California: Politics Of Diversity, Brief (with InfoTrac)

California: Politics Of Diversity, Brief (with InfoTrac)

Written from the perspective of someone who has worked in local government, this text is a comprehensive, thematically-organized treatment of California politics. The author brings the subject to life for students using the two themes--diversity and hyperpluralism--that make California's political climate so interesting. In particular, the author examines the growing proliferation of pressures and groups that compete for attention and make governing the state increasingly challenging. And, to illustrate the connection between California politics and American politics, the author discusses aspects of American politics--such as the democratic, elite, and pluralist theories--and how these broader concepts add new clarity and depth to any understanding of California politics.About the AuthorDavid G. Lawrence is professor emeritus of political science at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. As a teacher, scholar, and former public official, he has applied theory and practice to California politics. He served on a city council as mayor pro tem, chaired a regional planning agency, and is former president of the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG). He currently serves on the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee, a group that advises the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments on the expenditure of sales tax revenues earmarked for transportation (an estimated $1 billion over 30 years). He is also former president of the California Center for Education in Public Affairs, a consortium of colleges and universities dedicated to helping students better understand California politics through Sacramento seminars and post-election briefings.