Prof. Joe Meyer's Poli. Sci. 1
California State Government Essay Questions.
It's all about YOU!
Write a 5 - 8 page paper answering one (1) question from below:
(Also include APA style abstract and bibliography- follow all APA citation rules. Make citations in the paper! Papers are to be typed, double spaced, staple in upper left hand corner).
ONLY ONLINE CLASSES may email paper.
1. What are the major problems facing California? List them and discuss which should be address by the California State Government. What problem or issue should be at the forefront of the State Government's agenda? What is the role of the State Government in finding solutions and implementing policies that will address these problems? Give an example of an issue or problem facing our state that is within the scope of the State Government and one that is outside the scope of the State Government. What can and should the governor do?
2. Discuss the status of education and the educational system in California. What demographic changes and budget changes have taken place, are taking place or will soon take place that have had an impact (or will have an impact) on education in our state? What are some the problems facing the state's education system? What are some proposals to “fix” the state's education system?
3. Discuss the many elements of our state government design that were inspired by the progressive reforms. What is the “plural executive?” What is the referendum/initiative process? What is the status of the state's constitution? What are the governor's duties and powers? How do the political parties operate in the state assembly and senate? As a result of all these reforms, do we have more or less democracy in our state today?
4. Has crime increased or declined since the decade of the 1990's in the state of California? What about the perception of crime? What state policies were put in place in the ‘90's to address crime? What have been the costs and consequences of these policies? Have they been “worth it?” Make a convincing argument.
Use your own words - do not copy from web pages - for each, answer the whole question, not just each part but say something worth saying about the topic in general. Use the sub-questions to help you develop a stronger answer. Do not just spit back what others have said about crime, education, etc...make your own point and expand on it in your essay answer.