The media and pollsters recently reported that the majority of Californians rank a good economy over all other concerns. Per the simplistic rules of polling, it is not possible to rank more than one issue.

A good economy is the most important issue (27%), then a functional immigration system (14%), affordable housing (14%), crime reduction (11%), good healthcare (9%), homelessness reduction (8%), affordable education (7%), a strong democracy (5%), and reproductive rights (3%). Being prepared for a natural disaster or having robust infrastructure doesn’t even make the list. When a disaster occurs, whether statewide or in your personal life that issues suddenly becomes the most important issue.

California is the largest state by population and the 5th largest economy in the World. Most of our taxes and income support other states with more representation in our government. If the House of Representative was not capped at 435, we would have more representation from California. If the Electoral College was changed to a popular vote we would have more representation. If the United States had additional at-large Senators to more accurately reflect the will of the people now we would be better represented. Now that we have speed-of-light communications like the telegraph and rapid transportation like the railroad, we can move beyond the horse and buggy days of slow communication.

If only there was a way for people to rank their choices. Alas, only one thing can be considered as most important and since a strong economy ameliorates many of the other issues it makes sense to rank it highest.

I’m with the 5% in the poll who rank a strong democracy the most important issue facing California and the nation. Obviously the cap on the House of Representatives and the disproportionately low number of Senators representing our state has dramatic implications for our economy and other concerns like affordable housing and other functions of a well functioning government.