Ch 5: Legislature

legislature model

bicameral, members elected from single-member geographically based districts, both houses apportioned by population—80 assembly, 40 senate making it so that there’s two assembly districts in each senate one (diff from U.S.), members are limited to 12 years in one house (diff from U.S.)

delegate model

following wants or needs of constituents

trustee model

use own best judgement

how are members of the senate and assembly elected

top-two primary followed by general election (previously winner take all system for each party)

what political features influence who gets elected

distribution of party strength in the particular district and preferences of NPP voters, candidates engaging in extensive fund-raising to increase their changes of getting elected, redistricting

speaker of the assembly

constrols the most of the resources, the most powerful, term limited, controls debate, ability to raise money, elected by entire membership of the assembly

president pro tempore of senate

shares powers with the Senate Rules Committee (overseeing floor activity, moving legislation through chamber), term limited 

legislature terms

assembly— 2 years, senate— 4 years

bulk of legislative work is done in ____

committeesrol

role of committees

read and amend bills, part of issue networks

the best paid staff members are usually who

those who are subject-matter experts working for committees

the legislative process

bills introduced by members and sent to committees (hold hearings, discuss) —> bills have to pass the floors of both houses (w/ identical working) —> sent to governor —> can veto (2/3rds vote to override)

how the state legislature is diff from federal

term limits, line-item veto power on appropriations, little media attention, no role in judicial appointments, initiative process, inability to Republican party to delay or block legislation

non-partisan staff

legislative analyst’s office, legislative counsel, state auditor’s office

legislative analyt’s office

analyzes policy option and budget proposals

legislative counsel

writes bills, analyzes propositions, provides legal advice

state auditor’s office

handles management and fiscal audits of executive branch, administers selection process for CA Citizens Redistricting Commission

challenges to legislature

influence of money, term limits, partisanship