Written from the perspective of someone who teaches the course and who has worked in local government, this text is a comprehensive, thematically-organized treatment of California politics. Lawrence brings the subject to life for students using the two themes - diversity and hyperpluralism - that make this state's political climate so interesting. In particular, the author examines the growing proliferation of pressures and groups that compete for attention and make governing the state increasingly challenging. And, to illustrate the connection between California politics and American politics, the author discusses aspects of American politics - such as the democratic, elite, and pluralist theories - and how these broader concepts add new clarity and depth to any understanding of California politics.