2. State Constitution Each state has a written constitution Basic principles of popular sovereignty and separation of powers Protection of civil rights Governmental structure, powers, and processes How to amend it

3. State Legislatures Lawmaking branch Most states call them the Legislature and have a house and a senate; some call them Assemblies All except NE have bicameral legislature Typically 2 or 4 year terms Do not get paid very much Can enact any law that does not conflict with federal law or the state constitution

4. Governor Governor- principle executive officer; central figure in state politics also often well known nationally Chosen by popular vote Most are 4 year terms (NH and VT are 2 yrs) Salaries avg $100,000+, also get residence and expense account Many roles- signs/vetoes bills, supervises state agencies, commander in chief of state’s National Guard, pardons crimes, receives official visitors, etc.

5. Other Executive Officers Lieutenant Governor- most states have one (AZ does not)- succeeds governorship if vacancy occurs; presides over legislature Secretary of State- most states have one (AZ does)- chief clerk and record keeper; administers the election laws State Treasurer- custodian of state funds, make payments out of State treasury Attorney General- state’s chief lawyer

6. Courts State constitution creates court system Typically have general trial courts, appellate courts, and a state supreme court State supreme court reviews decisions of lower courts Most states governor appoints justices (some states elect them) US Supreme Court can review state supreme court decisions

7. Arizona Constitution Ratified on February 14 th, 1912 Has 24 Articles Describes structure and powers of the government Sets up education system Right to work state

8. Arizona Legislature Bicameral- Senate and House of Representatives 30 legislative districts- one Senator from each and two reps from each Qualifications- citizen of US, at least 25 years old, resident of AZ for at least 3 years and resident of the county for at least one year 2 year terms; no more than 4 consecutive terms

9. Arizona Executive Branch Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction 4 year terms; limit 2 consecutive terms Qualifications- at least 25 years old, US Citizen for 10 years, citizen of AZ for 5 years If governor dies or leaves office Sect of State becomes governor Current Governor is Doug Ducey

10. Arizona Judicial Branch Supreme Court- has to have at least 5 justices- legislature can increase number Justices are appointed by governor for 6 year terms Qualifications- good moral character, licensed to practice law in AZ, resident of state for 10 years