1. Arizona Government

2. Learning Objectives Understand the structure of the Arizona State and local Government Be able to use the internet to find information on your elected officials and legislative agendas

3. Arizona’s Executive Branch Governor- Head of the Executive Branch, elected for 4 year terms. Limited to two terms Executive branch includes other elected officials Attorney General- Chief Legal Officer Secretary of State- first in line of succession, runs elections Superintendent of Public Instruction State mine inspector State Treasurer- manages Arizona’s annual state revenues; directs the state’s banking services; and manages Arizona’s investment portfolio. Corporation Commissioners - regulates public utility companies and regulate/facilitate the incorporation of businesses and organizations

4. Legislator Part-time “citizens” Legislator Legislator- Each district has 2 representatives and one senator. Senate has 30 members House has 60 members Elected for two year terms. Limited to four consecutive terms in a chamber

5. Judicial Branch Superior Courts - criminal cases amounting to a felony, and misdemeanor cases not otherwise provided for by law; Superior court judges serve four year terms Justice courts- Each county has justice courts that are presided over by a justice of the peace, who is elected for a four year term. Civil lawsuits where the amount in dispute is $10,000 or less, landlord and tenant controversies, small claims cases and the Civil and criminal traffic offenses, including DUIs

6. City Courts City Courts- Municipal court judges (magistrates) hear misdemeanor criminal traffic cases such as driving under the influence of alcohol, hit-and-run reckless driving where no serious injuries occur. They hear civil traffic cases, violations of city ordinances and codes, issue orders of protection and injunctions prohibiting harassment.

7. Courts of Appeals Court of Appeals hears and decides cases in three judge panels; has jurisdiction in all matters properly appealed from superior court; and, reviews all decisions properly appealed to it. Supreme Court: Five justices serve on the Supreme Court for a regular term of six years. One justice is selected by fellow justices to serve as Chief Justice for a five year term.

8. Write Down Judges have fixed terms Judges can be removed from offices from the voters Some judges are elected Should voters be able to directly control the Judiciary?

9. Direct Democracy in Arizona Ballot Propositions come in two forms, referendum or initiative Referendum- legislators present legislation to the electorate Initiative- A voter initiated petition that refers present legislation to the electorate This petition must then be signed by 10% of the registered voters who actually voted in the most recent gubernatorial election for statutory amendments; this percentage increases to 15% for constitutional amendments. Recall- a vote to remove an elected official from office The number of signatures required to qualify a recall attempt for the ballot is 25 percent of the number of votes cast in the last election for that office.

10. Local Government Are local governments sovereign? Why were county governments created and what is their role? What is a municipality? What is NIMBY behavior and how do elections at large control it? What is a council manager form of government? What is a special district? Please give an example?

11. Flagstaff Charter What form of government does Flagstaff have? Please list the powers of the City of Flagstaff: On what qualifications does a City Manager chosen? What powers does a City Manager have? Can the City Manager vote? How can a City Manager removed from office?

12. Flagstaff Government Council members Non-partisan elections Four year terms 6 members 3 are elected citywide every two year Mayor Non-partisan elections NOT an executive Runs meetings but only has one vote Elected for 2 year terms