AZ State Government

Basics of StructureFocus on Executive and Legislative BranchesAZ State Government

State ConstitutionsIn GeneralEach state has its own unique constitution.Subordinate to the U.S. Constitution.More detail about specific policies.AZ ConstitutionPreamble and 30 Articles

State ConstitutionsAmending State ConstitutionsFew states rewrite their constitutions.States often use the cut and paste method of changing their constitutions by only updating a few sections of the document at a time.In general, a states legislature proposes a constitutional amendment, and then it is put to a vote in an election.Can be citizen initiatives. (15% of votes cast for last governor needed)

3 BranchesLegislative 30 Districts1 Senator2 RepresentativesExecutive Judicial

State ElectionsState Legislative ElectionsState legislators have the smallest constituencies, yet the least well known.Campaigns are getting more expensive and more candidate centered.Change with the national census

State ElectionsState Legislative ElectionsPartisan Competition, Legislative Turnovers, and Term Limits.Partisan competition is close in most states, often resulting in divided government.There is generally high turnover in state legislatures, which some think leads to new policy ideas.Some states have decided to force turnover by using terms limits.

State LegislaturesGeneral Information:Generally operate like National Congresscitizen legislature Part time positionCompensation-$24000 per yearIncrease in salaries by voter decision4 term consecutive limit2 yr terms

Jobs to Do during InterimMeet with constituentsServe on Interim CommitteesJointBoth members of CongressSelectSame as joint plus select private sector membersAd hocRandom mixture of Congress & potential private sectorCreate legislation

BillsCleanup previously passed legislationBills that failed in prior sessionNew billsInterim committeeCourt decisionsState depts & agenciesPolitical subdivisions (counties, towns, school districts, etc)CitizensSpecial interestsMisc other sources

How a Bill Becomes Law

Direct DemocracyMethods of citizen control of the Government:Initiative: allow proposed changes to laws be put on the ballot if enough signatures are collected.Referendum: let voters approve / disapprove state legislation.Recall: allow voters to vote someone out of office.

Other Interesting Constitution FactsOriginally rejected because of recall conceptIssues listed as specific article concernsAZ is defined as right to work stateBanning of polygamyState officials must read, write, and speak EnglishEnglish is the official languageMarriage is one man and one woman

Alejandrina Cabrera was denied chance to run in San Luis by state Supreme courtIssues Concerning State GovernmentEducationFunded how?Mainly property taxesPublic SafetyPolice, firefighters, EMTsRegulate Public UtilitiesElectric, Water, Sewage, Trash, etcProfessional LicensesTeachers, Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, Nurse, BusinessesReceive Federal GrantsTitle 1, Highway improvement, Federal Ed $, Obamacare

Concerns for EducationPer pupil spending lowest in the country almost every yearLimited areas to tax as propertyMilitary basesNative American LandsNational/State parksHomes lost to the Great Recession

Sad NewsMore local the governmentthe greater the impact on your daily livesVoter turnout is low in off-year electionsEven lower for local

State ElectionsGubernatorial ElectionsBecoming more centered on the candidates - like presidential elections.Elections are generally held in even numbered, non-presidential election years so the governor is the main candidate.Expensive and candidates raise most of the money themselves.

Governors and theExecutive BranchThe Job of GovernorJan BrewerHead of executive branchCommander in chief of AZ militaryEnforce state lawsApprove or veto billsConvene legislatureGrant pardonsMany governors have a line-item veto that allows them to cancel parts of a bill.Todays governors use personal powers to help accomplish their policy goals.Just like president of the stateNo governor mansion$95000 per yr

Governors and theExecutive BranchFigure 21.3

State OfficersSecretary of StateState TreasurerKen BennettAct as GovernorOversee DMVOversee ElectionsKeeper of Great Seal of AZAdministrative RulesVP of AZOther states known as Lt. Gov4 yr term2 term limit$70000 per yrDoug DuceyChief Banker and Investment Officer. Manages Arizonas annual state revenues Directs the states banking servicesManages Arizonas investment portfolio4 yr term2 term limit$70000 per yr

State OfficersAttorney GeneralSuperintendent of Public InstructionTom HorneChief legal officer for state4 year term2 consecutive term limitRepresent state in courtSome international border responsibilitiesConsumer protection$90000 per yr

John HuppenthalOversee Dept of EducationOversee dollars provided for educationReform programsStandardized testing4 yr term2 consecutive term limit$95000 per yr

State OfficersState Mine InspectorCorporation CommissionJoe Hartenforce state mining laws which protect mine employees, residents, and the Arizona governmentInspect mines for safety hazards4 yr termNo term limits$79000 per yr

5 membersRegulate public utility companiesRegulate/facilitate the incorporation of businesses and organizations, Securities regulation Railroad/pipeline safety.4 yr term2 term limit$79000 per yr

Requirements to be State Officer25 years old10 years citizen of US5 years citizen of AZ