Each state has its own constitution, which generally creates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of state government; defines and limits the powers of these branches; and identifies fundamental rights of its citizens. A state’s constitution often defines and limits the state’s power to tax its citizens, and provides for the education of its citizens through public schools.

In California, the state constitution establishes the framework for state government, mirroring the federal structure by dividing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The California Legislature, composed of the State Assembly and Senate, enacts state laws. The executive branch, headed by the Governor, implements and enforces these laws, while the judicial branch, led by the California Supreme Court, interprets the laws. The constitution also outlines the rights of California citizens, which include rights that may be more expansive than those provided by the U.S. Constitution. Regarding taxation, the California Constitution contains provisions that govern the state's ability to impose taxes, including property tax limitations (Proposition 13), and requirements for passing new taxes. Education is a fundamental concern of the California Constitution, which mandates the establishment and maintenance of a free public school system and sets forth the structure for the state's public education system, including the roles of the State Board of Education and the University of California system.