Understanding the Arizona Constitution

by Toni McClory

Arizona became the nation’s 48th state in 1912 and since that time the Arizona constitution has served as the template by which the state is governed. Toni McClory’s Understanding the Arizona Constitution has offered insight into the inner workings and interpretations of the document—and the government that it established—for almost a decade.

Since the book’s first publication, significant constitutional changes have occurred, some even altering the very structure of state government itself. There have been dramatic veto battles, protracted budget wars, and other interbranch conflicts that have generated landmark constitutional rulings from the state courts. The new edition of this handy reference addresses many of the latest issues, including legislative term limits, Arizona’s new redistricting system, educational issues, like the controversial school voucher program, and the influence of special-interest money in the legislature. A total of 63 propositions have reached the ballot, spawning heated controversies over same-sex marriage, immigration, and other hot-button social issues.

This book is the definitive guide to Arizona government and serves as a solid introductory text for classes on the Arizona Constitution. Extensive endnotes make it a useful reference for professionals within the government. Finally, it serves as a tool for any engaged citizen looking for information about online government resources, administrative rules, and voter rights. Comprehensive and clearly written, this book belongs on every Arizonan’s bookshelf.

Genres: Nonfiction, School

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Elisabeth Dudziak · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has been to Arizona one time in passing, has no intentions to return any time soon, and has no interest in government or reading about politics, I fully understand that it was unlikely for me to enjoy this. Frankly, I was forced to buy this, and I went into it annoyed that I had to read it for a class that felt pointless to me. And I was going to have to binge through it because I procrastinated… I was NOT lined up for an enjoyable reading experience.

That being said, I actually had kind of a good time in this book.

I’m not saying I am going to start picking random state’s constitution textbooks up just for fun, but in terms of school informational textbooks, this was kind of sensational. It was concise and clear, and somehow throughout, the author managed to make it actually interesting for me.

I particularly just loved that little segment about the state dinosaur debacle… That and many more small examples brought the work to life for me in a way that textbooks rarely do. I felt life and a narrative within this book, which I don’t think I have ever experienced while reading a textbook style book.

Hats off to you, author. You got me. This lifetime California resident learned something about Arizona today, and I liked doing it… oh and THANK YOU for refraining from the use of ridiculous jargon for the purposes of “sounding” smarter.

[Victoria Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where the audio ??

While the book was great for my course I was required to read. The format was definitely one that limited individual like me who really need that audio with the book. Do to the author not offering this feature on this book it really put me at a huge disadvantage compared to my peers.

[Leah Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all I read this for a class, but I’m adding it bc I don’t want my goodreads challenge to get messed up 😏.

But I mean. If you want to know about the state of Arizona’s constitution, it was actually pretty interesting 😂

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arizona is not like any other state. Our history and constitution are very different. It was very interesting to learn more about why, and examine how some of these revolutionary ideas have played out. (Living here now, I think it is mostly good).

[Erika N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it for class. Great read. Informative. I didn’t realize how often AZ has amended its constitution.

[Mare Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book mostly because it was a 'must' from my Az Constitution class. Aside from that, I enjoyed the way the author explains how the Arizona Government works.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required for my class, and even though I dread reading these types of books, this one was not that bad! I learned a great deal of information regarding Arizona.

[Nate Cooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arizona has a constitution!?!

This is great little book on the Arizona Constitution ... What it is and what it says.

Have you ever wondered why we have so many referendums and initiatives on our ballots? This book answers that questions and so many other questions about Arizona and why we are so politically different.

Arizona's constitution was a product of the rampant populism and progressivism of the early-1900s. This seems like an essential book for anyone interested in Arizona politics.

[Scott Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise for me. I learned a lot about the state I am now a resident of, and how the government works here. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book, even if it was for a class.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I read this for a class, it was very interesting. It gives a lot of the historical "story" type information that has always fascinated me.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and readable for this kind of material this was not something I would choose to read, but it's pretty good for a text book.