Introduction to California State Government
Author(s): Chris Micheli
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2021
Pages: 448
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2021
Pages: 448
Choose Your Platform | Help Me Choose
New Publication Now Available!
Introduction to California State Government is written by Chris Micheli - attorney, lobbyist, and adjunct professor of law. The publication examines California government and its institutions, including the branches of state government, the players, and the process.
Introduction to California State Government provides a blended introduction to California government, the institutions at the local and state levels. The content is based on feedback from colleagues from lobbying corps in Sacramento, as well as many individuals working in the different branches of California government.
The publication includes coverage of the California Constitution, The Legislative and Executive Branches, administrative and key state agencies, the budget process, electoral system, lobbying and special interest groups, and much more.
About the Author
Introduction
Section I California’s Constitution
Chapter 1 California’s Constitution—Its Structure and Functions
Chapter 2 Article III—State of California
Chapter 3 Separation of Powers Doctrine in California
Chapter 4 Amending or Revising the California Constitution
Chapter 5 California versus Federal Constitution
Section II The Legislative Branch
Chapter 6 Legislature’s Broad Constitutional Powers
Chapter 7 Other Constitutional Provisions Affecting the Legislature
Chapter 8 Overview of the Legislative Process
Chapter 9 Policy Analysis in the Legislative Process
Chapter 10 Influences That Shape California Legislation
Chapter 11 Challenges to Lawmaking in California
Chapter 12 Compromise and Gridlock in the Legislative Process
Chapter 13 Legislative Support Agencies
Chapter 14 The Commission on State Mandates
Chapter 15 The California Research Bureau
Chapter 16 The Commission on Uniform State Laws
Chapter 17 The California Law Revision Commission
Chapter 18 Role of the Legislature in the Rulemaking Process
Section III The Executive Branch
Chapter 19 Overview of California’s Executive Branch of Government
Chapter 20 Governor’s Roles Provided in the Constitution
Chapter 21 Governor’s Role in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 22 Governor’s Reorganization Plans
Chapter 23 Gubernatorial Appointments
Chapter 24 Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Chapter 25 Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
Chapter 26 Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Chapter 27 Governor’s Office of the Tribal Advisor
Section IV The Other Constitutional Officers
Chapter 28 The Lieutenant Governor
Chapter 29 The Secretary of State
Chapter 30 The Controller
Chapter 31 The Attorney General
Chapter 32 The Treasurer
Chapter 33 The Insurance Commissioner
Chapter 34 The Superintendent of Public Instruction
Chapter 35 The Board of Equalization
Section V Introduction to Administrative Agencies
Chapter 36 Role of Administrative Agencies in State Government
Chapter 37 State Agencies and Their Role in Public Policy Development
Chapter 38 California State Agencies
Chapter 39 Listing of California State Agencies
Chapter 40 California’s Office of Administrative Law
Chapter 41 Overview of the Rulemaking Process
Chapter 42 Regular versus Emergency Rulemaking in California
Chapter 43 Summary of OAL’s Six Standards of Review for Proposed Regulations
Chapter 44 Underground Regulations and the Role of OAL
Chapter 45 Some Insights on the APA Process in California
Chapter 46 Outline of California’s APA Statutes
Chapter 47 Office of Administrative Hearings
Section VI Overview of Key State Agencies
Chapter 48 California’s Public Employees System
Chapter 49 The Public Utilities Commission
Chapter 50 State Public Works Board
Chapter 51 The Little Hoover Commission
Chapter 52 California’s Infrastructure Bank
Chapter 53 The California Coastal Commission
Chapter 54 California Energy Commission
Chapter 55 California Transportation Commission
Chapter 56 Who Is in Charge of Education Policy in California?
