Local Government in Early America is a concise and thought-provoking exploration of the American desire for political participation, most notably in the "town hall meeting." A product of early New England democracy, this form of direct local participation remains one of the most celebrated, yet feared, institutions in our political life. Depending upon one's political perspective on the issue at hand, a lively town hall meeting can be the glorious epitome of grassroots activism or the wretched embodiment of reactionary zeal. For all of the media attention devoted to the conservative revolt against health care reform at town hall meetings across the country, the political right is late to game on local activism. From resolutions opposed to the Patriot Act or the declaration of nuclear free zones in cities, the political left has used the rhetorical power of the local political pulpit to great effect for many years. All of this is possible because of the manner in which local governments were constructed during the colonial period. Author Brian Janiskee details the origins of our local system by examining key characteristics of local colonial political life, including what key founders like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had to say about the role of our villages, towns, and cities in our complex system of government. Through this timely analysis of our political heritage, Janiskee may cause observers to reevaluate the phrase "all politics is local." Indeed it may be the case that "all local politics is national."

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.

A readable and thought-provoking textbook designed to introduce students to California politics, the updated sixth edition of Democracy in California explains the Golden State’s governmental institutions and how their dynamics affects the lives of Californians. In doing so, the authors examine California history, political traditions, and political character. In addition to thorough coverage of California’s constitution and development, this book also explain each branch of government as well as local systems. Exploring the nature of public opinion, parties, and campaigns, the authors show the effects that the state’s diverse population has on all levels of politics and government.

A readable and thought-provoking textbook designed to introduce students to California politics, the updated sixth edition of Democracy in California explains the Golden State’s governmental institutions and how their dynamics affects the lives of Californians. In doing so, the authors examine California history, political traditions, and political character. In addition to thorough coverage of California’s constitution and development, this book also explain each branch of government as well as local systems. Exploring the nature of public opinion, parties, and campaigns, the authors show the effects that the state’s diverse population has on all levels of politics and government.

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.

Even before its budget crisis and recall election, California held a unique position in the United States. Often lauded as having the fifth largest economy in the world, California leads the nation in other measures as well, particularly cultural and political trends. But were it an independent state, it would have one of the world's most unusual democracies. In The California Republic Brian P. Janiskee and Ken Masugi bring together a diverse group of contributors to shed light on the Progressive nature of California government. In addition to thorough treatment of perennial issues like affirmative action, gun control, and education, the work goes outside the conventional understanding of political issues to examine such topics as the Hollywood western, the electronic media, and California's revolutionary founding. Accordingly, the contributors include not only political scientists and historians, but journalists and political activists as well. The result is a clear exploration of the evolution of Progressive government in California and its contemporary policy consequences.