Arizona Civics Podcast
Welcome to the Arizona Civics Podcast. This podcast aims to share our journey of sustaining Arizona’s interests in reforms to civic education by working with civic educators in our state. This work is being done by the Center for American Civics at Arizona State University. I am your host, Liz Evans, Civic Education and Outreach Program Director at ASU, and I will interview Arizona teachers, content experts, and leaders in civic education. We hope you enjoy our journey to make Arizona a national civics model!
Arizona Civics Podcast
The Arizona Legislature and Citizen Lawmakers: How Direct Democracy Shapes Arizona
Arizona’s government mirrors the U.S. system with its Senate and House of Representatives, but its Constitution takes democracy a step further. With 30 districts electing one senator and two representatives each, the legislature works to craft state laws. Yet, Arizonans don’t stop at electing officials—they can also create, amend, or block laws themselves through direct democracy.
In this episode, we break down how initiatives and referendums empower Arizona’s citizens to shape their government. Learn how signature thresholds determine whether a proposed law or constitutional amendment appears on the ballot and why initiatives bypass the governor’s veto power.
We’ll also explore the 1998 rule that made voter-approved laws almost untouchable by the legislature and the ongoing debate about this system. Is it a triumph of citizen control, or does it bypass the careful deliberation lawmakers provide? Tune in to uncover how Arizona balances representative and direct democracy in shaping its future.
The Arizona Constitution Project
Check Out Our Free Lessons on Arizona History and Government!
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