There are a few unique aspects of a referendum in California, which is one of three forms of direct democracy in this state. The referendum is set forth in the California Constitution, in Article II, Section 9, which provides: “The...
As provided by the California Constitution in Article II, Section 13, the “recall is the power of the electors to remove an elective officer.” The process is initiated by filing of the petition alleging a reason for the recall. However,...
California Constitution Article II, Section 8(d) provides “An initiative measure embracing more than one subject may not be submitted to the electors or have any effect.” You may recall that a similar rule exists for bills considered by the California...
In California’s initiative process, both the Attorney General and the Legislative Analyst play important roles. Those roles are established by the state Constitution, as well as the California Elections Code. This article provides an overview of the relevant laws specifying...
Bills signed into law by the Governor that contain an urgency clause become urgency statutes or urgency clause statutes. California Constitution Article IV, Section 8 deals with urgency statutes. Section 8(c)(3) provides that urgency clause bills go into effect immediately...
There are a number of provisions that are commonly contained today in proposed initiative measures. California Constitution Article II provides for this important form of direct democracy. Section 8(a) provides: “The initiative is the power of the electors to propose...
Separation of powers – what is it and what does it mean? Essentially, the powers of government are provided to separate branches of government to operate. These powers are set forth in the California Constitution and are granted to the...