Bridging the Gap: California's Urban-Rural Relationship and Political Representation

The Relationship

The relationship between California's urban and rural areas has long been a point of contention in the state's politics. Urban areas, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, have larger populations and more political influence, while rural areas have fewer residents and are often underrepresented in the state's political landscape.

Equal Representation

The impact of this relationship on political representation can be seen in California's state legislature. The state's Senate is designed to give equal representation to each county, regardless of population, which has led to rural areas having an outsized influence in the state's politics.

Meanwhile, the state's Assembly is based on population, giving urban areas more political power. This divide between urban and rural areas can also be seen in policy-making. Urban areas tend to prioritize issues related to social justice, such as affordable housing and criminal justice reform, while rural areas are more focused on issues related to agriculture and natural resources.