What factors complicate lawmaking, and render it a difficult process? What conditions make lawmaking particularly difficult in California?
What will be an ideal response?
Varies. Generally speaking, the bicameral (two-chambered) structure of the legislature reflects the U.S. Founders' desire to build "checks and balances" into the system, so that tyranny of the majority (or a minority) cannot prevail. Two houses share responsibility for considering the same pieces of legislation, and many legislators (120) share responsibility for passing each bill. The governor's participation in the process (signing and vetoing bills) adds another hurdle to the process. The involvement of many entities means that the solutions to a problem will rarely be agreed upon by competing interest groups, stakeholders, and fellow lawmakers, and the legislator's personal decision-making process is further influenced by a host of factors, including ambition, values, and perceptions (such as how important an issue is to powerful groups). Sometimes hard choices must be made between serving one's district or constituents and serving the entire state's citizenry, all of which tend to be "hyperdiverse" in California. Direct democracy also conditions lawmakers' responses to issues (they know that citizens can and do turn to the initiative process to solve problems) and voters can use direct democracy to impose restrictions on legislators, such as requiring certain vote thresholds for passing certain kinds of bills (such as two thirds to raise taxes and fees through Prop 13).
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One belief that unites political conservatives in the United States is that:
A. the U.S. government cannot take control of private corporations in any situation. B. the U.S. government does not have an agency with definite rules to protect its citizens abroad. C. the United States has a relatively small federal budget compared to other countries. D. the United States is the best example of a parliamentary system of government. E. the United States suffers from excessive regulation.
Which group makes up the smallest percentage of the minority population in the United States?
a. white, non-Hispanic b. Hispanic— c. Native American d. African American
Briefly explain how the balance between limited and effective governance is affected by the frequency of elections
What will be an ideal response?
Which of the following suggests that poverty rates among children have risen because the government has not maintained an adequate level of governmental assistance?
A) Conservative theory B) Liberal theory C) Blame avoidance D) Externalities E) The Republican agenda