The hope is, among other things, to end the budget impasses that have made California dysfunctional.

FORBES: To End Gridlock, Start by Ending Gerrymandering

Just how these impasses will be resolved, and with what amount of brinkmanship, is anyone's guess.

ECONOMIST: Bickering and stalemate loom for America��s new Congress

Republican leaders oppose new tax hikes or revenue and demand substantial overhauls of entitlement programs, setting up another in the litany of congressional impasses of recent years.

CNN: Hope for compromise recedes as budget debate begins