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California went through a political earthquake of sorts when the
state recalled Governor Gray Davis in 2003. In 2021, the state
faced another political turning point with the threatened recall of
Governor Gavin Newsom. Less than two years after Newsom's
overwhelming election victory, more than two million Californians
signed on to the recall effort, hoping to expel him from office in
a special election. How could such a monumental turnabout be
possible? Normally, the political headwinds would be much too
strong for a movement to oust a governor who had decisively
vanquished his opponent. But--with the COVID-19 pandemic dominating
every aspect of society, including politics--these weren't normal
times. Organizing a recall election is a demanding enterprise: it
takes abundant political energy, tremendous amounts of anger with
the status quo, and mounds of money. Yet, for the second time in
less than two decades, such wheels were set in motion. What is it
that makes California so dynamic yet so fragile? This book explains
that paradox and, in the process, enlightens readers about the
recall process, the challenges of federalism, and the pitfalls of
direct democracy. It examines the underlying conditions that expose
a state with poorly linked institutions, a bitterly divided
society, and a governor who had to act under nearly impossible
conditions, demonstrating his strengths and vulnerabilities along
the way. It's a story that could happen only in California, a state
with a history of "only" stories. Designed to be useful in a
variety of college courses, this book is the first to unveil the
Newsom backstory and will appeal to pundits and politicos as well
as interested general readers.
California went through a political earthquake of sorts when the
state recalled Governor Gray Davis in 2003. In 2021, the state
faced another political turning point with the threatened recall of
Governor Gavin Newsom. Less than two years after Newsom's
overwhelming election victory, more than two million Californians
signed on to the recall effort, hoping to expel him from office in
a special election. How could such a monumental turnabout be
possible? Normally, the political headwinds would be much too
strong for a movement to oust a governor who had decisively
vanquished his opponent. But--with the COVID-19 pandemic dominating
every aspect of society, including politics--these weren't normal
times. Organizing a recall election is a demanding enterprise: it
takes abundant political energy, tremendous amounts of anger with
the status quo, and mounds of money. Yet, for the second time in
less than two decades, such wheels were set in motion. What is it
that makes California so dynamic yet so fragile? This book explains
that paradox and, in the process, enlightens readers about the
recall process, the challenges of federalism, and the pitfalls of
direct democracy. It examines the underlying conditions that expose
a state with poorly linked institutions, a bitterly divided
society, and a governor who had to act under nearly impossible
conditions, demonstrating his strengths and vulnerabilities along
the way. It's a story that could happen only in California, a state
with a history of "only" stories. Designed to be useful in a
variety of college courses, this book is the first to unveil the
Newsom backstory and will appeal to pundits and politicos as well
as interested general readers.
Provides a clear and concise overview of public policymaking,
designed to equip citizens to participate more effectively in the
policymaking process. Includes information on new modes of public
policymaking participation, impediments to participation, and the
role of whistleblowers as part of bureaucratic responsibility.
Offers all-new case studies throughout the book on topics of
interest to students and citizens alike, such as the policy
response to COVID-19, George Floyd and police reform, homelessness,
and the Affordable Care Act. Student projects are offered
throughout the text, along with a glossary, and extensive coverage
on Project Citizen, a format that provides students with hands-on
tools for participating in the policymaking process. May be used in
introductory courses on public policy, internships, or
service-learning programs, but it equally serves as an invaluable
resource for any organized effort to involve citizens in community
service and the exercise of civic responsibility.
Provides a clear and concise overview of public policymaking,
designed to equip citizens to participate more effectively in the
policymaking process. Includes information on new modes of public
policymaking participation, impediments to participation, and the
role of whistleblowers as part of bureaucratic responsibility.
Offers all-new case studies throughout the book on topics of
interest to students and citizens alike, such as the policy
response to COVID-19, George Floyd and police reform, homelessness,
and the Affordable Care Act. Student projects are offered
throughout the text, along with a glossary, and extensive coverage
on Project Citizen, a format that provides students with hands-on
tools for participating in the policymaking process. May be used in
introductory courses on public policy, internships, or
service-learning programs, but it equally serves as an invaluable
resource for any organized effort to involve citizens in community
service and the exercise of civic responsibility.
Whereas our nation was once united in purpose, today it is bitterly
divided. Why? Racial discrimination, diminishing educational
opportunities, poor economic mobility, greedy corporations, and an
unresponsive federal government have combined to create two
Americas. Presented in Gerston's characteristic, no-holds-barred
style of wit and candor, Reviving Citizen Engagement: Policies to
Renew National Community casts a harsh light on the current state
of American public policy. It then offers approaches to healing
some of the country's most pressing problems. The book begins with
an assessment of the extent to which America has become a fractured
society and the residual damage from the social implosion. It then
examines the fragile condition of the 21st century electorate and a
political system where private power too often has overcome values
intended to protect the public good. The author argues it isn't
American entitlement run amok, but suggests there really is a
powerful disconnect. The large number of Americans who have been
left out of the system are no longer engaged citizens. This
development represents a monumental threat to American democracy,
for our democracy can succeed only if its people believe they have
the opportunity to succeed. This book not only provides evidence of
our frayed society but also includes recommendations for
strengthening America's social fabric. It details the steps we
can-and must-take to repair, rebuild, and renew American society.
Gerston contends they are within our reach if we are willing to
make the sacrifices long overdue in what historically has been
recognized as the world's most powerful and successful nation.
Quality public education, modern highway systems, and reasonably
priced housing-these are just some of the qualities that once made
California one of the most desirable places to live. Just a few
decades later, the state finds itself with an education system that
is failing its citizens, one of the highest unemployment rates in
the nation, and a quickly evaporating dream of home ownership.
