california comparing california to the federal government

California

Comparing California to the Federal Government

California’s Constitution

• State Constitutions are the governing documents of the state, just like the US Constitution

• Nevertheless, the US Constitution is always superior (Superiority Clause)

• All state constitutions have preambles, Bills of Rights, Checks and Balances, and Separation of Powers provisions

• Functions of state constitutions (p.1)• Like the U.S. Constitution, California’s has limits on what

the national gov’t can and cannot do– Delegated vs. Granted Powers


• California Constitutional history– First adopted in 1849– Second iteration: Progressivism– Between 1962-1974, creation of modern Cali Constitution

• Constitution is long and complex, describing county and city governments, and also a variety of specific and narrow topics


• Constitution provides for Direct Democracy• Constitution provides for weak political parties• Strong “Plural” Executive

– separate elections for Governor, Lt Governor, & Secretary of State

• Nonpartisan Judiciary• While it is REALLY lengthy about state government

structures, rights, formation, etc… It speaks very little about local governments.– Establishes an extensive system for creating local governments

such as counties and cities.

California’s Political Culture

• Similar to those of the rest of U.S.: democracy, freedom, justice, system of laws, political equality, etc.

• Differences between California and Federal can be explained by California’s migration patterns– Innovator in politics– California has a number of regional political cultures based

on demographics, migration (settlement) patterns, economy, etc.

Comparing Executive Leadership

• California Governor vs. U.S. President• Useful chart on p.85 of text• Both elected, limited to 2 four-year terms, and are

checked by bicameral representative legislatures, dominate their budget-making processes, and are symbolic leaders of their respective gov’ts.

• Both constitutionally constrained through system of checks and balances

California’s Governor

• Formal Power of the Governor– Like the president, charged with implementing laws passed

by legislature and/or by citizens– Sets the agenda in state politics– Operates in a “Plural” Executive– Though limited by the Plural Executive, the governor’s

powers still very powerful• Line Item Budget Veto


• Budgetary powers similar to the president in proposing the budget– However, governor has to present a BALANCED budget,

which usually leads to all the delay because of debates on allocation

– Needs 2/3 majority vote in each house of the legislature to pass

• Like the president, governor can make executive and judicial branch appointments.


• Informal Powers– In addition to formal powers, the governor has informal

ones such as:• Head of State• Symbolic leader• Leading voice in the state’s Budget Process.

• Summary of similarities/differences (p.85)

California’s Legislature

• Like Federal, California’s legislature is principle lawmaking body

• Has 2 lower houses– The Senate– The Assembly

• Responsible also for: Representation, oversight, and constituent functions (p.89)


• Background on the California Legislature– Prior to 1990, California had one of the most professional

legislatures in the country.• A loss in confidence and dissatisfaction with a

professional model legislature led to the passage of Prop 140

– Changes since 1990 due to adoption of Prop 140:• Term Limits• Cut legislative staffs by ~1/2• Cut off legislators from retirement benefits


• Weak legislature in California• Most important characteristics between California

Legislature and U.S. Congress (p.98)– Term limits– Absolute vs. Simple Majority– Weak legislature in California– Domestic vs. Foreign policy issues– Chief executives similarly the most influential figure inside

or outside their legislature/Congress.

Courts of California

• They resolve disputes between parties• Apply laws that legislatures (and others) enact• Because of federalism, Californians are subject to

both the state’s and the federal Constitution.• When Constitutionality comes up, federal courts can

override state court’s rulings


• Judicial Selection Process, Terms of Office, differences, similarities (p.105)

• Trial court judges appointed by governor, or elected in a nonpartisan election; 6 year terms.– Supreme Court judges (lower level), a bit different

• SCOTUS, Justices nominated by President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, serve for life.– Legislative court judges serve varying terms


• Judicial removal?– Different for California vs. Federal

• Qualifications for judges• Structure of Courts

– Like Federal courts, California is divided into 2 jurisdictions: Trial Courts and Appellate Courts

• Courts roles in political issues

California’s Voters and Direct Democracy

• Initiatives, Referendums, and Recalls (ch.4) are all disallowed at the federal level.

• California’s party system is weaker than those of other states, primarily due to direct democracy– Direct democracy allows voters to express positions on

issues without the help/interference of political parties

• Different settings through which voters can participate:– General Elections– Primary Elections

Comparing California vs. Federal Policies

• Federal– Defense and Foreign Policy– Social Security– Economic

• State and Local– Infrastructure policies– Public Safety– Education (largest responsibility of States, including primary and

secondary education)– Healthcare– Welfare (primarily a state and local function, but also shared

responsibilities with Federal gov’t)• THIS IS FEDERALISM AT WORK!!!

california comparing california to the federal government

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