TOTAL RECALL

California's Political Circus

I.   Introduction:  A Cast of Characters

II.  Brief History of California:  From Colonization to Statehood

A.  Spanish Settlement
B.  Mexican California and American Acquisition
C.  The Gold Rush:  The Whole World Rushed In

III.  California Government

A.  Constitution
B.  Legislature:  Assembly and Senate
C.  Governor
D.  Lieutenant Governor
E.  Other Statewide Offices

IV.  History of the Recall

A.  Definition
        1. How does it work?
        2. Not too common
B.  Post Civil War Development and Corruption
C.  Progressive Reform

V.  The Gray Man:  Gray Davis

A.  Political Biography
B.  The Politics of Moderation
C.  Storm Clouds
        1.  Electricity Crisis
        2.  State Recession
D.  2002 Re-election

VI.  The Dump Davis Movement

A.  Why the Recall?
        1.  Pro-recall arguments
                a.  Honesty about the budget deficit
                b. Vanishing surplus and spending cuts
                c.  Power Crisis
        2.  A Right Wing Conspiracy?  No
        3.  Voter Dissatisfaction
                a.  Davis' Personality
                b.  Economic Insecurity

VII.  Final Thoughts on the Recall