The California Constitution of 1849 was only suitable as a temporary document and by the 1870's pressure had mounted to prepare a new and more enduring one. Our Constitution of 1879 was the result and remains the basis of law in our state to this day. We briefly study the enactment of this constitution, a few of the laws it incorporates, and the overall structure of government in California. We enter the 20th century much as we enter the 21st, with uncertainty but promise. In a few short years tremendous changes take shape.
Earthquakes pose California's greatest natural threat.
The worst in our history is the one referred to here. But many great ones have occurred before and since. If you are in an earthquake prone area, as most Californians are, teaching this subject to your students is especially important. This is not to raise their fears, but to prepare them for the eventuality. Here we feature two primary topics 1.Oil and the automobile, and 2.