Governor Archives - Page 7 of 9

Teaching Lawmaking in California

March 6, 2020 5:37 amMarch 6, 2020 5:52 am

By Chris Micheli and Diane Boyer-Vine As part of its efforts to enhance its Capital Lawyering Program, the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law offers a number of courses to train aspiring lawyers who plan to work in...

Political Activities of Public Employees

January 31, 2020 6:39 amJanuary 31, 2020 6:39 am

In California’s Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 9.5, there are sections of law prohibiting specified political activities of public employees. Government Code Section 3201 specifies that the Legislature finds that political activities of public employees are of significant...

Overview of California’s Budget Process

January 12, 2020 7:44 amJanuary 12, 2020 10:46 am

The state budget process on paper is similar to the legislative process; however, it can be different in practical terms. The full budget committees of the Senate and Assembly act mostly as the final arbiter of their respective houses when...

What is a Constitutional Amendment?

December 20, 2019 7:15 amDecember 20, 2019 7:59 am

What is a “constitutional amendment”? Although California’s Constitution provides for the amendment of this document, the constitution does not define this term. A traditional definition of a constitutional amendment is a modification to an existing constitution. California’s Legislative Counsel defines...

Voting on a Referendum

December 6, 2019 6:45 amDecember 6, 2019 6:41 am

There are a few unique aspects of a referendum in California, which is one of three forms of direct democracy in this state. The referendum is set forth in the California Constitution, in Article II, Section 9, which provides: “The...

Separation of Powers Doctrine in California

November 22, 2019 8:18 amNovember 22, 2019 8:21 am

Separation of powers – what is it and what does it mean? Essentially, the powers of government are provided to separate branches of government to operate. These powers are set forth in the California Constitution and are granted to the...

California Legislature’s Organization and Structure

November 20, 2019 7:41 amNovember 20, 2019 7:44 am

The organization and structure of the California Legislature is established by the California Constitution, specifically in Article IV. Half a dozen sections of Article 4 relate to the organization and structure of the Legislature. Section 1 provides specifically that “The...