Prof. Joe Meyer's Poli. Sci. 1

California State Government Questions.

Answer each in complete sentences, a paragraph or so is sufficient.  Do not copy the questions.

1.   Define the following terms: a.   initiative , b.   referendum , c.   recall  

2.   Who or what is credited with creating the initiative, referendum and recall?

3.   When were the "progressives reforms" and what were they changes they brought about?

4. How does an initiative become a proposition?

5.  What is the role of interest groups in the initiative process?

6 .   What are the biggest problems with the initiative process?

7 .   What makes the California State Constitution different from the U.S. Constitution?

8 .   How many constitutions has the State of California had?

9 .   What are the methods for changing the state constitution and which method is most often used?   What problems are associated with that method?

10.  What is the "three strikes rule" and what is the effect of it on California's courts and prisons?

11 .   What were the issues addressed by the following propositions and why are they still important? a.   Prop. 13 , b.   Prop. 98, c.   Prop. 140 . 

12 .   What are some of the political differences (or even the stereo-types) between Northern and Southern California?  

13.   What is “redistricting” and who does it and when?  

14.   How many members are in the State Senate?   What is their term of office?   Do term limits apply?   If so, what are they?

15.   How many members are in the State Assembly?   What is their term of office?   Do term limits apply?   If so, what are they?

16.   What is the presiding officer of the Assembly called?   How does one attain that office?  

17.   What are the powers of the Governor?   What is the term of office?   If term limits apply, what are they?

18.   What is the “plural executive”?  List some members of the plural executive. Why is it called that?   What is the benefit of having a plural executive?   What is the disadvantage?

19.  Who is the Governor of California and how did he get that job?

20 .   Who is responsible for preparing and submitting the budget?   When is the budget supposed to be submitted?

21 .   What types of veto power does the Governor have?   How can they be overridden?

22 .   Who fills vacancies for municipal, superior and appellate courts?   How?

23 .   Once a judge is appointed, how do they keep their positions?

24.  What is the "general fund" and where does the money come from ?    

25.   California spends the highest percentage of it's budget on what?   Why?