Arizona Constitution

This course provides an overview of Arizona history and its constitution from territorial days to the present.

Topics and Objectives

Historical Background

• Examine the historical events that led to the development of Arizona as a territory and eventually to statehood
• Analyze the influence of Arizona's historical eras, including the Native American heritages, the Spanish Period, the Mexican Period, and the Europianization Period, on the state's current constitution
• Identify early industry in the state of Arizona
• Identify the arrival, contributions, and legacy of Arizona's Native Americans

Land and Water

• Analyze the impact of mining in Arizona during the mid- and late 1800s and the early part of the 20th century
• Identify the significance of water for Arizona's statehood and constitution
• Determine the impact of efforts to channel water and to improve the waterways in Arizona

United States Government and Constitution

• Analyze aspects of the United States Constitution
• Compare federal versus state government

Arizona Constitution

• Examine the founders of the
• Analyze the
• Examine similarities and differences between the United States Constitution and the
• Examine current constitutional issues in Arizona

Philosophical Origins

• Develop an understanding of the political forces that shaped the Arizona Constitution
• Analyze specific powers of initiative, referendum, recall, and impeachment

  School Districts

  • Examine the role of Arizona's school districts and determine how they are affected by the state's constitution

  County and City Government

  • Identify the counties that constitute Arizona's county governments
  • Analyze the state constitution's impact on county government
  • Describe the differences that exist among the three forms of municipal governments in Arizona
  • Determine how Arizona's municipal governments are affected by the state's constitution