Chapter 57 Boards and Commissions Under the Department of Consumer Affairs
Chapter 58 Department of General Services
Chapter 59 California Air Resources Board
Chapter 60 California’s Tax Agencies
Chapter 61 California Building Standards Commission
Chapter 62 California Gambling Control Commission
Chapter 63 Employment Training Panel
Chapter 64 Agricultural Labor Relations Board
Chapter 65 State Compensation Insurance Fund
Chapter 66 State Personnel Board
Section VII Different State Entities for Similar Policy Areas
Chapter 67 Aging Entities
Chapter 68 Alcoholic Beverage Control Entities
Chapter 69 Conservation Entities
Chapter 70 Debt Limitation Entities
Chapter 71 Delta Protection Entities
Chapter 72 Developmental Services Entities
Chapter 73 Fish and Wildlife Entities
Chapter 74 Forestry Entities
Chapter 75 Health Entities
Chapter 76 Historical Entities
Chapter 77 Industrial Entities
Chapter 78 Parks and Recreation Entities
Chapter 79 Transportation Entities
Chapter 80 Veterans Entities
Chapter 81 Water Entities
Section VIII The Judicial Branch
Chapter 82 A Look at California’s Judicial Branch of Government
Chapter 83 The Judicial Branch’s Constitutional Provisions
Chapter 84 The Role of the Judicial Branch in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 85 Choosing Judges in California
Chapter 86 Judicial Branch Policymaking
Chapter 87 Judicial Branch Support Agencies
Chapter 88 Organization and Government of the California Courts
Section IX Comparing and Contrasting California with the Federal Government
Chapter 89 A Comparison of Congress and the Legislature in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 90 Differences Between Legislative Processes:Congress v. California Legislature
Chapter 91 A Comparison of the President and Governor in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 92 Comparing State and Federal Judiciaries
Chapter 93 Comparing California Government to Those of Other States
Section X Local Governments
Chapter 94 Role of Local Governments in California
Chapter 95 Constitutional Provisions Related to Local Government
Chapter 96 County Government Overview
Chapter 97 Governing of Counties
Chapter 98 City Government Overview
Chapter 99 Governing of Cities
Chapter 100 Special Districts in California
Chapter 101 Regional Governments in California
Chapter 102 The District Organization Law
Chapter 103 An Overview of Local and State Open Meetings Laws in California
Chapter 104 Incompatible Activities
Section XI Direct Democracy in California—Function and History
Chapter 105 Initiative and Referendum Processes in California
Chapter 106 The Mechanics of California’s Direct Democracy
Section XII The Budget Process
Chapter 107 Overview of California’s Budget Process
Chapter 108 The Impact of the State Budget on California Public Policy
Chapter 109 Overview of California’s Legislative Analyst Office
Chapter 110 Overview of California’s Department of Finance
Chapter 111 The California Citizens Compensation Commission
Section XIII Electoral System and Political Process
Chapter 112 Unique Aspects of California’s Electoral System
Chapter 113 Redistricting in California
Chapter 114 Voting Rights in California
Chapter 115 California’s Ethics in Government Act
Chapter 116 Fair Political Practices Commission
Chapter 117 The Citizens Redistricting Commission
Chapter 118 California’s Role in National Politics
Chapter 119 California and International Relations
Chapter 120 The Media’s Role in California Politics
Section XIV Lobbying and Special Interest Groups
Chapter 121 Interest Groups and Their Infl uence on Policy Making in California
Chapter 122 Regulatory Agency Lobbying
Chapter 123 Brief Look at Government Procurement Lobbying
Chapter 124 Lobbying the Judiciary
Chapter 125 Budget Advocacy
Chapter 126 Grassroots Lobbying
Chapter 127 Utilizing Lobbying Coalitions
Chapter 128 Negotiating Bills and Amendments
Index of Topics
Chris Micheli is a founding partner of the Sacramento governmental relations and advocacy firm of Aprea & Micheli, Inc. As a legislative advocate, Micheli frequently testifies before policy and fiscal committees of the California Legislature, as well as a number of administrative agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. He regularly drafts legislative and regulatory language and is considered a leading authority on state tax law developments, California's knife laws, and the state legislative process. The Wall Street Journal called him "one of the top three business tax lobbyists in the state" and the Los Angeles Times described him as an "elite lobbyist."
Over the last twenty years, he has published hundreds of articles and editorials in professional journals, newspapers, and trade magazines, whose diverse subjects range from tax incentives to transportation funding. He wrote a bi-monthly column on civil justice reform for five years for The Daily Recorder, Sacramento's daily legal newspaper. He has served on the editorial advisory board for CCH's State Income Tax Alert, a nationwide publication, as well as State Income Tax Monitor, another national newsletter, and Sacramento Lawyer, a monthly legal journal.
Micheli has been an attorney of record in several key cases, having argued before the Supreme Court of California (just two years out of law school), as well as the Court of Appeal several times. He has filed more than fifteen amicus curiae briefs in California courts and is admitted to practice law before all of the state and federal courts in the state. He has published six peer-reviewed law review articles and is the co-editor and co-author of the book “A Practitioner’s Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy in California,” as well as the author of “Understanding the California Legislative Process,” both published in 2020 by Kendall-Hunt Publishing Company. His most recently-published books released in 2021 are “Introduction to California Government” and “An Introduction to Legislative Drafting in California.” He is also the co-author of “Guide to Executive Branch Agency Rulemaking.” He also published two law school casebooks entitled “The California Legislature and Its Legislative Process – Cases and Materials” and “Cases and Materials on Direct Democracy in California.”
