California lawmakers may lead nation (state's new, unique 'hybrid democracy' may spread across U.S)

Oakland Tribune ^ | 11/26/06 | Steve Geissinger

[calcowgirl]

The most dramatic of the proposed initiatives that could wind up on a ballot in 2008 would ax the state Senate and Assembly to create a single legislative house of 50 to 80 members to be nominated and elected in a nonpartisan manner for a two-year term.

Nominated by who? Or dare I ask.

[mac_truck]

If California's hybrid democracy is being touted as a model for the nation, perhaps they should move that State's primary into February...

[jim_trent]

> Want to overhaul the Legislature into a single nonpartisan house?

Sounds like what Nebraska has had for nearly 80 years. Actually, now that BOTH houses have to be elected on a one-man/one-vote basis, a two-house stae system makes no sense at all. If it was done the same way as the Federal House/Senate is done, I could see the sense in a two-house system. However, it is no longer legal to do it that way.

[jimfree]

As one who had California civics instruction in HS in the 60s I don't see anything new here except the instigator and maybe the frequency of use of certain of the provisions of the California Constitution. Remember gang that the 1978 Prop 13 limit on property taxes was an initiative (legislation that begins through a petition drive and is decided based on a statewide ballot).

California also has the referendum (legislature passing the buck through a plebiscite), but that seems to have gotten less play recently. The petition recall of Gray Davis that elected Governor Ahnold is a third leg of the populist California constitution. I believe these provisions were adopted in the early 20th century. Most states do not make it as easy to employ democratic populism. This will not spread wide without significant changes in many state constitutions.

[goldstategop]

Like in Nebraska. Think of the money we could save! And since liberals are going to run the show, we can dispense with the two party setup.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[goldstategop]

Both Ontario and Quebec in Canada abolished their upper houses. Most of the new provinces entering the Canadian Confederation have never had an upper house. In America, since the states are constituted on a unitary basis, the existence of an upper house makes no sense. Its necessary for a federal government, but redundant in other political systems.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus