9780558199883

California State and Local Government: An Overview, Perspectives, & Politicsoffers a thorough introduction to California state, regional, and local government. The book covers all core areas of government-the executive, legislative, and judicial branches-as well as Californiars"s historical development, political parties, campaigns and elections, state finances and budget process, collaborative partnerships, eminent domain, and many other topics. It is appropriate for courses at the college and advanced high school levels in political science, American government, and California state and local government, planning, and public administration. A significant challenge in California is the staters"s ability to provide sustainable and livable communities as it continues to grow. Therefore,California State and Local Governmentdiscusses relevant issues such as blueprint planning, livable community strategies, and other topics, offering examples of each. The importance of regional, multi-government, and private-sector partnerships and collaboratives is also discussed. California State and Local Governmentwill enrich the government and politics classes of any California university, junior college, or high school.

Ken Baxter is an adjunct instructor in political science at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in public administration from Stanislaus State University, as well as a transportation and management certificate from the University of California, Davis and a Leadership Training Program certificate from California State University, Sacramento. He has extensive experience working with government departments at the federal, state, and local levels in the areas of planning, business services, budgets, contracts, human resources, policy development, and general public administration. In addition to California State and Local Government, he is the author of A Dream Turned Nightmare: Eminent Domain — The Taking of Private Property and Livable Community Alternatives (2007).

Chapter 1 Putting California in Perspective

California Background

Rich in Diversity

California’s Economy

California Factoids

State Symbols

Transportation

California’s National Political Strength

Intergovernmental Relations

Chapter 2 Challenges and Opportunities

Education

Health Care

Traffic Congestion

High Speed Rail

Energy and Environment

Affordable Housing

Natural Resources

Water Supply, Quality, and Flood Control

Fire Protection

Air Quality

Climate Change and Green House Emissions

Prison Reform

Earthquakes

Chapter 3 California ’s Historical Development

Modern History and Spanish Era

Mexican Era

Americanization and Statehood

Twentieth Century

Twenty-First Century

Chapter 4 Constitutional Principles and Practices

Overview

Power to the People

Water Protection

Chapter 5 Political Parties and Other Voluntary Associations

Do Political Parties Matter?

Qualified and Unqualified Political Parties

California Political Party Organization

Outside Parties

Chapter 6 Campaigns and Elections

Campaigning for Nomination and Election

Voting

Money and Politics

Direct Democracy

Campaign Reform

Chapter 7 The California Legislature

The Legislature

The State of the Legislature

Redistricting and Gerrymandering the Legislature

Legislative Functions and Procedures

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Presiding Officers

Legislative Committees

Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)

Chapter 8 The Executive Branch

Governor

Lieutenant Governor

Attorney General

Controller

Secretary of State

State Treasurer

Insurance Commissioner

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Chapter 9 California ’s Judicial Branch

The California Supreme Court

California Courts of Appeal

California Superior Courts

Chapter 10 California Finances and Budget Process

State Budget Funding Categories and Revenue Sources

The California Budget Process

Administering the Budget

California’s Enacted 2008/2009 Budget

Chapter 11 Local Government

Types of Local Government

City Government

County Government

Special Districts

School Districts (Special Districts)

Regional Government

Chapter 12 Collaborative Partnerships and Blueprint Planning

Collaborative Partnerships

Blueprint Planning

Regional Blueprints

Chapter 13 Eminent Domain

Takings

Public Works Projects

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

California State and Local Government An Overview, Perspectives, & Politics

California State and Local Government An Overview, Perspectives, & Politics

0558199887

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review