He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Political Science – Public Service and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with a J.D. degree. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at McGeorge where he co-teaches the course Lawmaking in California, as well as a Lecturer in Law at the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law where he co-teaches the course Legislative Drafting. He resides in Sacramento, California with his wife, Liza, two daughters, Morgan and Francesca, and son, Vincenzo.
This book is the ultimate compilation of what you need to know about state and local government in California. It is an ideal reference book to have at your fingertips.
Jaime Huff | Vice President
Civil Justice Association of California
In Introduction to California State Government, Chris Micheli has done a tremendous service for practitioners, legislative advocates, staffers, and citizens interested in how California’s vast government operates, and how to be effective when interacting with its myriad branches, departments and other bodies. Concise yet offering a breathtaking amount of detail, this book is a must-have for those with business before our state government.
Gino Folchi | Policy Consultant
California Assembly Republican Caucus
Chris Micheli has written a must-read primer for anyone studying or engaging with California government…Read this book - and learn from one of the best.
Calvin Rusch | Policy Consultant
California State Assembly
Introduction to California State Government is a must-read for anyone interested in working at any level of California government. This book provides a clear and practical approach that equips students with the tools necessary to become well-rounded.
Justin Lomas | Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Capital Lawyering Program
As an advocate for a wide variety of clients over his 25 years as a lawyer, Chris Micheli has accumulated a uniquely broad amount of information and perspective about not only the Legislature, but also virtually every executive branch agency and its rule and policy making processes. And, now he has taken the time to share all that in a comprehensive, in-depth look at California government. I have known and worked with Chris for virtually his entire career and heartily recommend this book as a must-use reference for anyone needing to deal with any of these agencies.
Robert W. Naylor | Robert W. Naylor Advocacy
Former Assembly Minority Leader
California, as a state, often functions more as a nation in relation to its policies, economic strength and diversity. This book represents a significant effort in helping readers understand (and appreciate) the governance of California and its multilayered complexity.
Jennifer Kent | Former Director
California Department of Health Care Services
New Publication Now Available!
Introduction to California State Government is written by Chris Micheli - attorney, lobbyist, and adjunct professor of law. The publication examines California government and its institutions, including the branches of state government, the players, and the process.
Introduction to California State Government provides a blended introduction to California government, the institutions at the local and state levels. The content is based on feedback from colleagues from lobbying corps in Sacramento, as well as many individuals working in the different branches of California government.
The publication includes coverage of the California Constitution, The Legislative and Executive Branches, administrative and key state agencies, the budget process, electoral system, lobbying and special interest groups, and much more.
About the Author
Introduction
Section I California’s Constitution
Chapter 1 California’s Constitution—Its Structure and Functions
Chapter 2 Article III—State of California
Chapter 3 Separation of Powers Doctrine in California
Chapter 4 Amending or Revising the California Constitution
Chapter 5 California versus Federal Constitution
Section II The Legislative Branch
Chapter 6 Legislature’s Broad Constitutional Powers
Chapter 7 Other Constitutional Provisions Affecting the Legislature
Chapter 8 Overview of the Legislative Process
Chapter 9 Policy Analysis in the Legislative Process
Chapter 10 Influences That Shape California Legislation
Chapter 11 Challenges to Lawmaking in California
Chapter 12 Compromise and Gridlock in the Legislative Process
Chapter 13 Legislative Support Agencies
Chapter 14 The Commission on State Mandates
Chapter 15 The California Research Bureau
Chapter 16 The Commission on Uniform State Laws
Chapter 17 The California Law Revision Commission
Chapter 18 Role of the Legislature in the Rulemaking Process
Section III The Executive Branch
Chapter 19 Overview of California’s Executive Branch of Government
Chapter 20 Governor’s Roles Provided in the Constitution
Chapter 21 Governor’s Role in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 22 Governor’s Reorganization Plans
Chapter 23 Gubernatorial Appointments
Chapter 24 Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Chapter 25 Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
Chapter 26 Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Chapter 27 Governor’s Office of the Tribal Advisor
Section IV The Other Constitutional Officers
Chapter 28 The Lieutenant Governor
Chapter 29 The Secretary of State
Chapter 30 The Controller
Chapter 31 The Attorney General
Chapter 32 The Treasurer
Chapter 33 The Insurance Commissioner
Chapter 34 The Superintendent of Public Instruction
Chapter 35 The Board of Equalization
Section V Introduction to Administrative Agencies
Chapter 36 Role of Administrative Agencies in State Government
Chapter 37 State Agencies and Their Role in Public Policy Development
Chapter 38 California State Agencies
Chapter 39 Listing of California State Agencies
Chapter 40 California’s Office of Administrative Law
Chapter 41 Overview of the Rulemaking Process
Chapter 42 Regular versus Emergency Rulemaking in California
Chapter 43 Summary of OAL’s Six Standards of Review for Proposed Regulations
Chapter 44 Underground Regulations and the Role of OAL
Chapter 45 Some Insights on the APA Process in California
Chapter 46 Outline of California’s APA Statutes
Chapter 47 Office of Administrative Hearings
Section VI Overview of Key State Agencies
Chapter 48 California’s Public Employees System
Chapter 49 The Public Utilities Commission
Chapter 50 State Public Works Board
Chapter 51 The Little Hoover Commission
Chapter 52 California’s Infrastructure Bank
Chapter 53 The California Coastal Commission
Chapter 54 California Energy Commission
Chapter 55 California Transportation Commission
Chapter 56 Who Is in Charge of Education Policy in California?
