America and Arizona Government for Elementary Teachers Presentation 14: Arizona Local Government and Direct Democracy

Presentation Objectives AEPA Objectives 0016 Understand state and local government in the United States Understand state government and government of American Indian nations in Arizona. AZ Social Studies Standard, Strand 3 Concept 2: Structure of Government

County Government In-between state and municipal govts. Operate jails Operate hospitals Prosecute state crimes Administer social programs Maintain records Govern unincorporated communities

County Plural Executive Board of Supervisors  Set agency budgets  Appoint county staff Sheriff Attorney Recorder Assessor Treasurer Superintendent of Schools Clerk of Superior Court

County Sheriff Enforce State law Hold prisoners awaiting trial Provide local law enforcement in unincorporated areas

County Attorney Try cases in Superior Court Legal representation for County offices Andrew Thomas Maricopa County Attorney

Plural Executive Controversy

Municipal Government Two forms of city government: Mayoral City Manager

City Manager Model Mayor  Voting member of City Council  “Head of State” of City City Council  Determines policy and budget City Manager  Manages city  Hires/Fires staff Coolidge City Council Bullhead City Organization

City-State relations Constitution grants great deal of autonomy Cities granted charter by State State can pass unfunded mandates State can seize set-aside funds State can revoke charter Tempe City Building

District Bodies in State Taxing authority Can set policy within domain Governed by laws set by state State can seize District governance

Tribal Governments Independent Nations Subject to Federal Authority Provide local legislative, executive, and judicial governance

Direct Democracy Direct Democracy v. Representative Democracy Direct Democracy in Arizona  Initiatives  Referendum  Recall

Initiatives Signature Gathering Signature verification Wording approved Voters decide Becomes a law Protected from legislative revision

Referendum Passed by Legislature Pass off tough decisions Locks in policy beyond current majority All tax increases

Direct Democracy Ballot Propositions 100 – Constitutional Amendment 200 – Citizen Initiative 300 – Legislative Referendum 400 – County and Local issue

Recall Impeachment v. Recall Petition circulated Signatures validated Placed on ballot

Conclusion

This Presentation This presentation is courtesy of Brian Dille, Professor of Political Science at Mesa Community College.