Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Political Science 12
INTRODUCTION TO CALIFORNIA STATE AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Catalog Description:
12 - Introduction to California State and Local Government
3 units
Organization and operation of government and politics at the state, county and municipal
level; emphasis on current issues and the influences of historical, geographical, political,
economic and social factors on California public policy. Strongly recommended: Eligibility
for English 1A, Political Science 1. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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define critical issues facing California state, county, and municipal governmental
units;
analyze the concept of federalism and evaluate its evolution and impact on
California’s political system and public policy making;
analyze the historical conflict in federal/state relations and state/local relations;
interpret political events in the framework of California history and the structure of
the California Constitution;
explain the development and analyze the attributes of state governmental structures,
institutions, and political processes (i.e. executives, legislatures, judiciaries,
bureaucracies);
describe California’s political development in relation to its culture, economy, and
social makeup;
explain and analyze the development, implementation, and enforcement processes of
public policy at the state and local level;
define and analyze local charters;
describe the historical development of California’s political parties and interest
groups/organizations;
discuss and evaluate the contemporary role of political parties, media, and interest
groups at state and local level;
Chabot College
Course Outline for Political Science 12, Page 2
Fall 2010
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assess the development, interaction, and contemporary role of regional governments at
the state level;
explain the development and assess the attributes of local governmental structures,
institutions, and political processes (i.e. mayors and city mangers, councils and Board
of Supervisors, judiciaries, bureaucracies, special districts);
describe and assess the process of campaigning and holding elections at the state and
local level;
identify and explain electoral process at state and local levels (i.e. indirect vs. direct
forms of voting, representative government vs. direct democracy, district vs. at large
elections, and regional and special district processes);
explain and analyze the budgetary processes, revenue sources, spending at the state
and local levels, and assess the contemporary budget situation;
describe, discuss, and analyze California’s unique diversity, culture, and political
socialization as it pertains to the functioning of government at the state and local
levels.
Course Content:
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California’s unique political, cultural, economic, and geographical history
The past and present relationship between California and the federal government
The legacy of the progressive movement in California
The California constitution
Historical and contemporary patterns and influence of national affairs on state and
local governments and politics and vice versa
Historical and contemporary patterns and influence of national and state affairs on
city, municipal, regional governments and special districts and vice-versa
California Constitutional Officers
The Executive bureaucracy
Direct democracy: the initiative, referendum, and recall
Legislative organization and procedures
California Courts: Supreme Court, Superior and district courts, judicial selection,
judicial bureaucracy
Structure of local government: executive, legislative, judicial branches
Lawmaking processes at state and local level
Area-wide governments: regional governments and special districts
Selected governmental agencies (i.e. bureaucracies, commissions, grand juries)
Budgets, taxing, and spending policies
Urban redevelopment, tax policies, land use and zoning
Campaigns, election structures and election processes at the state and local levels
Role, function and responsibilities of citizen organizations and popular leaders at the
state and local level
The role of political parties and interest groups in California
Chabot College
Course Outline for Political Science 12, Page 3
Fall 2010
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The relationship between media and electoral politics in California
California political attitudes
Methods of Presentation:
1.
Seminar discussion
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Lecture
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Audio and visual presentation
4.
Group exercises and simulations
5.
Excursion to state/local government offices (optional)
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical assignments
a.
Research and report on a contemporary issue in California politics.
b.
Observe a City Council and/or Board of Supervisors meeting.
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Prepare and present a comprehensive survey of the governmental structures,
political leaders, and legislative processes of a local city or county.
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Quizzes
b.
Midterm examinations
c.
Written assignments including critical essays and/or research papers
d.
Participation in group discussions and presentations
e.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Politics and Government in California (17th edition), Bernard Hyink and David Provost,
Longman, 2007.
Rethinking California (2nd edition), Cahn, Schockman, and Shafie, Longman, 2010.
Power and Politics in California (9th edition), DeBow and Syer, Longman, 2009.
California Government and Politics Today (12th edition), Mona Field, Longman, 2009
Special Student Materials:
None.