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Good point. We could simplify things by requiring only a majority vote for measures that reduce spending and cap or abolish taxes. We'd get the benefit of majority rule and at the same time, mitigate the pressures in favor of increased spending and new taxes. This is practically the opposite of the way things work in Sacramento and it would breed a sense of responsibility in the politicians of both parties knowing its not to going to be easy to go on record as being in favor of bigger and more intrusive government. Now as it stands, they face no penalty for being irresponsible with public funds.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

I was wrong and here's why:

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 13 TAXATION

SEC. 1. Unless otherwise provided by this Constitution or the laws of the United States:
(a) All property is taxable and shall be assessed at the same percentage of fair market value. When a value standard other than fair market value is prescribed by this Constitution or by statute authorized by this Constitution, the same percentage shall be applied to determine the assessed value. The value to which the percentage is applied, whether it be the fair market value or not, shall be known for property tax purposes as the full value.
(b) All property so assessed shall be taxed in proportion to its full value.

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 13 TAXATION

SEC. 2. The Legislature may provide for property taxation of all forms of tangible personal property, shares of capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, and any legal or equitable interest therein not exempt under any other provision of this article. The Legislature, two-thirds of the membership of each house concurring, may classify such personal property for differential taxation or for exemption. The tax on any interest in notes, debentures, shares of capital stock, bonds, solvent credits, deeds of trust, or mortgages shall not exceed four-tenths of one percent of full value, and the tax per dollar of full value shall not be higher on personal property than on real property in the same taxing jurisdiction.

The provisions of Prop 13 do fall under Artcle 13, Section 2 and therefore were constituional amendments requiring a super-majority.

Sorry.