Exploring Direct Democracy in California

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published December 4, 2007 at 9:17 AM PST

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

Californians often make decisions by voting directly on state and local initiatives rather than relying on a totally representative framework. It can be an effective way to circumvent legislative grid

(Originally aired Oct. 4, 2006.)

Tom Fudge:
As yet another election approaches, another slew of statewide propositions face voters. Don't politicians vote on this stuff? Californians cast votes on everything from water quality to hunting regulations. And that’s not to mention the countless local initiatives that cause voters to scratch their heads and squint at their ballots.

Political scientist Brian Adams talks about the nuances of direct democracy in California. Plus, the phones are opened up to callers to find out what the public thinks of this process.

Guest

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Brian Adams , assistant professor of political science at San Diego State University.