Chris Micheli

Frequently Asked Questions about California Constitution Article VII  By Chris Micheli             How many sections does Article 7 have? This article contains eleven sections. What does Article 7 relate to? It relates to public officers and employees Who is included in the state’s civil service system? Section 1 states that the civil service includes every officer and employee of the State, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. How does the civil service system work? Section 1 states that, in the civil service, permanent appointment and promotion must be made under a general system based on merit ascertained by competitive examination. Who composes the State Personnel Board? Section 2 establishes a Personnel Board of 5 members appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate for 10-year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified. What is the role of the Personnel Board? Secti...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Constitution Article X  By Chris Micheli             How many sections does Article 10 have? This article contains seven sections. What does Article 10 relate to? It relates to water. Does the right of eminent domain exist? Section 1 provides that the right of eminent domain exists in the State to all frontages on the navigable waters of this State. Do water resources have to be put to beneficial use? Section 2 provides that the water resources of the State be put to beneficial use to the fullest extent of which they are capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that the conservation of these waters is to be exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use in the interest of the people and for the public welfare. How are tidelands handled? Section 3 specifies that all tidelands within two miles of ...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Constitution Article IV  By Chris Micheli             How many sections does Article 4 have? This article contains twenty-eight sections. What does Article 4 relate to? It relates to the legislative branch of state government.                Who is granted the legislative power in this state? Section 1 vests the legislative powers in the Legislature, which is bicameral with an Assembly and a Senate, but the powers of the initiative and referendum are reserved to the People of the State.                Who comprises the California Legislature? Section 2 provides for the Senate of 40 members elected to 4-year terms and the Assembly of 80 members elected to 2-year terms.   Legislators may serve a maximum of 12 years in either house o...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Constitution Article II  By Chris Micheli             How many sections does Article 2 have? This article contains twenty sections. What does Article 2 relate to? It relates to voting and direct democracy. Who has political power in California? Section 1 specifies that all political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require. Who may vote in California? Section 2 provides that a United States citizen 18 years of age and resident in this State may vote. What happens to votes cast? Section 2.5 specifies that a voter who casts a vote in an election in accordance with the laws of this State is to have that vote counted. What voter laws can the Legislature enact? Section 3 provides that the Legislature defines residence and provides fo...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Constitution Article IX  By Chris Micheli             How many sections does Article 9 have? This article contains sixteen sections. What does Article 9 relate to? It relates to education Are there any general statements that accompany this article? Section 1 provides that a general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence are essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people, and that the Legislature must encourage by all suitable means the promotion of intellectual, scientific, moral, and agricultural improvement. What are the provisions for an elected state school administrator? Section 2 provides that a Superintendent of Public Instruction is to be elected by the qualified electors of the State at each gubernatorial election and no Superintendent of Public Instruction may serve more than two terms. Are there state deputy school administrators? S...