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The State of Jefferson is a state proposed by the people in Nothern California that would consist of both the rural areas of Nothern California and Southern Oregon, attempting to secede from both states to become its own. Why secede? Californians up north feel like California is often made by representatives focusing on the more populated Southern California and Bay Area regions. In the North, the unemployment rate is higher, rules are more strict, and some people live in poverty. Therefore, Jefferson is Northern California's way for the citizens to feel represented by the state. Additionally, those in the proposed state of Jefferson have voted Republican in the presidential elections, while both California and Oregon remain Democratic states, thus also demonstrating how much of a divide there is between the two areas of California.
Questions:
1. Will the State of Jefferson even happen? What is the best solution for this issue of representation between Northern California and the rest of California?
2. If Jefferson happens, how would that affect California? The U.S.?
Questions:
1. Will the State of Jefferson even happen? What is the best solution for this issue of representation between Northern California and the rest of California?
2. If Jefferson happens, how would that affect California? The U.S.?
This Jefferson secession concept pops up once in a while, it would actually benefit California's state budget. My favorite fact from the article = in Wyoming each state representative represents 10,000 residents. Wyoming voters are powerful.
ReplyDeleteThe State of Jefferson will most likely never happen due to the inability to be economically viable on its own. While the Northern California population is only three percent of California's total population, these residents don't have representation in government. A possible solution would be incorporating more regional representatives into California's state government to ensure rural voices are heard.
ReplyDeleteNo, the state of Jefferson will never happen. At least it is highly unlikely and it would cause lots of problems in the logistics of future elections. It would help to give the residents of Northern California a voice, but it would decrease the size of Oregon and with it already being a small state, it would heavily affect the voting situation.
ReplyDeleteThis Jefferson secession will most likely not occur due to their lack of inability to be independent from the Bay Area and the more industrial regions. While still relying heavily on the Silicon Valley's economy, without the help of these areas, the people will still be living in poverty and have even higher unemployment rates than they do now. However, this secession will create another Republican state.
ReplyDeleteI would bet $11.50 that the Jefferson secession will not happen. It is one not economically viable for them to do so as they rely heavily on othe rparts of the state for their livelihood. Secondly, and most importantly, they do not make up a large enough portion of the population in order to become a state and be well represented in the United States government.
ReplyDelete1. If the state of Jefferson were to happen I believe its reasons are fair. California is stereotypically liberal and I have experienced this first-hand. When I meet friends from the midwest or south, they immediately think I and every California citizen is a liberal. I can understand why more rural areas of California feel less represented, especially as California as a safe state for the democrats in elections. Thus, for them to secede would hopefully gain more representation, though I believe if they feel very underrepresented there is a less drastic move such as moving to a a republican state would benefit their needs.
ReplyDeleteI understand the concept of the state of Jefferson; I do not think it is sustainable, but I think the reasons are valid. Rural areas of California and Oregon are often underrepresented compared to the large liberal urban population in both California and Oregon, especially as it is a safe seat for Democrats. Ultimately, I think this is a greater reflection on the partisanship of America as a whole. After all, people tend to gravitate towards like-minded people who have similar beliefs, but in effect, then they do not challenge each other. Also, if America is all about representation, equality and acceptance, it should offer this opportunity of expression and voting to all, even if it is against popular opinion.
ReplyDelete