The text suggests that California politics is "riddled with paradoxes." What is paradoxical about politics in California?
What will be an ideal response?
Varies. A few possibilities are offered; astute students will offer additional insights. (1) Hybrid democracy itself is a paradox; citizens empower representatives to make decisions, but also maintain control of a parallel lawmaking apparatus--one that is far less accommodating of political conflict, because it offers no means of securing compromises among conflicting parties--it merely imposes one solution in the form of a proposed initiative. Further, direct democracy imposes restrictions that render lawmaking difficult, inefficient, or (nearly) impossible (examples: ballot-box budgeting as with Prop 98; Prop 13 which makes raising taxes nearly impossible). (2) Californians generally distrust politicians and are averse to political conflict, so they continue to reach for ways to take politicians--and politics, for that matter--"out" of politics (examples: term limits, Top-Two primary; rise in No Party Preference voter registration). However, political systems are designed to expose (and deal with) conflicts, people need help to govern what is one of the largest countries in the world, and parties provide the structures needed to win elections. (3) Californians (often) expect their own personal needs and the public good will be simultaneously served, which is not possible with the delivery of many valued goods and services. Example: desiring lower taxes and also more government services.
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In 2011, Governor Rick Perry signed a law that would require voters to provide which of these prior to voting?
a. a photo ID card b. a signature that matches the one on their driver's license c. payment for the poll tax currently in effect d. proof of passing the state literacy test e. a credit card
Which of the following individuals is constitutionally qualified to become President?
A. George, 40 years old, who was born in Florida but who spent his entire life living in Cuba. B. John, 32 years old, who was born to American parents on a military base in Germany. C. Abigail, 61 years old, who is British by birth but attained legal U.S. citizenship through naturalization. D. James, 37 years old, who was born in Texas to parents from Mexico. E. Alexander, 57 years old, who doesn't hold U.S. citizenship but lives in the U.S. legally as a resident alien.