HISTORY STUDY GUIDE
California Government & Politics
This test is slightly different in that all of the material is found within the text [no lecture material]. The format, however, is exactly the same. The questions are taken from the questions in the back of each chapter. You should be able to answer the questions below, because the material comes from the relevant portions of text. Please remember to study the answers that the book gives, and not your own personal opinions
Terms
"scapegoating"
regressive taxes
Judicial Council
Blanket primary
Devolution
Ex officio
Gerrymandering
[Line] item veto
Referendum
Initiative
Recall
Mandates
standing committee
conference committee
monocultural electorate
Two-tier society
Unitary system
Minimalist
Mandates
Franchise
Caucuses
Chapter Questions
1. What are some of the pros and cons of the state's ethnic diversity?
2. Discuss some of the ways in which individual freedom [or free enterprise] may conflict with social needs.
3. In what areas are ethnic "minorities" underrepresented? Why do these patterns persist even though California has no "majority" group?
4. What makes a special interest group powerful? Are there problems with how much power some of these groups have?
5. How important are political parties [in California]? Why?
6. Debate the pros and cons of our direct democracy choices.
7. Define "redistricting" and "gerrymander." How do the two concepts relate?
8. How have term limits affected California’s lawmaking process?
9. What powers does a governor prefer not to use, and why?
10. What is the relationship between the governor and the legislature?
11. In addition, know the offices and functions of the seven other executive officials directly elected by the voters
12. Debate the pros and cons of California's judicial confirmation elections. Is judicial independence compromised by this system?
13. What are some alternatives to our overextended civil courts? How else can problems be resolved between individuals or organizations?
14. Compare and contrast the two forms of city government. What are the pros and cons of each?
15. Discuss the pros and cons of at-large vs. district-based city elections.
16. Why do regional agencies exist?
17. How does the general economy affect government budgets? What is the role of government in keeping the economy grow?
18. Describe the revenue sources and expense patterns of state government. Who benefits from the current structure? Who loses?