Eleanor Finch
Arizona has had one state constitution, which was first adopted in 1912. The Arizona Constitution is the governing document and framework for the State of Arizona. It has been amended 161 times, most recently in 2024, when Article 2 was amended to include an explicit right to abortion. Arizona's constitution is far longer than the U.S. Constitution, as it contains more expansive civil liberties and builds several unique institutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of versions of the Arizona Constitution | 1 |
| Year of the first constitution | 1910 |
| Year Arizona became a state | 1912 |
| Number of articles | 30 |
| Number of amendments | 161 |
| Year of the latest amendment | 2024 |
| Number of methods to amend the constitution | 3 |
| Minimum vote required to approve constitutional amendments | Simple majority |
| Minimum vote required to pass ballot measures to approve taxes | 60% |
| Number of legislative chambers | 2 |
| Number of legislative departments | 2 |
| Number of sections in Article 2 | 27 |
| Number of sections in Article 8 | 8 |
| Number of sections in Article 22 | 1 |
| Number of sections in Article 26 | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
Arizona has had one constitution
The Arizona Territory was authorized to hold a constitutional convention in 1910, at which the constitution was drafted and submitted to Congress. The original constitution was approved by Congress but was vetoed by President William H. Taft due to his objections concerning the recalling of judges. The constitution was then amended by the constitutional convention to address the president's concerns, and it was resubmitted for approval.
The Arizona Constitution was adopted in 1912, and the state became the 48th state on February 14 of that year. The current state constitution has 30 articles and has been amended 161 times. The most recent amendment was approved by voters on November 5, 2024, and it added an explicit right to abortion to Article 2, also known as the Declaration of Rights.
The Arizona Constitution is significantly different from the U.S. Constitution in terms of language, civil liberties, and the institutions it establishes. It is also much longer than the U.S. Constitution because it outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
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The constitution has been amended 161 times
Arizona has had one state constitution, which was first adopted in 1912. This constitution has been amended 161 times, with the most recent amendment occurring on November 5, 2024.
The Arizona Constitution is the governing document and framework for the State of Arizona. It contains 30 articles, including the state's equivalent of the Bill of Rights, known as the Declaration of Rights. The constitution outlines the state's powers, structure, and limitations, as well as individual and civil rights.
The process of amending the Arizona Constitution is facilitated through three methods: a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. A simple majority is required to approve constitutional amendments, while a 60% vote is necessary to pass ballot measures related to taxes.
The amendments to the Arizona Constitution have addressed a wide range of topics, including the rights of citizens, the structure and powers of the state government, taxation, and specific provisions related to various state departments. One notable amendment occurred in 2024, when Article 2 was amended to include an explicit right to abortion.
The frequency of amendments to the Arizona Constitution highlights the dynamic nature of the state's governance and its adaptability to changing circumstances and the needs of its citizens.
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Amendments include the explicit right to abortion
Arizona has had one state constitution, which was first adopted in 1912. Since then, it has been amended 161 times.
One of the amendments to the Arizona Constitution includes the explicit right to abortion. On November 5, 2024, Arizona voters approved Proposition 139, which establishes a fundamental right to abortion under the Arizona Constitution. This amendment took effect on November 25, 2024, and now Arizonans have a constitutional right to access abortion care.
The new constitutional provision declares that "every individual has a fundamental right to abortion" and limits the government's ability to interfere with that right depending on whether the abortion is sought before or after fetal viability. The Constitution defines "fetal viability" as "the point in pregnancy when, in the good faith judgment of a treating healthcare professional, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus's sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures."
This amendment also prevents the government from penalizing any person or group who helps a pregnant person access lawful abortion care. For example, the state cannot limit access to abortion before fetal viability, and it must protect access to abortion after fetal viability if a treating healthcare provider determines an abortion is needed to protect the life or physical or mental health of the patient.
The Arizona for Abortion Access Act was a significant victory for abortion rights in the state, and it was made possible through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and organizers who mobilized across Arizona to collect voter signatures, knock on doors, and engage voters.
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The constitution is longer than the U.S. Constitution
Arizona has had one state constitution, which was first adopted in 1912. The current constitution has 30 articles and has been amended 161 times, most recently in 2024. The Arizona Constitution is the governing document and framework for the State of Arizona.
The Arizona Constitution is longer than the U.S. Constitution because it is a state constitution and must restrict what a state government can and cannot do. It is also amended more frequently than the federal Constitution because it was designed to be responsive to the wishes of local citizens.
The Arizona Constitution includes a preamble and 30 articles, with articles 23 and 24 having been repealed and article 30 no longer in force due to being ruled illegal. Article 1, for example, declares the boundaries of the state in great detail. Article 2, titled the Declaration of Rights, is the state's equivalent of the Bill of Rights. Article 3 outlines the three branches of state government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Articles 18 and 25 concern labor, regulating child labor, defining a workday as 8 hours, and declaring Arizona a right-to-work state. Article 27 specifies that Arizona citizens cannot be forced to purchase healthcare or fined for not doing so. Article 28 establishes English as the official language of the state.
The Arizona Constitution provides for three methods of amendment: a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. A simple majority is required to approve amendments, while certain tax-related measures require a 60% vote.
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Amendments can be made via citizen-initiated processes
Arizona's constitution has been amended 161 times since its adoption in 1912, making it the first and only constitution of the state. The most recent amendment was approved on November 5, 2024, when Article 2 was updated to include an explicit right to abortion.
The process typically involves gathering a certain number of signatures from registered voters in support of the proposed amendment. If the proposal meets the required threshold, it is then placed on the ballot during the next general election or a special election. Ultimately, the citizens of Arizona decide on the amendment through a majority vote.
Citizen-initiated amendments have played a significant role in shaping Arizona's constitution. For example, in 2024, citizens voted to amend Article 2, adding an explicit right to abortion. This amendment ensures that the people of Arizona have the constitutional right to make their own reproductive choices, bringing the state constitution in line with the values and beliefs of its citizens.
Another example of a citizen-initiated amendment is the removal of a provision that included judges in the recalling process. Originally, the constitution allowed for the recall of judges, but this provision was objected to by President William H. Taft, who vetoed the original constitution on these grounds. The constitutional convention amended the document to remove the provision, and it was then approved by President Taft, leading to Arizona's statehood in 1912. However, soon after, the state legislature approved a constitutional amendment to restore the ability to recall judges, demonstrating the power of citizen-led initiatives in shaping the constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
There has only been one Arizona Constitution.
Yes, the Arizona Constitution has been amended 161 times.
The Arizona Constitution was drafted in 1910.
The Arizona Constitution came into effect in 1912.
The Arizona Constitution can be amended through a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, or a state constitutional convention. A simple majority is required to approve amendments.