Chapter 57 Boards and Commissions Under the Department of Consumer Affairs
Chapter 58 Department of General Services
Chapter 59 California Air Resources Board
Chapter 60 California’s Tax Agencies
Chapter 61 California Building Standards Commission
Chapter 62 California Gambling Control Commission
Chapter 63 Employment Training Panel
Chapter 64 Agricultural Labor Relations Board
Chapter 65 State Compensation Insurance Fund
Chapter 66 State Personnel Board
Section VII Different State Entities for Similar Policy Areas
Chapter 67 Aging Entities
Chapter 68 Alcoholic Beverage Control Entities
Chapter 69 Conservation Entities
Chapter 70 Debt Limitation Entities
Chapter 71 Delta Protection Entities
Chapter 72 Developmental Services Entities
Chapter 73 Fish and Wildlife Entities
Chapter 74 Forestry Entities
Chapter 75 Health Entities
Chapter 76 Historical Entities
Chapter 77 Industrial Entities
Chapter 78 Parks and Recreation Entities
Chapter 79 Transportation Entities
Chapter 80 Veterans Entities
Chapter 81 Water Entities
Section VIII The Judicial Branch
Chapter 82 A Look at California’s Judicial Branch of Government
Chapter 83 The Judicial Branch’s Constitutional Provisions
Chapter 84 The Role of the Judicial Branch in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 85 Choosing Judges in California
Chapter 86 Judicial Branch Policymaking
Chapter 87 Judicial Branch Support Agencies
Chapter 88 Organization and Government of the California Courts
Section IX Comparing and Contrasting California with the Federal Government
Chapter 89 A Comparison of Congress and the Legislature in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 90 Differences Between Legislative Processes:Congress v. California Legislature
Chapter 91 A Comparison of the President and Governor in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 92 Comparing State and Federal Judiciaries
Chapter 93 Comparing California Government to Those of Other States
Section X Local Governments
Chapter 94 Role of Local Governments in California
Chapter 95 Constitutional Provisions Related to Local Government
Chapter 96 County Government Overview
Chapter 97 Governing of Counties
Chapter 98 City Government Overview
Chapter 99 Governing of Cities
Chapter 100 Special Districts in California
Chapter 101 Regional Governments in California
Chapter 102 The District Organization Law
Chapter 103 An Overview of Local and State Open Meetings Laws in California
Chapter 104 Incompatible Activities
Section XI Direct Democracy in California—Function and History
Chapter 105 Initiative and Referendum Processes in California
Chapter 106 The Mechanics of California’s Direct Democracy
Section XII The Budget Process
Chapter 107 Overview of California’s Budget Process
Chapter 108 The Impact of the State Budget on California Public Policy
Chapter 109 Overview of California’s Legislative Analyst Office
Chapter 110 Overview of California’s Department of Finance
Chapter 111 The California Citizens Compensation Commission
Section XIII Electoral System and Political Process
Chapter 112 Unique Aspects of California’s Electoral System
Chapter 113 Redistricting in California
Chapter 114 Voting Rights in California
Chapter 115 California’s Ethics in Government Act
Chapter 116 Fair Political Practices Commission
Chapter 117 The Citizens Redistricting Commission
Chapter 118 California’s Role in National Politics
Chapter 119 California and International Relations
Chapter 120 The Media’s Role in California Politics
Section XIV Lobbying and Special Interest Groups
Chapter 121 Interest Groups and Their Infl uence on Policy Making in California
Chapter 122 Regulatory Agency Lobbying
Chapter 123 Brief Look at Government Procurement Lobbying
Chapter 124 Lobbying the Judiciary
Chapter 125 Budget Advocacy
Chapter 126 Grassroots Lobbying
Chapter 127 Utilizing Lobbying Coalitions
Chapter 128 Negotiating Bills and Amendments
Index of Topics
Chris Micheli is a founding partner of the Sacramento governmental relations and advocacy firm of Aprea & Micheli, Inc. As a legislative advocate, Micheli frequently testifies before policy and fiscal committees of the California Legislature, as well as a number of administrative agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. He regularly drafts legislative and regulatory language and is considered a leading authority on state tax law developments, California's knife laws, and the state legislative process. The Wall Street Journal called him "one of the top three business tax lobbyists in the state" and the Los Angeles Times described him as an "elite lobbyist."
