If you’re wondering why you need this new edition of Rethinking California here are five good reasons!
1. A discussion of the 2009 economic crisis analyzes the factors that led to the budget fiasco and looming bankruptcy of the state.
2. Simmering problems—an ideologically prepared legislature, widespread bureaucracy, underfunded schools, overcrowded prisons, and dilapidated infrastructure—and the demand for an overhaul of California’s constitution to address these issues are covered in detail.
3. An analysis of the politics and mechanics of the recall of Governor Gray Davis and the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger is included.
4. A new chapter on direct democracy offers an expanded discussion of the initiative, the referendum, and the recall and considers why they figure so prominently in California politics.
5. A fresh array of contemporary and historical readings from literature, essays, and political biographies appear in each chapter, illustrating California’s unique political culture.