What most historians regard as the golden era of the California Legislature ended with a bang three-plus decades ago when ideological and partisan polarization gripped the Capitol.

The passage of Proposition 13 – California’s landmark tax limit – in 1978 was accompanied by election of Republican “Proposition 13 babies” to the Legislature, whom Democrats quickly dubbed “the cavemen.”

In reaction, Democratic lawmakers soon tossed out their policy-minded leaders and elevated political warriors who promised – and delivered – partisan gerrymanders of legislative districts to lock in their control of the Capitol.

via Dan Walters: What will CA Democrats dio with all of their new power?.