Pg 1-38

     The opening introduction into this book does an artistic job of presenting an image of California. One that is very diverse and rich with a great scenery. Yet, the issue is brought into question whether California is "ungovernable." With such a great diversity here in California, which has been brought by some key events in our history such as the gold rush, brings forth a greater challenge for the political process.

    Obviously, history has influenced the rules of our  present political system of today. It was mentioned that the Southern Pacific Railroad created a correlation with lobbyist and legislators. This railroad company ran California's industry and politics. But social justice has presurveared throughout the years with figures and game changers such as governor Johnson. In spite of California's deceptive laws that were designed to exclude certain people, Californian's have been able to eventually voice their rights, such as the passing of prop 13. In spite of the political earthquakes, Californian's can retake control by having more of an aware contribution to the system. The smallest acts of recycling and or sending your child into charter school is apparently one of the subtle yet big ways to participate. Yet, one of the biggest ones of all is to VOTE.

     One of the biggest questions that resonates in my head is if our political system and rules are brought forth from our history. What if our history was unfair and was designed for the advancement of one group at the expense of another? Fortunately with the aid of direct democracy and representation, we have the opportunity to disrupt the status quo. Yet, when our country had polling lines that lasted more than 4 hours this past month, there are some subliminal and literal ways where direct democracy's efficiency  comes into question. With such a diverse population it seems like the demand for diverse representatives can be one factor to attaining a more just political process and system.

     Fortunately for the balance that is brought forth through our complex system, eventually social change does preservere in spite of its slow rate. An example when proposition 8 was brought to California is an example of the determination that exists within the system. In spite of being a "complex" issue by the end of the day it had a "separate but equal" structured solution. Fortunately, voices were heard and the proposition was overturned. This is a great symbol for direct democracy and the political process.  As citizens we must present "ourselves as equals to the diverse table and demand that the laws catch up with our fundamental right to be"-Reverend Deborah L Johnson. The population chart presented in our book presents a great incline in our population by 2020. Therefore, the demand for our capability to get along is greater than ever before in California's history.

The Cali System p113-150

                In order to attain a successful democracy in such a big state like California where “the people rule” requires a fairly large yet subdivided political system. It is a political system that involves parties, campaigns, and elections.  California is still striving to find a way to best represent the people of California. 

                Initially, it is said that Californian’s feel like there may be a need for a third political party. This party would be intended for those who register as independents.  Both Democrats and Republicans identify themselves as either liberal or conservative. Liberals and conservatives have opposing views when it comes to the government’s operating system. Therefore, when it comes to electing officials it is important that the people’s voices are taken into account and that they are addressed. California has modified the registration process that allows all registered voter the opportunity to vote in spite of their party affiliation. 

                The characteristics amongst Republicans and Democrats differ in many literal aspects. For instance, 82% of Republicans are white males, where 3/4 of republicans in California identify themselves to be conservatives. Conservatives tend to favor a smaller government that is more responsive to business than to labor, and don’t believe in raising taxes. Essentially their philosophy is that “individual destiny should be in the individual’s hands.” Yet, Democrats on the other hand are on the opposing side of all of the mentioned conservative characteristics.  

                In order to achieve change, elections are considered to be key. California has modified the way in which terms are limited on elected state officials. This allows the competition to rise amongst nominees. Not only are elections known to be ridiculously expensive, yet they are known to have a low voter turnout rate. As mentioned before in previous readings, most Americans tend to be drawn more to the national state of elections rather than the midterm elections that occur in their very states.

                In spite of such a big state, Californian’s are capable to engage politically in California. With the help of social media, it allows to open a very accessible gateway to the government’s framework. This then promotes the evolving of a political community. 

Cali System

These two chapters from the assigned reading gave insight to  how complex California’s state runs with its operating systems.  At the end of the reading, the author clarified that in spite of California’s system being perceived as one that is complex, it is a system that works together with many other smaller systems that are interlocked together. From the Federal government we have state governments that are right below that alongside with tribal governments.  The next levels down from those governments are the counties, cities, special districts and regional governments.

The first chapter goes in depth in regards to the operation of the court system. First we have the trial courts which are at the bottom of the system but this is probably the busiest of all . These courts exist in 58 counties. All cases go through this court system, which then decide whether to classify a case criminal or civil. Then, California has the court of appeal system which is composed a three judge panel. Finally, we have the Supreme Court which is composed of 7 justices.

                In spite of all the mass amount of components that it takes to make up California’s court system, 90% of cases NEVER make it to trial. Some factors can play a role in this outcome that primarily has to do with money. California has overpopulated prisons, and the costs of going to trial can be a burden. Another huge component is that California’s federal funding has been retained from 350 million to 200 million.

In order to regulate the state of California, the state has other form of governments. The 1879 constitution of California subdivides California into 58 counties. Yet, interestingly enough these subdivisions have no relation with the county’s population size, which leads to question how effective the county can be when serving so many citizens.  These counties are then regulated as Charter counties and the others that are regulated by state law. Special districts, county officials and cities supply “vital social and political services in many areas.” The fact that California is such a complex form of government helps the state further reach its purpose. But it is important to note that with the visionary display of California’s system to be divided into interlocking smaller systems, it is vital to know how important the dependency of each system has upon another. Therefore, it is important that all the systems work collaboratively, but most importantly it is vital that they work effectively to their out-most potential.