Should California be divided into Northern California and Southern California?

Question

What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Answer 1

The only benefit I can see is that smaller populations are easier to manage and govern than larger ones. That being said, however, I can't see any other benefit.

There is no precedent in US history for dividing a state, and the political, social, and practical complexities raised by such an action would make it nearly impossible. The political gerrymandering alone would create a political maelstrom, not to mention the can of worms it would open for the division of other states: Texas, Florida, New York. And what about combining states--Rhode Island, for example, should they really be a separate state with the same senatorial representation as their larger counterparts?

I think we are more likely to see political borders change: congressional districts, judicial jurisdictions, etc. There has been an effort in DC to break-up the Federal Judicial Ninth Circuit, for example, which is more likely to occur (as what happened with the Fifth Circuit).

Ask any Californian what they think, and you're likely to find that they would be strongly opposed to such a division, for despite the playful disdain between north and south, most of us are proud to be Californians. (Plus, 53 stars on the flag just doesn't work...) ;)

Answer 2

That is 100% up to the people of California and no one else. California isn't the only state that could split. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has talked about splitting from the state for years. The reason an area may want to break apart is because the residents of the area feel that they are not being represented on the state and federal level.

However, when a state splits it actually becomes more powerful. In our federal government 2 small states are stronger then 1 large state.

The reason they wouldn't is because a large state like California offers a ton of benefits that most smaller states can't afford.

Answer 3

That issue goes all the way back to the early 1960s. There was an attempt to get a ballot initiative to force the legislature into a position of petitioning the Congress for permission to do so. At that time there was both a cultural and political divide between the two halves. I even went so far as to suggest a flag design for South California: Sports car, palm tree and credit card on a rose-colored field.
But, there has been too much in the way of homogeneity for that divide to be recognizable today.

Answer 4

yes northern California, and southern Oregon should be called the state of Jefferson,..... the division should be north to Roseberg Oregon, and south to Yreka, California,.....

Answer 5

No but I think the U.S. should be divided in to east and west making the Missouri river the boundary..