Questions and Answers
What is meant by the term plural executive?
A plural executive means that the leadership of a state is of shared responsibility between many elected officials.
How do the official heads of the major executive departments obtain their position in California?
All officials are chosen by gubernatorial elections held in even-numbered non-presidential election years.
When are gubernatorial elections held in California?
Gubernatorial elections are held in even-numbered, non-presidential election years.
What is the line item veto?
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How does the line item veto differ from the veto power of the U.S. President?
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What is the role of California's Secretary of State?
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What are the main points of 'Legislative Oversight of Executive Orders'?
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What is the California Emergency Services Act?
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What did Sutter County Superior Court Judge Sarah Heckman bar government Newsom from doing under the California Emergency Services Act?
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Study Notes
Plural Executive in California
- A plural executive indicates shared leadership among multiple elected officials in California.
- Major executive department heads are obtained through gubernatorial elections held in even-numbered, non-presidential election years.
- Governors can nominate agency heads but most require legislative approval; also appoint judges and court members.
Gubernatorial Elections
- Gubernatorial elections occur in even-numbered years that do not coincide with presidential elections.
Line Item Veto
- The line item veto is the power of an executive to reject specific provisions of a bill instead of vetoing the entire piece.
- This differs from the U.S. President's veto power, where the entire bill must be rejected.
Role of California's Secretary of State
- The Secretary of State oversees all elections, including the initiative, referendum, and recall processes.
Legislative Oversight of Executive Orders
- Governors can declare a state of emergency during war or extraordinary conditions, expanding their executive powers.
- Legislative oversight is crucial to prevent abuse of emergency powers that may undermine democratic separation of powers.
- Statutory definitions of emergency powers cannot be altered by executive order, ensuring legislatures set limitations.
- Common restrictions during emergencies can include safeguarding freedom of the press and preventing firearms confiscation.
- Legislatures may possess the authority to nullify emergency declarations through simple majority votes.
- Emergency proclamations may require legislative approval to extend beyond designated timeframes, with some states allowing for a special session.
California Emergency Services Act
- This act establishes standards for statewide emergencies resulting from natural disasters, man-made crises, or state-of-war conditions to protect the citizens of California.
Judge Sarah Heckman's Ruling
- Judge Sarah Heckman ruled that Governor Newsom is barred from using the California Emergency Services Act to amend existing laws or create new legislative policy.
- Lawmakers emphasized the need for safety actions during emergencies while maintaining constitutional liberties and resisting centralized power in one individual.
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Description
Test your knowledge on California's plural executive system, gubernatorial elections, and the line item veto. This quiz covers the roles of key officials, including the Secretary of State, and the legislative oversight of executive orders. Perfect for understanding California's unique political framework.