The California Republic: Institutions, Statesmanship, and Policies
By (Author) Brian P. Janiskee
Edited by Ken Masugi
Contributions by Herman Belz
Contributions by Ward Connerly
Contributions by Jon Coupal
Contributions by Edward J. Erler
Contributions by Steven B. Frates
Contributions by Victor Davis Hanson
Contributions by Steven F. Hayward
Contributions by Harold Johnson
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
19th November 2003
United States
General
Non Fiction
320.9794
Paperback
390
Width 150mm, Height 227mm, Spine 21mm
499g
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.
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
A useful addition to the literature on state politics. Highly recommended. * Choice Reviews *
California even nowwhen the supposed legatees of Progressivism denounce the idea of a gubernatorial recallremains 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
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.