Democracy in California: Politics and Government in the Golden State is a readable and thought-provoking textbook, which clearly explains the politics and character of California's governmental institutions and the dynamics affecting the lives of Californians. In addition to thorough coverage of California's constitution and development, this book also examines each branch of government as well as local systems. As Janiskee and Masugi explore the nature of public opinion, parties, and campaigns, they show the effects that the state's diverse population has on all levels of politics and government. The fourth edition is updated throughout and includes analysis of the 2012 and 2014 elections and discussion of recent events such as *immigration reform, *Jerry Brown's second term, *the new primary election system, *revised term limits, *and the revision of the "three strikes" law. New case studies in each chapter bring ideas to life and challenge students to become active participants in California politics. Perfect for courses in American government and state and local politics, Democracy in California is a succinct guide to the governmental intricacies of our nation's most populous state.

About the Author
Brian P. Janiskee received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and is professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at California State University, San Bernardino, where he is also a faculty member in the national security studies program. He has published several articles and books on such topics as special districts, crime policy, presidential elections, American colonial local government, and national security. Ken Masugi received his Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research and teaches for Johns Hopkins University's Center for Advanced Studies in American Government in Washington, DC. He is editor of Interpreting Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" (described in the American Political Science Review as representing a "revolution in Tocqueville scholarship") and coeditor of four other books on modern and American political thought. A Senior Fellow of the Claremont Institute, Masugi is currently completing a monograph on Democracy in America.

Reviews
Review of previous edition: In their succinct, highly-readable, and now updated guide to California politics, Janiskee and Masugi provide a historical overview and contemporary account of the major constitutional features, governmental arrangements, fiscal practices, and diverse social characteristics of the Golden State. Aiming high, they consciously model their Democracy in California on Tocqueville's Democracy in America. They offer thoughtful meditations on Tocqueville's insights into the principles, problems, and prospects of democratic life. Their aim is uncannily accurate. This is an indispensable book for anyone wishing to understand and assess the successes and failures of California politics and government. -- Ralph A. Rossum, Claremont McKenna College
Review of previous edition: Janiskee and Masugi have done it again..., producing a cogent analysis of California politics that is both timely and rooted in historical context. With tight prose and thorough research, it shows how Progressivism continues to shape state politics, with results that are often far from progressive. This book is a wonderful brief introduction to the not-always-golden politics of the Golden State. -- John J. Pitney Jr., Roy P. Crocker Professor of American Politics, Claremont McKenna College



Book Information
ISBN 9781442247512
Author Brian P. Janiskee
Format Hardback
Page Count 170
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 395g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 162mm * 18mm