California Politics: A Primer

Underscoring the essentials, Van Vechten s concise text delivers on the concepts and details students need to understand how California s political system works. The thoroughly revised second edition retains all the strengths of the first edition, with updates that include: all charts, graphs, and tables reflecting major data releases such as the U.S. Census, election results, state reports, and public opinion polls; a look at direct democracy in counties and municipalities through local initiatives; an expanded view of political constraints on the annual budgeting process; coverage of significant alterations to the primary system and redistricting process; the replacement of Arnold Schwarzenegger with new governor Jerry Brown; and a new chapter on political engagement, examining where Californians get their political information and how they use it to influence state politics.