AZ State Government

1. AZ State Government Basics of Structure Focus on Executive and Legislative Branches

2. State Constitutions • In General • Each state has its own unique constitution. • Subordinate to the U.S. Constitution. • More detail about specific policies. • AZ Constitution • Preamble and 30 Articles

3. State Constitutions • Amending State Constitutions • Few 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 state’s 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)

4. 3 Branches • Legislative • 30 Districts • 1 Senator • 2 Representatives • Executive • Judicial

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

6. State Elections • State Legislative Elections • Partisan 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.

7. State Legislatures • General Information: • Generally operate like National Congress • “citizen legislature” • Part time position • Compensation-$24000 per year • Increase in salaries by voter decision • 4 term consecutive limit • 2 yr terms

8. Jobs to Do during Interim • Meet with constituents • Serve on Interim Committees • Joint • Both members of Congress • Select • Same as joint plus select private sector members • Ad hoc • Random mixture of Congress & potential private sector • Create legislation

9. Bills • Cleanup previously passed legislation • Bills that failed in prior session • New bills • Interim committee • Court decisions • State depts & agencies • Political subdivisions (counties, towns, school districts, etc) • Citizens • Special interests • Misc other sources

10. How a Bill Becomes Law

11. Direct Democracy • Methods 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.

12. Other Interesting Constitution Facts • Originally rejected because of recall concept • Issues listed as specific article concerns • AZ is defined as right to work state • Banning of polygamy • State officials must read, write, and speak English • English is the official language • Marriage is one man and one woman Alejandrina Cabrera was denied chance to run in San Luis by state Supreme court

13. Issues Concerning State Government • Education • Funded how? • Mainly property taxes • Public Safety • Police, firefighters, EMTs • Regulate Public Utilities • Electric, Water, Sewage, Trash, etc • Professional Licenses • Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, Nurse, Businesses • Receive Federal Grants • Title 1, Highway improvement, Federal Ed $, Obamacare

15. Concerns for Education • Per pupil spending lowest in the country almost every year • Limited areas to tax as property • Military bases • Native American Lands • National/State parks • Homes lost to the Great Recession

18. Sad News… • More local the government…the greater the impact on your daily lives • Voter turnout is low in off-year elections • Even lower for local

19. State Elections • Gubernatorial Elections • Becoming 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.

20. Governors and theExecutive Branch • The Job of Governor • Jan Brewer • Head of executive branch • Commander in chief of AZ military • Enforce state laws • Approve or veto bills • Convene legislature • Grant pardons • Many governors have a line-item veto that allows them to cancel parts of a bill. • Today’s governors use “personal powers” to help accomplish their policy goals. • Just like “president” of the state • No governor mansion • $95000 per yr

21. Governors and theExecutive Branch Figure 21.3

22. State Officers Secretary of State State Treasurer Ken Bennett Act as Governor Oversee DMV Oversee Elections Keeper of Great Seal of AZ Administrative Rules “VP of AZ” Other states known as Lt. Gov 4 yr term 2 term limit $70000 per yr Doug Ducey Chief Banker and Investment Officer. Manages Arizona’s annual state revenues Directs the state’s banking services Manages Arizona’s investment portfolio 4 yr term 2 term limit $70000 per yr

23. State Officers Attorney General Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne Chief legal officer for state 4 year term 2 consecutive term limit Represent state in court Some international border responsibilities Consumer protection $90000 per yr John Huppenthal Oversee Dept of Education Oversee dollars provided for education Reform programs Standardized testing 4 yr term 2 consecutive term limit $95000 per yr

24. State Officers State Mine Inspector Corporation Commission Joe Hart enforce state mining laws which protect mine employees, residents, and the Arizona government Inspect mines for safety hazards 4 yr term No term limits $79000 per yr 5 members Regulate public utility companies Regulate/facilitate the incorporation of businesses and organizations, Securities regulation Railroad/pipeline safety. 4 yr term 2 term limit $79000 per yr

25. Requirements to be State Officer • 25 years old • 10 years citizen of US • 5 years citizen of AZ