Understanding the Arizona Constitution

By Toni McClory

Book Overview

An authoritative guide to Arizona government-- written in plain language
How do laws make their way through the state legislature?
What are the specific powers of the governor?
How do the courts make public policy?
Can citizens change the constitution? A leading lawyer and college educator who was an assistant attorney general through six governors, Toni McClory has written a definitive guide to Arizona government that is as comprehensive as it is easy to understand. It provides a thorough explanation of the state's constitution and shows the impact that its unique features have had on the everyday operation of the state's political system. Thoroughly up to date and clearly written, this book belongs on every Arizonan's shelf. Much of the information it contains is based on original research compiled by the author from primary sources and draws on her direct experience with government processes, officials, and events. - For concerned citizens, it offers topics of special interest to voters--including facts about initiatives and referenda and a chapter on local government--and contains references to online government resources.
- For lawyers and business people, it makes available a brief yet sophisticated synopsis of state government along with a wealth of citations and supporting detail.
- For students and teachers, it offers an exceptionally readable introductory text that relies heavily on primary sources and features "pro and con" passages-examining both sides of important issues-that are designed to stimulate critical thinking. From administrative rules to water law, Understanding the Arizona Constitution is your complete guide to the inner workings of the state. It is an essential reference for today's citizens and tomorrow's leaders.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816520968
• ISBN13: 9780816520961
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

What I always wanted

This book is simply amazing. I'm not a politician, nor a lawyer, but I am a citizen of Arizona who votes. And so I wanted to know what the Arizona constitution says. But as everyone knows the connection between the text of a legal/political document and its interpretation are often not obvious. The author fills in the gaps, without requiring the reader to actually read the state constitution. Additionally, the book cover many areas of politics and law that you could never hope to get from reading legal documents such as: quirky historical facts that guided the development of the constitution. It's coverage of the judiciary system and local governments in AZ was also appreciated. This book gave me the knowledge I needed to be confident about state and local government procedures and how they differ from the federal level that I now feel more apt to engage in feisty debates over local politics (which is always fun). More importantly I feel more confident that when I go to the voting booth I'm actually aware of what the consequences of my vote might be. As much as I like voting, I don't vote on propositions that I don't understand. This book gave me the background info I need to understand propositions. In any case, I think the book is good enough that it should be mandatory reading for every high school graduate in Arizona. The book is that good! Okay, maybe the shouldn't make that a law - I mean it would be a silly law, but if they did make a law like that then this should be the book they use.

Extremely useful and easy to navigate

This book is written extremely clear and in an easy to read format. I work in an Arizona Government office and the staff of ten share the book when aiding constituents. This book has answers to questions you can't even find on google! Tony McClory, the author, also has updated material located on her website to keep the book up to date with information. This book is a wonderful side book to help you understand and navigate the Arizona Constitution and the Author should be applauded for her outstanding efforts.

An Outstanding and Readable Source ...

"Understanding the Arizona Constitution" was an invaluable tool for me as I took an Arizona Constitutional Law class in my 2nd year of law school. The reading for the class consisted of case after case organized by the professor and divided up into different topics relevant to the Arizona Constitution specifically. This book provided a very concise, yet informative background on Arizona's Constitution. It covered the same topics we covered in class and stated principles simply while providing understandable and appropriate anecdotes. For example, in explaining Arizona's progressive referendum and initiative process, the author discussed the process by which Arizona State University became a university in the mid-1950's. The book also anecdotally explained the recall drive and impeachment of former governor Evan Mecham and the Constitutional implications associated with that process. Summarily, the author explains Arizona's government and its subtle differences between it and the federal government. The author has done a fantastic job in elucidating the intricacies of the Arizona Constitution and, almost more importantly, why those differences exist. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who is looking for any reference material preceding an academic study (law school, etc.) of the Arizona Constitution.

Every Arizona Citizen Should Read This Book

This book contains a very interesting history of Arizona, and an explanation of the rights of Arizona citizens under the constitution. It clearly explains the often confusing processes of initiative, referendum, and recall and also details the layout and powers of each governmental branch. The whole book is in an easy to understand, conversational tone. If you want more information on something she talks about, she provides endnotes with explanations and sources. Every citizen of Arizona should have a copy of the book to read and consult. The book is concise, interesting, and just long enough to tell you almost everything you want to know about Arizona's government.

Required reading for everyone living in Arizona

Outstanding. Readable and understandable for laymen (and laywomen). It should be required reading for every voter in Arizona. High Schools and colleges should have courses with this as the text.