Welcome to Between the Margins, an Introduction to Government text that weaves governmental concepts and principles with California politics. This text was created with you the student in mind and designed to provide you with a holistic understanding of the government from the federal and state/local level that is not presented from the traditional perspective. Particular attention is paid to the marginalized groups of our society and how their interactions with the government (often hostile) have impacted and continue to impact their ability to receive recognition and equity in a burgeoning society that is on the precipice of becoming majority-minority for the first time.

Examining government from through the lens of marginalized groups is even more important as Black bodies and lives continued to not be valued, Asian hate is again on the rise, the human rights of immigrants and their families continue to be ignored, LGBTQIA+ are seeking to be repealed on the state and local level, and voting rights are attempting to be scaled back. This book was written to spark discussions and debates, challenge traditional ways of thinking about government, prompt further inquiry, increase civic engagement, and prepare future leaders to address the complex problems of today and the future. Further, Between the Margins provides the space for students to contribute their own ideas and dig further into topics at the federal, state, and local level.