Illustrating each step of the breakdown that led to its current
state of dysfunction, Not So Golden After All: The Rise and Fall of
California provides insight into a system gone amuck. It addresses
complicated topics in an engaging manner to help the public and
leaders alike understand how to make policies that balance
expectations with outcomes. Key political themes covered include
disconnected institutions, perpetually unbalanced budgets,
immigration, voter ignorance, interest group influence, and
dysfunctional institutions. Investigating the gridlock that has
become all too common within the state's legislature, the book:
Demonstrates the impact of the state's inability to generate
sufficient revenue, particularly for public education and an
under-trained workforce Highlights the problems created by poor
land use planning -from suburban sprawl and government waste to
inefficient use of agricultural land Examines how interest groups
have been able to wrest control of the processes that were created
to keep them in line Identifies the duplication of efforts and
other inefficiencies at the state and local levels Author Larry
Gerston leaves no stone unturned in his discussion of California's
economy, position on the Pacific Rim, cultural diversity, land and
water issues, and its relationship with the federal government. He
examines the state's infrastructure, natural resources, immigration
issues, education, finance, healthcare, civil rights, planning and
development, security, laws, political parties, and power
structures to provide civic leaders and policy makers with the
understanding required to restore the sheen to this once glistening
paradise. The Contra Costa Times discussed Larry Gerston's recent
Commonwealth Club lecture in a May 17, 2012 article. Read an
interview with Larry Gerston in The Mercury News.
Understanding federalism - the form of political organization that
unites separate polities within an overarching political system so
that all maintain their political integrity - is central to the
study of democratic government in the United States. Yet, many
political scientists treat federalism as a set of abstract
principles or a maze of budgetary transfers with little connection
to real political life. This concise and engaging book boils the
discussion down to its essence: federalism is about power,
specifically the tug for power among and within the various levels
of government. Author Larry N. Gerston examines the historical and
philosophical underpinnings of federalism; the various "change
events" that have been involved in defining America's unique set of
federal principles over time; and the vertical, horizontal, and
international dimensions of federalism in the United States today.
The result is a book examining the ways in which institutional
political power is both diffused and concentrated in the United
States.
Understanding federalism - the form of political organization that
unites separate polities within an overarching political system so
that all maintain their political integrity - is central to the
study of democratic government in the United States. Yet textbooks
tend to cover the topic as a set of abstract principles or a maze
of budgetary transfers with little connection to real political
life. federalism is about power, specifically the tug for power
among and within the various levels of government. Author Larry N.
Gerston examines the historical and philosophical underpinnings of
federalism; the various change events that have been involved in
defining America's unique set of federal principles over time; and
the vertical, horizontal, and international dimensions of
federalism in the United States today. The result is a book with
wide application for undergraduate students in American government,
state and local politics, public administration, or any course
examining the ways in which institutional political power is both
diffused and concentrated in the United States.
In politics, as in so many other areas, California is unique. The
state's economy - the largest in the nation, and sixth largest in
the world - is given to dramatic swings. Its legislative system is
often defined by gridlock on matters large and small. The use of
the initiative, one of the tools of "direct democracy", has become
commonplace. Over the years, California has had more than its share
of political turmoil. But for pure melodrama, nothing matches the
2003 campaign to recall the state's sitting governor, Gray Davis.
Recall! relates the latest and most dramatic chapter in the
political history of the Golden State. The authors are recognized
experts on California politics and regular local television
political analysts. They provide fascinating coverage of the events
leading up to Davis's replacement by bodybuilder-turned
actor-turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger; describe the large
and colorful cast of characters involved in the special election;
and demonstrate how California's one-of-a-kind mix of political,
economic, and social circumstances made it all possible.
In politics, as in so many other areas, California is unique. The
state's economy - the largest in the nation, and sixth largest in
the world - is given to dramatic swings. Its legislative system is
often defined by gridlock on matters large and small. The use of
the initiative, one of the tools of "direct democracy", has become
commonplace. Over the years, California has had more than its share
of political turmoil. But for pure melodrama, nothing matches the
2003 campaign to recall the state's sitting governor, Gray Davis.
Recall! relates the latest and most dramatic chapter in the
political history of the Golden State. The authors are recognized
experts on California politics and regular local television
political analysts. They provide fascinating coverage of the events
leading up to Davis's replacement by bodybuilder-turned
actor-turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger; describe the large
and colorful cast of characters involved in the special election;
and demonstrate how California's one-of-a-kind mix of political,
economic, and social circumstances made it all possible.
This brief text identifies the issues, resources, actors, and
institutions involved in public policy making and traces the
dynamics of the policymaking process, including the triggering of
issue awareness, the emergence of an issue on the public agenda,
the formation of a policy commitment, and the implementation
process that translates policy into practice. Throughout the text,
which has been revised and updated, Gerston brings his analysis to
life with abundant examples from the most recent and emblematic
cases of public policy making. At the same time, with well-chosen
references, he places policy analysis in the context of political
science and deftly orients readers to the classics of public policy
studies. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and
suggestions for further reading.
This brief text identifies the issues, resources, actors, and
institutions involved in public policy making and traces the
dynamics of the policymaking process, including the triggering of
issue awareness, the emergence of an issue on the public agenda,
the formation of a policy commitment, and the implementation
process that translates policy into practice. Throughout the text,
which has been revised and updated, Gerston brings his analysis to
life with abundant examples from the most recent and emblematic
cases of public policy making. At the same time, with well-chosen
references, he places policy analysis in the context of political
science and deftly orients readers to the classics of public policy
studies. Each chapter ends with discussion questions and
suggestions for further reading.
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