Chapter 5 - The California Legislature

Assembly Rules Committee

The committee that controls bill flow, staff assignments, and internal procedures in the Assembly; why it matters: it has major gatekeeping power and can stop or advance legislation. Example: Sending a bill to a specific committee or holding it back.

bicameral

A legislature with two chambers (Assembly and Senate); why it matters: creates checks within the legislative branch. Example: A bill must pass both chambers to become law.

campaign contributions

Money donated to candidates or campaigns; why it matters: influences elections and can shape legislative priorities. Example: A PAC donating to a legislator’s reelection campaign.

casework

Helping constituents solve problems with government agencies; why it matters: boosts legislator popularity and reelection chances. Example: A legislator helping a resident fix a DMV issue.

committees

Small groups of legislators that review, amend, and vote on bills; why it matters: most lawmaking happens at the committee level. Example: Education Committee evaluating school funding bills.

conference committee

A temporary committee that resolves differences between Assembly and Senate versions of a bill; why it matters: produces the final bill language. Example: Finalizing the state budget bill.

constituents

The people represented by an elected official; why it matters: legislators rely on constituents for support and reelection. Example: A voter from a legislator’s district.

consultants

Staff members who provide expertise to committees or legislators; why it matters: they shape bill analysis and legislative decisions. Example: A consultant preparing research on climate policy.

delegate

A representative who votes based on the preferences of constituents; why it matters: contrasts with a trustee approach. Example: Voting how the district wants, even if the legislator disagrees.

gerrymandering

Drawing district boundaries to benefit a party or group; why it matters: affects representation and election outcomes. Example: Creating oddly shaped districts to favor incumbents.

gridlock

Political stalemate where little legislation passes; why it matters: slows government action and reform. Example: Budget delays caused by partisan conflict.

“gut and amend”

Replacing the entire content of a bill with new language late in the process; why it matters: reduces transparency and can bypass normal hearings. Example: Turning a wildlife bill into a tax bill at the last minute.

issue networks

Networks of interest groups, experts, and bureaucrats who influence specific policy areas; why it matters: shapes how policy is made behind the scenes. Example: Environmental groups and agencies shaping climate policy.

joint committee

A committee with members from both the Assembly and Senate; why it matters: allows coordination between chambers. Example: Joint Budget Committee.

legislative analyst’s office

A nonpartisan office that evaluates the budget and bills; why it matters: provides independent analysis to guide decisions. Example: Publishing a report on the governor’s budget.

legislative counsel

Lawyers who draft bills and provide legal advice to legislators; why it matters: ensures laws are written correctly and constitutionally. Example: Drafting the precise wording of a bill.

line-item veto

The governor’s power to veto specific spending items in the budget; why it matters: gives the governor control over state spending. Example: Cutting funding from a transportation project.

logrolling

Legislators trading votes to help each other pass bills; why it matters: a common bargaining strategy in legislatures. Example: “You support my bill, I’ll support yours.”

oversight

Legislative review of executive agencies to ensure they follow laws; why it matters: checks executive power. Example: Holding hearings on DMV performance.

partisanship

Loyalty to a political party influencing decisions; why it matters: contributes to polarization and gridlock. Example: Voting strictly along party lines.

president pro tempore

The leader of the State Senate; why it matters: sets the Senate agenda and appoints committee chairs. Example: Scheduling votes on major bills.

Proposition 140

A 1990 initiative that created strict term limits and reduced legislative staff; why it matters: weakened legislative expertise. Example: Legislators limited to 3 two-year Assembly terms pre-2012.

representation

The relationship between elected officials and the people they serve; why it matters: key function of democracy. Example: A legislator advocating for district-specific needs.

Senate Rules Committee

Committee that controls bill referral, staff assignments, and internal Senate rules; why it matters: powerful gatekeeper in the Senate. Example: Referring bills to certain committees.

speaker

The leader of the Assembly; why it matters: one of the most powerful positions in California government. Example: Assigning committee chairs and controlling bill calendars.

staff

Employees who support legislators with research, communication, and casework; why it matters: essential for policy development and constituent services. Example: A legislative aide writing briefing memos.

state auditor’s office

Office that investigates state agencies for waste, fraud, and inefficiency; why it matters: promotes accountability. Example: Auditing the Employment Development Department (EDD).

term limits

Legal limits on how long a legislator can serve; why it matters: affects experience and turnover. Example: CA legislators can serve 12 years total in either chamber.

trustee

A representative who votes based on personal judgment rather than constituent preferences; why it matters: contrasts with delegate representation. Example: A legislator supporting a bill they believe is right despite local opposition.

two-thirds vote

A supermajority vote requirement (66%) for certain actions; why it matters: required for tax increases and constitutional conventions. Example: Legislature needing 2/3 to raise taxes.

winner-take-all system

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins the entire office; why it matters: reinforces two-party dominance. Example: A candidate winning with 51% takes the whole seat.