PLSI473 – California Politics and Government

This course addresses issues in California politics and public policy. The class traces the development of California politics through the 21st century, with a special focus on changes in the California state legislature, the political power of the governor, the evolution of the state judicial system, and the central importance of direct democracy in the Golden State. The course develops a theoretical framework for understanding state politics in American federalism, and draws direct comparisons between California government and other states in the union. This course integrates discussions of current policy problems in California to further develop our understanding the challenges facing policy-makers in the Golden State. The course surveys a broad range of issues critical to California state policy-makers, including: immigration, crime deterrence and prevention, education, government budgeting and tax reform, economic development, medical marijuana, environment and natural resource policy, health care, and election reform. The political conflicts that emerge as policy-makers address these issues are shaped by the changing demographics and political culture of California. A number of these cases demonstrate the broader challenges facing state policy makers in American federalism.

Contact: gboushey@sfsu.edu