Deck 11: Concluding Thoughts

Question 1

Is California "ungovernable"?

Answer 1

Varies.There is no correct answer to this question,but students should weigh the evidence presented throughout the book regarding California government's structure,and its ability to solve pressing problems that exist on a massive scale.After defining what's meant by governability,they should construct an argument about how well state government's four branches (the people through direct democracy,the legislature,the executive,and the courts)work together to address basic and complex issues that arise from "hyperdiverse" conditions (highly diverse demographics,geography,society,politics,and economics).They might address whether California's hybrid government enables or inhibits "good" governance,and the ability of state officials to lead.Students may also explore this question through the lens of local governments,which are charged with solving problems on a smaller scale.Good answers will analyze how well the state has responded to some specific policy issues;a few are briefly discussed in the book (criminal justice,education,environment,etc. ).Other questions implicit in the governability question--and ought to be addressed at some level in the response--could include the following: Given the political,demographic,social,and economic conditions of the state,Can and does government create workable solutions to complex issues? Can and do state officials devise long-range solutions and plan adequately for the future? Can one strong leader "alone" meet these challenges?

Question 2

In what ways is California "different" from the rest of the nation? How do these differences give rise to politics that are uniquely challenging or "exceptional"?

Answer 2

Varies.Chapter 1 outlines some of the economic,geographic,and demographic characteristics that make California unique,each of which has public policy implications.For example,California is the largest state and most diverse population-wise,contains the highest percentage of foreign-born persons,encompasses diverse terrain and landforms (coast,deserts,mountains,etc. )that are affected differently by extreme weather events,has one of the world's largest economies,and is situated on the Pacific Rim and borders Mexico.These features mean that the job of governing California requires significant time and energy,and a full-time government is appropriate to the task.It also means that the state budget will be large because many groups place differing demands on the state.As a gateway for international trade,California is also at the crossroads of immigration (a challenge that is also shared by other Southern border states),and must deal with large numbers of people who are either moving through the state or reside in the state without legal permission.The great expanse of districts (and heavily populated districts)also means that candidates must raise large sums of money to reach voters through paid media,and often in expensive media markets.Note there is no "correct" answer;there are only better argued responses.

Question 3

"Effective governance" has many dimensions,but one way to define it is as follows: a good fit exists between the demands of the people and what their institutions deliver;decision makers understand their constituents' needs and respond responsibly to them;and representatives grasp the dimensions of pressing problems or unanticipated events and devise fair,responsible,and timely solutions that make economic sense.Is California "effectively" governed? Considering the definition provided here,devise a short list of criteria for evaluating what "effective governance" means,and construct an argument about how well California state government measures up.

Answer 3

Varies.Respondents should capture the idea that government representatives and institutions are both responsive and responsible and devise a set of criteria for evaluating whether those are in evidence today.Individuals often measure government's effectiveness by how well their own values are reflected in official decisions or policies (for example,a pro-business citizen might believe that government is "ineffective" when it passes laws that make it harder for businesses to operate),but this question asks respondents to consider whether state government is hitting or missing the marks on several operational measures,rather than fulfilling certain policy preferences or values.On the "plus" side,California lawmakers and the governor been able to balance the budget and pass it on time for several years running,and it has been paying down some of its long-term debts and creating a "rainy day" fund to provide funds in case of emergency.However,others would argue that state government is ineffective at planning for long-term obligations (such as liabilities in the form of pensions owed to state employees or infrastructure expansion or repairs,as evidenced by the Oroville Dam failure)or extended events such as drought or heavy winter rains (as in 2017).In terms of responsiveness,some might argue that the state pays too much attention to some "special interests" than others,disfavoring some at the expense of others (these claims would need to be evaluated on the merits).Effectiveness might also be evaluated in terms of the scope of issues government covers or ignores: effective governance means remedying injustices through addressing problems,taking care of issues that negatively affect the rights and well-being of people,especially the powerless,and addressing those problems that could lead to multiple problems in the future.Thus,respondents could weigh what problems officials have addressed and what issues remain,and there are pluses and minuses that can be found in a long list of issues (see Chapter 11).These could include education (achievement gaps,higher education tuition costs);immigration (balancing benefits for "stateless" or undocumented populations with those of citizens;providing "sanctuary" for those who lack documentation;providing assistance to undocumented persons to avoid deportation);erratic weather or climate change,especially as seen in recent,devastating wildfires;emergency response to unforeseen events (such as earthquakes);justice,imprisonment,and rehabilitation systems;unemployment and business-climate;infrastructure.Note there is no "correct" answer;there are only better argued responses.

Question 4

What kinds of political issues will California elected officials uniquely face in the coming decades?

Question 5

The text suggests that California politics is "riddled with paradoxes." What is paradoxical about politics in California?

Question 6

What major social developments will significantly affect politics in California during the next 10-20 years?

Question 7

Imagine that you have the time and money to propose a ballot initiative to reform California government.In simple terms,what is your idea? How would it solve a particular problem without creating more? Consider the consequences of your reform and place it in historical context.Finally,what are the chances for its passage?

Question 8

Setting aside policy issues,name three ways that California politics are "exceptional," meaning that it is the only state or one of only a few states to share these characteristics.

Question 9

What political changes might help improve California government's long-term viability? In other words,how might some of California's political problems be solved through political reform?