Overview

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.

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9780742532502

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Reviews

The most interesting book on California politics in decades, and the only volume that weaves together the state's constitutional origins and development with discerning accounts of its major political figures and contemporary policy issues. -- Charles Kesler, Claremont McKenna College The wide-ranging California Republic will provide a buffet for thought. A useful addition to the literature on state politics. Highly recommended. CHOICE California even now-when the supposed legatees of Progressivism denounce the idea of a gubernatorial recall-remains the land of golden promise, the Eureka! state. But its citizens, its leaders, its students, its observers sorely need a sober rendering of its history and its institutions. Brian P. Janiskee and Ken Masugi have delivered. If you care at all about the direction of this loveliest of states, then this book is critical to your understanding of a perplexing and wonderful land. -- Kenneth E. Grubbs, Jr., director, National Journalism Center

The most interesting book on California politics in decades, and the only volume that weaves together the state's constitutional origins and development with discerning accounts of its major political figures and contemporary policy issues.--Kesler, Charles

Author Information

Brian P. Janiskee is assistant professor of political science at California State University, San Bernardino. Ken Masugi is the director of the Center for Local Government at the Claremont Institute.

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