Direct Democracy in California

Discussion - 3 hours. Many of the most important developments in California law and politics have been the result of reforms made in 1911 granting voters the power of initiative, referendum, and recall.  This course will explore how these mechanisms work, both in theory and in practice.  We will study some of the most consequential initiatives in California history, focusing on the initiatives themselves, challenges to them, and how they have impacted law, public policy, and politics in California.  We will then turn to the impact of the recall power on executive and judicial branch officials.  Finally, we will take a step back and consider whether these tools of direct democracy have functioned as intended and explore whether they can be improved upon.  

Prerequisite: 205 Constitutional Law I
Graduation Requirements: Counts towards Professional Skills Requirement.
Final Assessment: Paper

Advanced Writing
No
Units
3
Professional Skills
Yes
Course Number
218E
Active
Yes

Certificate

Cluster

Unit 16
No