Analyzing a California Proposition

    write a 7 to 10-page paper analyzing a California Proposition that appeared on the state ballot from 2000 to 2016. This assignment should give you a deeper understanding of direct democracy in California and the political forces behind its use.Required Components o Most important: Your paper should follow a chronological narrative, starting from the beginning of the issue to post-election aftermath. Good flow is essential to a good paper. o Description: Provide a brief but specific summary of how the proposition would have altered existing law or the state constitution. o Background: Describe the political background that prompted the ballot proposition to be qualified and placed on the ballot. o Supporters/Opponents: Identify who were the major supporters and opponents of the proposition and describe their respective positions. Don’t just list groups and people from the ballot statement. This is not a pro/con paper about the issue, so spend more time on the people than the arguments. o Campaign: Discuss the election strategy and resulting campaign for both sides. This could include campaign contributions, polling, newspaper editorials, etc. o Results: Present the electoral results, including regional, demographic, and/or other forms of electoral analysis. Also, provide some analytical insight into why the proposition passed or failed. Since this is a political science course, this is an essential component of the paper. o Broader Analysis: What were the political consequences of the proposition’s failure or passage? How did the proposition alter the political and fiscal climate in California? How to Choose a Good Proposition o Stay away from bonds and other legislative-approved propositions that have limited opposition. o The more controversial and well-known the ballot measure, the more material you will find. o Proposition 8 in 2008 is too much to tackle in your paper. Select another ballot measure. o Focus on the proposition, and don’t get distracted by the broader issue behind the proposition. o Remember, your proposition must have appeared on the ballot from 2000 to 2016. o Brilliant comment from a student in 2021: “Don't write the essay that you have the most interest in. Write the one that is easiest to get an A on, these maybe one in the same but not always.”