A readable and thought-provoking textbook designed to introduce students to California politics, the updated sixth edition of Democracy in California explains the Golden State's governmental institutions and how their dynamics affect the lives of Californians. Brian P. Janiskee, Ken Masugi, and Christina G. Villegas examine California history, political traditions, and political character, covering a range of topics from California's constitution and development to the branches of government and local political systems. Exploring the nature of public opinion, parties, and campaigns, Janiskee, Masugi, and Villegas demonstrate that the state's diverse population affects all levels of politics and government.

Brian P. Janiskee received his PhD from Michigan State University and is a professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, San Bernardino, where he is also a faculty member in the national security studies program. He has published several articles and books on such topics as special districts, crime policy, presidential elections, American colonial local government, and national security.
Ken Masugi received his PhD from the New School for Social Research and teaches for Johns Hopkins University's Center for Advanced Studies in American Government in Washington, DC. He is editor of Interpreting Tocqueville's "Democracy in America"(described in the American Political Science Review as representing a "revolution in Tocqueville scholarship") and coeditor of nine other books on modern and American political thought. Masugi is a Senior Fellow of the Claremont Institute,a Distinguished Fellow of the Center for American Greatness, and is editor of Unmasking the Administrative State (2019), by John Marini.
Christina G. Villegas received her Ph.D. from the University of Dallas and is associate professor of Political Science at California State University, San Bernardino, where she teaches courses in American government, political theory, and public policy.