California voters face an unusual political moment this month. For only the second time in state history, voters will decide in the middle of a governor’s term whether to keep this elected official in office. While recall attempts are common in California, what is unique is an actual recall election. This year, however, a sufficient number of voters – more than 1.5 million – signed their names to a petition to force an election.

Abstract:  Some argue that the 2020 U.S. presidential election is critical for slowing the effects of climate change. Heading into the election are two candidates who see the issue in starkly different terms.

A Professor of History at UC Davis, Kathryn Olmsted studies the cultural and political history of the United States since World War I. We interviewed Professor Olmsted to get her take on campaigns during times of crisis, the role of the media, and her best suggestions for government students this fall.

We’re very excited to announce the release of the Fall 2020 edition of our online magazine, The Source.  This issue, entitled Teaching in 2020, is organized into four sections – the pandemic, the fight for racial justice, economic collapse, and the election – to offer insight, ideas, and the opportunity to hear from your colleagues across the state.  Articles include essays from leading historians on the historical context of the Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic, the 2020 presidential e