thinking about a topic

Thesis Ideas

What do various experts consider to be the influences on the current political situation in cali?
Whatis the current political sitch in cali according to various experts and what do they think has influenced this?

1. What factors potentially contribute to nature of cali politics?

progressive movement
institutional arrangements
geography
development
pluralism
population growth
ethnic/racial diversity
shift in voting patterns
media

Large Economy/Multiple Industries → competing interest groups
Varied Geography → power struggle over distribution/protection of natural resources
Population growth → changing demographics?
Structure of State Gov’t
Role/relative power of Exec, Leg, Judicial
Issues of Direct Democracy →Initiaves/Referendums/recall
How do institutional arrangements influence policymaking?
i.e. budget’s creation/function/impact on public policy/opinion of govt
effect of term limits on policymaking
propositions that limit taxation i.e. prop 13
How do/Do all these factors relate to/influence:
the recall election?
voter behavior in recent elections?
Political parties
What about local gov’ts and county gov’ts? What is their role?
City vs county govts roles/arrangements
Compare SF to LA?