Learning Objectives

After reading Chapter 6 in the textbook, you should be able to:

1. discuss the role of the two major political parties in the state and voters’ attitudes about the two parties,
2. discuss the role of the civil service system, patronage, and the purpose of nonpartisan offices,
3. discuss minor parties and the challenges they face in obtaining and retaining ballot status in state elections,
4. discuss the organization and regulation of parties in the state,
5. describe the primary system as it is used in California, and
6. describe the role of grassroots groupings in state politics.