Question for California Freepers, if Cali was such a “conservative” state in the past, why did it tolerate “free” public universities, unions, a relatively high state personal income tax, and, starting in the 1970s, the strictest environmental laws in the nation.
All good questions and worth a good answer.
Most of the most liberal changes within the state since the 1960’s have come as a direct result of gerrymandering that allowed legislators the ability to carve their districts. This one practice deeply impacted the state conservative base.
Another is the initiative process that allows for a simple majority to pass expensive bond measures.
These and other related issues would be resolved with a constitutional convention in the new state.