California - critical state. Califonrnia - Its people and politics. Elections in california: voters, candidates and campaigns. Direct democracy - power to the people. Interst groups and lobbyists: in the "good old days" and the contemporary setting. Political parties in california: reenergized political forces. The California legislature: cinderella or frankenstein. California's governor - teh state's central political figure. Administration: executives, civil servants, and citizens. The dance of the budget: part minuet, part lambada. California's judicial system. Local government in Callifornia. Epilogue.