Over the last twenty years, he has published hundreds of articles and editorials in professional journals, newspapers, and trade magazines, whose diverse subjects range from tax incentives to transportation funding. He wrote a bi-monthly column on civil justice reform for five years for The Daily Recorder, Sacramento's daily legal newspaper. He has served on the editorial advisory board for CCH's State Income Tax Alert, a nationwide publication, as well as State Income Tax Monitor, another national newsletter, and Sacramento Lawyer, a monthly legal journal.
Micheli has been an attorney of record in several key cases, having argued before the Supreme Court of California (just two years out of law school), as well as the Court of Appeal several times. He has filed more than fifteen amicus curiae briefs in California courts and is admitted to practice law before all of the state and federal courts in the state. He has published six peer-reviewed law review articles and is the co-editor and co-author of the book “A Practitioner’s Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy in California,” as well as the author of “Understanding the California Legislative Process,” both published in 2020 by Kendall-Hunt Publishing Company. His most recently-published books released in 2021 are “Introduction to California Government” and “An Introduction to Legislative Drafting in California.” He is also the co-author of “Guide to Executive Branch Agency Rulemaking.” He also published two law school casebooks entitled “The California Legislature and Its Legislative Process – Cases and Materials” and “Cases and Materials on Direct Democracy in California.”
He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Political Science – Public Service and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with a J.D. degree. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at McGeorge where he co-teaches the course Lawmaking in California, as well as a Lecturer in Law at the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law where he co-teaches the course Legislative Drafting. He resides in Sacramento, California with his wife, Liza, two daughters, Morgan and Francesca, and son, Vincenzo.
This book is the ultimate compilation of what you need to know about state and local government in California. It is an ideal reference book to have at your fingertips.
Jaime Huff | Vice President
Civil Justice Association of California
In Introduction to California State Government, Chris Micheli has done a tremendous service for practitioners, legislative advocates, staffers, and citizens interested in how California’s vast government operates, and how to be effective when interacting with its myriad branches, departments and other bodies. Concise yet offering a breathtaking amount of detail, this book is a must-have for those with business before our state government.
Gino Folchi | Policy Consultant
California Assembly Republican Caucus
Chris Micheli has written a must-read primer for anyone studying or engaging with California government…Read this book - and learn from one of the best.
Calvin Rusch | Policy Consultant
California State Assembly
Introduction to California State Government is a must-read for anyone interested in working at any level of California government. This book provides a clear and practical approach that equips students with the tools necessary to become well-rounded.
Justin Lomas | Pacific McGeorge School of Law
Capital Lawyering Program
As an advocate for a wide variety of clients over his 25 years as a lawyer, Chris Micheli has accumulated a uniquely broad amount of information and perspective about not only the Legislature, but also virtually every executive branch agency and its rule and policy making processes. And, now he has taken the time to share all that in a comprehensive, in-depth look at California government. I have known and worked with Chris for virtually his entire career and heartily recommend this book as a must-use reference for anyone needing to deal with any of these agencies.
Robert W. Naylor | Robert W. Naylor Advocacy
Former Assembly Minority Leader
California, as a state, often functions more as a nation in relation to its policies, economic strength and diversity. This book represents a significant effort in helping readers understand (and appreciate) the governance of California and its multilayered complexity.
Jennifer Kent | Former Director
California Department of Health Care Services