What significant elections-related changes have been brought about by election-related initiatives passed in 2008 and 2010?

What will be an ideal response?

1. Students should mention the establishment of a citizens redistricting commission (Voters FIRST Act, or Proposition 11) that was placed in charge of redrawing district boundaries for the state Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization, and (enabled by a later initiative) Congressional representatives. The commission's maps sparked lawsuits despite its nonpartisan approach, and ultimately, more Democrats were elected to the legislature--enough to attain a supermajority in 2012 and 2016. Competition in the 2012 elections (immediately following redistricting) was especially vigorous due to new maps pitting incumbents against each other. 2. The "Top Two Primary" or "voter preference" primary election (Proposition 14) allows voters to select from among a longer list of all candidates for an office, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election. The process was intended to encourage the election of more moderate candidates, but there is so far limited evidence that this has occurred. However, independents, or those who have "no party preference," can now participate fully in state elections. The new system did generate many district-wide (November) general elections in which the top candidates represented the same party (Democrat vs. Democrat, or Republican vs. Republican), an effect that is expected to persist.