendment allowing budget passage by a majority vote, while tax increases still require a two-thirds majority and gubernatorial approval.
California Dream
- Concept of the "California Dream": emphasizes liberation from traditional constraints and restrictions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts presented in Chapter 1 of Anagnoson's work. This quiz focuses on legislative budget processes and demographic statistics relevant to California. See how well you understand the material!
