Setting aside policy issues, name three ways that California politics are "exceptional," meaning that it is the only state or one of only a few states to share these characteristics.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies. California's status as an economic generator and global powerhouse sets it apart; its annual budget is larger than that of many countries. At almost 40 million, the population is large and "hyperdiverse," which multiplies the types of demands that people place on government. California is not unique in having a hybrid government, but citizens use the process today more frequently than citizens in any other state. Through direct democracy, a governor was recalled (only the second in U.S. history and the first in California history). The state legislature is professionalized, resembling the U.S. Congress in form and function, and members are term limited, creating regular turnover and musical chairs among elective offices. California has a plural executive like most states, but a fairly powerful governor because she/he has a role to play on the world stage, because of California's economic status. Elections in California are also exceptional: the Top-Two primary (jungle primary) creates much intraparty competition, and allows independents to take part in elections, and enables all registered voters to select from among all candidates--an unusual arrangement among the states. The Citizens Redistricting Commission is likewise exceptional, although several other states (13) have similar commissions with primary responsibility for redistricting, denying the state legislature a major role. The state's "permissive" voter registration rules, such as those that make it easier for people to register (vote-by-mail; same-day registration; motor voter; online registration; pre-registration for 16- and 17-year olds), set it apart. Moving to an all vote-by-mail system will also make the state's election system different (only three other states conduct all elections by mail). The progressive or leftist political leanings have resulted in a preference for Democratic officials; although the state only has a plurality of Democrats by registration, a supermajority of Democrats were elected to the state legislature (in both chambers) in 2012 and 2016, and they controlled both the executive and legislative branches. The shrinking Republican minority (at 26%) is the smallest in state history. A plethora of special districts also makes it exceptional; local governments with responsibility for providing services abound. California's unfunded liabilities, or debt, which ranges past $300 billion, also place it in a category all its own. (Certain taxes are also high, such as the gas tax and income taxes on the wealthiest, but California does not have "the highest taxes" among the U.S. states; rates vary by purpose.) This list is not comprehensive, and students might also discern other ways that California's politics diverge from the other states.