From Idea to Law: Arizona's Initiative Process
Abstract
Arizona’s founding in 1912 corresponded with the height of the American progressive movement, so it is no surprise that mechanisms of direct democracy are incorporated directly into the state constitution. Among the most prominent of these progressive-era relics is the initiative process, which was made to enable voters to enact direct change in the form of statute enactment and alteration and constitutional amendment.
While it has often been used productively, the current system has several shortcomings, including the construction of the signature collection and verification process, as well as the system’s vulnerability to out-of-state interests. But there are a wide variety of proposed solutions.
In this paper, Business Ballot explores the Arizona initiative process, its benefits, its flaws, possible reforms, and its intricacies.
Joe Pitts
Program Director, Arizona Junior Fellows
Junior Fellows Program
Drafted by Taylor Hersch and Stephen Matter, Arizona Junior Fellows, Business Ballot is driven by the Arizona Chamber Foundation Junior Fellows Program. If you're interested in the program and its future, be sure to click the button below.