California Executive Branch

The California Executive Branch Overview

Course Title: POLS 1000

Structure of Government

National Government

• Legislative Branch: Comprises two chambers - the Senate, with 100 members, and the House of Representatives, with 435 members. Responsible for making federal laws.

• Executive Branch: Led by the President of the United States, this branch executes federal laws and oversees the federal administration through various agencies and departments.

• Judicial Branch: The system of federal courts, with judges appointed by the President to interpret laws and ensure justice.

California Government

• Legislative Branch: Consists of a Senate with 40 members and an Assembly with 80 members, responsible for creating state laws.

• Plural Executive Nature in California: The governance structure includes multiple elected positions within the executive branch, which makes the Governor's role challenging due to shared authority. conflict between views and parties can complicate decision-making processes, as various elected officials may have differing priorities and agendas.

• Executive Branch: Includes several key elected officials:

  • Governor: The head of state who executes the laws and oversees the state government's operations.

  • Lieutenant Governor: Assists the Governor and takes their place when they are absent. (stepping stone for people who want to move up in politics, less visibility)

  • Attorney General: The chief law officer of the state, responsible for legal advice and representing the state in legal matters. Ensures laws and regulations are enforced and can file a lawsuit to the president. (more visibility and is seen as the 2nd strongest after the governor)

  • Secretary of State: Oversees state elections, maintains public records, and manages other administrative functions, all about voting and elections. NOTHING TO DO WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES (very different in cali compared to the federal level US , highlight differences later)

  • Controller: Responsible for the financial management of the state, overseeing the collection of taxes and auditing state spending. mage dispersement of money and tax’s. if someone works for the state their checks are signed by the state controller.

  • Treasurer: Manages the state’s investments and funds, ensuring the security and growth of public money. “chief investment officer”

  • Board of Equalization: Comprised of 5 members, responsible for tax administration and ensuring tax laws are fairly enforced. taxes on insurance, property and alcoholic beverage taxes.

  • superintendent of public instruction: head of k- `12 education at the state level (curriculum) education data and budget.

  • Insurance commissioner: regulates cali insurance industry, and regulatory role on enforcing laws such as health insurance and homeowner insurance.

• Judicial Branch: Comprised of the California Supreme Court and various Appellate Courts; judges are appointed and then undergo retention elections to remain in their positions.

Election and Electoral College

• Factors Influencing the Election Process:

  • Differences between presidential and U.S. Senate/House elections highlight unique campaigning and voting dynamics.

  • Understanding local vs. national election issues is paramount for candidates and political strategists.

• Overview of the Electoral Process: This includes primary elections, caucuses, and the general election, culminating in the Electoral College's decision based on state popular votes.

• Important Points Regarding Electoral Votes:

  • Calculation: The total electoral votes equal the sum of U.S. representatives plus senators from each state, including 3 votes for Washington, D.C., totaling 538 votes.

  • Majority needed: A candidate must acquire at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

Electing the U.S. President

• Electoral College System: Awards electoral votes based on statewide popular vote outcomes, with the majority necessary to secure victory.

  • Most states follow a winner-takes-all approach, except for Maine and Nebraska, which allocate votes proportionally.

  • In cases of a tie or no candidate reaching 270 votes, the election follows a contingent process as dictated by the 12th Amendment, potentially leading to the House of Representatives electing the President.

Swing States and Campaigning

• Definition of Swing State: Refers to states where voter preferences are not consistently aligned with one party, making them critical battlegrounds in elections.

  • Campaign strategies pivot heavily on these states, as they can determine the overall election outcome.

• California as a Non-Swing State: Typically leans Democratic, influencing campaign focus and resources spent in other key states.

Current and Historical Election Data

• Review of electoral and popular vote statistics from recent elections elucidates trends and patterns within California's voting behaviors, showcasing shifts over time, demographics, and party loyalty.

U.S. Presidential Powers

Overview of Powers

• Key Presidential Powers Include:

  • Appointing heads of federal agencies and military leaders to ensure effective administration of government functions.

  • Issuing executive orders to enforce laws and manage government operations.

  • Engaging in diplomatic discussions to form international relations and treaties.

  • Granting pardons and reprieves to individuals, typically for federal offenses.

• Limitations of Presidential Power:

  • The President cannot unilaterally remove officials from Congress or federal judges who have been confirmed by Congress, ensuring checks and balances.

  • Executive orders may be subject to judicial scrutiny to determine their legality and adherence to constitutional principles.

California Governor's Role

Executive Branch Structure

• Plural Executive Nature: The governance structure includes multiple elected positions, making the Governor’s role challenging due to shared authority.

Governor’s Responsibilities

• Head of State: The Governor serves as the face of the state government and is the legitimate commander in chief of the National Guard during state emergencies.

  • Political power is limited due to checks by the legislature, requiring collaboration with other branches to govern effectively.

State Officials and Their Functions

• Lt. Governor: Functions as a substitute for the Governor, with a significant role in casting tie-breaking votes in the state Senate.

• Attorney General: Acts as legal counsel for the state government, responsible for enforcing state laws and consumer protection initiatives.

• Secretary of State: Manages the electoral process, maintains voting records, and certifies propositions and initiatives.

• Controller: Ensures fiscal accountability by overseeing tax collection processes and conducting audits of government spending.

• State Treasurer: Responsible for managing state investments and overseeing the financial assets of California.

• Superintendent of Public Instruction: Oversees K-12 education policies, guiding educational standards and practices across the state.

• Insurance Commissioner: Regulates the state's insurance industry, ensuring compliance with laws and consumer protections.