Who’s Who? In California Politics

Heads the executive branch of the federal government. Serves for four years with a two-term (eight years) maximum.

• Nominates the heads of all executive departments and federal agencies, including Department of Homeland Security.
• Proposes the federal budget for approval by Congress.
• Has the power to veto (reject) bills passed by Congress; Congress can overturn a veto with a twothirds majority vote.
• Serves as the Commander-inChief of the armed forces.
• Nominates federal judges and Supreme Court justices.

The President sets enforcement priorities for immigration laws. For decades, presidents of both parties have deferred the deportation of millions of people who entered the country without documentation.

Recommends funding levels for programs such as childcare, health-care, and domestic violence services.

Nominates lifetime appointments of federal judges and justices, who rule on issues such as equal rights and privacy.

There are 435 members of the US House of Representatives. All seats in the House are up for re-election every two years. The number of representatives from each state is based on population. Currently California has 53 representatives.

• Makes and passes federal laws.
• Decides the budget for federal programs.
• Determines federal tax guidelines.
• Can propose changes to the Constitution.
• Has the power to declare war
• In addition, the Senate approves the President’s appointments to important positions, including the US Supreme Court and the Cabinet (the board that advises the President made of the heads from key departments).

Decides whether to expand or cut funding for programs such as Head Start, Medi-Cal, Cash Assistance, Social Security, relief for victims of natural disasters, military spending, childcare, healthcare and domestic violence services.

Creates federal laws governing immigration, healthcare, education, criminal justice, student loan interest rates, and labor and environmental protections.

There are 100 members of the US Senate. Each state elects two senators in a statewide election for six-year terms. Senate races are staggered so that only one senator in a state is up for election at a time.

Same as above.

Same as above.

The state is divided into 40 Senate districts and each district elects one senator. State Senate seats are up for election every four years, with a two-term limit (eight years). If elected after June 2012, the limit is three-terms (twelve years).

• Initiates state laws in areas such as state taxes, business regulation, education, childcare, and conservation of natural resources.
• Shares budget-making responsibilities with the Governor.
• Can override a veto by the Governor with a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature.

Decides how much of the state budget should support public schools, higher education, or the health insurance program for low-income children.

Can propose to expand Medi-Cal, allowing low-income people to receive federal subsidies for health insurance.

Can propose laws to limit or expand access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare; the minimum wage; equal pay; and discrimination.

The state has 80 Assembly districts. Each district elects one Representative. All Assembly seats are up for election every two years, with a three-term limit (six years). If elected after June 2012, the limit is six-terms (twelve years).

Same as above.

Same as above.

City council members are usually elected by residents living in specific “districts,” or are elected “at large” by voters in the entire city. In some cities, this body is called the Board of Supervisors.

• Creates city policies and ordinances.
• Sets city taxes and manages the city budget.
• Oversees all construction and improvement projects in the city.
• Works with the mayor and city staff to develop city’s strategic plan.

Can provide financial support to community services, which may support low-income women and families.

Can hire or supervise police chief, who then determines what training new police officers receive.

Passes local laws that affect housing options, such as affordable, lowincome housing, renter protections, and worker issues such as minimum wage.

There are 1,025 California school districts, and each one has a locally elected school board.

• Adopts policies to guide the school district.
• Approves the annual school budget.
• Serves as the public voice in the school system.

Must include parent and student input on local school budget issues, including non-academic programs and support. Approves overall budget that each school receives.

Approves curriculum on all subjects and school staffing including principals, teachers, and counselors.

Determines policies on student discipline, harassment, and how school environment impacts learning.

There are 58 county offices of education.

• Responsible for reviewing and approving school district budgets and expenses.
• Calls school district elections.
• Provides or helps create/develop new curricula, staff development and training programs, and instructional procedure.

Approves school district budgets and expenses.

Responsible for making sure that districts have adequate textbooks, facilities and qualified teachers.

Extends the tax on CA's wealthiest until 2030. All revenues go directly to K-12 schools and community colleges.

Extends funding for teacher salaries, school programs and fewer students per classroom.

Youth must have a hearing in juvenile court.

Early release, additional credits for good behavior and rehabilitative/educational achievements could be awarded to certain state inmates.

Judges have flexibility to decide if youth are tried in juvenile courts or as adults. Early release for some individuals who earn credits.