CALIFORNIA: THE POLITICS OF DIVERSITY, Eighth Edition, is a comprehensive text that explores the uniqueness and excitement of California's political environment through two key themes: diversity and hyperpluralism. An experienced educator with a background in local government, Lawrence brings an informed, insightful perspective to the examination of the numerous pressures that make governing the state increasingly challenging. To help readers better understand California politics in a national context, the text also discusses aspects of American politics such as the democratic, elite, and pluralist theories and shows how those concepts can aid in understanding California politics.