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Matters of Policy & Politics

Matters of Policy & Politics

“The House Always Wins”: Lanhee Chen on California-Brand Direct Democracy

Jul 7, 2026 · 1h 0m

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About this episode

Over a century ago, California first began the practice of publicly approved ballot measures – initiatives and referenda – as a means of curbing special-interest influence in Sacramento. But a look at the 14 initiatives that Californians will decide this fall suggests the opposite – special interests are driving the process.