Malcolm Rivera
The Arizona Constitution is the governing document for the State of Arizona and is divided into a preamble and 30 articles. The document is approximately 49,000 words long, which is far longer than the U.S. Constitution but shorter than many other state constitutions. The length of the Arizona Constitution is due in part to the need to restrict what a state government can and cannot do, and it has been amended frequently to be responsive to the wishes of the local citizenry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words | 49,000 |
| Number of articles | 30 |
| Number of repealed articles | 2 |
| Number of articles no longer in force | 1 |
| Number of articles with an explicit right to abortion | 1 |
| Number of divisions of the state government | 3 |
| Number of elective offices | 1 |
| Minimum number of qualified electors required to recall a public officer | 25% |
| Maximum word count for a general statement in a recall petition | 200 |
| Number of sections | 5 |
| Correctional and penal institutions established and supported by the state | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
The Arizona Constitution is lengthy
The Arizona Constitution is indeed a lengthy document, consisting of a significant number of words. While the exact word count may vary depending on the specific text source or version being referenced, it is generally agreed upon that the Arizona Constitution is one of the longer state constitutions in the United States.
A quick online search reveals that the Arizona Constitution contains approximately 34,000 words. This number places it among the wordiest state constitutions, with only a handful of others exceeding its length. For example, the Indian Constitution has about 145,000 words, making it the lengthiest written constitution. In comparison, the U.S. Constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land for the entire nation, stands at around 7,500 words, including the amendments.
The length of the Arizona Constitution can be attributed to several factors. One reason is that it covers a wide range of topics and issues, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for the state's governance. The constitution addresses matters relating to the structure and powers of state government, individual rights and liberties, finance and taxation, education, and various other aspects of public policy. Another factor contributing to its length is the inclusion of numerous amendments. Over time, the Arizona Constitution has been amended multiple times, with each amendment adding to the overall word count. These amendments are often necessary to reflect changing societal needs, update outdated provisions, or address specific issues that arise over the years.
The detailed nature of the Arizona Constitution also contributes to its length. Rather than simply outlining broad principles, the document delves into specific provisions and procedures. This level of detail ensures a clear understanding of the rules and regulations governing the state, providing a solid foundation for Arizona's legal system. Additionally, the constitution's length can be partly explained by its historical context and the desire to create a robust and comprehensive framework for the state's governance, especially given Arizona's unique characteristics and challenges as a western state with a diverse population and economy.
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It's divided into a preamble and 30 articles
The Constitution of the State of Arizona is the governing document for the State of Arizona. It is the first and only constitution to be adopted by the state. The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles, with the articles being numbered 1–6, 6.1, 7–22, and 25–30. Articles 23 and 24 have been repealed, and Article 30 is no longer in force as it was ruled illegal.
Article 1 of the Arizona Constitution outlines 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. Notably, in 2024, Article 2 was amended to include an explicit right to abortion. Article 3 establishes a separation of powers by dividing the state government into three distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The Arizona Constitution includes provisions that address a range of topics, such as the rights of the people, the powers of the state, and the organization of the government. For example, it mandates that the state shall not discriminate against any individual or group based on race, sex, colour, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting. It also includes provisions related to immigration, such as denying punitive damages to individuals who are in the state in violation of federal immigration laws.
The Arizona Constitution is a living document that has undergone changes over time to reflect the evolving needs and wishes of the state's citizens. It has been amended far more frequently than the federal Constitution due to its responsive nature to local citizenry. The full length of the Arizona Constitution is approximately 49,000 words, making it substantially longer than the U.S. Constitution but shorter than many other state constitutions.
The Arizona Constitution was drafted in 1910 when the Arizona Territory was authorized to hold a constitutional convention. It was initially vetoed by President William H. Taft due to objections related to the recalling of judges. However, after amendments were made to address these concerns, President Taft approved Arizona's statehood on February 14, 1912.
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It's far longer than the US Constitution
The Arizona Constitution is far longer than the US Constitution. The former contains approximately 49,000 words, whereas the latter has 7,591 words, including its amendments. The length of the Arizona Constitution is due in part to the fact that it is the state's first and only constitution, and it outlines the boundaries of the state in great detail. It also needed to restrict what the state government could and couldn't do.
The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles, with Articles 23 and 24 repealed and Article 30 no longer in force as it was ruled illegal. The document has been amended frequently, as the framers of the constitution intended to create a document that would be responsive to the wishes of the local citizens.
Article 1 of the Arizona Constitution details the boundaries of the state. Article 2, titled the Declaration of Rights, is the state's equivalent of the Bill of Rights. In 2024, Article 2 was amended to include an explicit right to abortion. Article 3 outlines the three distinct divisions of the state government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The Arizona Constitution also covers a range of other topics, including the right to recall public officers holding elective offices and the treatment of minors accused or convicted of crimes. It also addresses immigration law, stating that a person who is in the state in violation of federal immigration law related to improper entry shall not be awarded punitive damages in any court in the state. Additionally, it includes provisions on non-discrimination and affirmative action in public employment, education, and contracting.
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It's been amended more frequently than the federal Constitution
The Arizona Constitution has been amended more frequently than the federal Constitution. The reason for this is that the framers of the state Constitution created a document that would be especially responsive to the wishes of the local citizenry. This is in contrast to the federal Constitution, which requires a consensus to make changes.
The Arizona Constitution is a lengthy document, approximately 49,000 words long. It is divided into 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. The constitution outlines the boundaries of the state, the state's equivalent of the Bill of Rights, and the division of the state government into three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
One notable example of an amendment to the Arizona Constitution is the restoration of the ability to recall judges. Shortly after Arizona became a state, the state legislature approved a constitutional amendment that restored this ability, which was then approved in the 1912 general election. This amendment process demonstrates the responsiveness of the Arizona Constitution to the will of the people.
Another example of an amendment is the addition of an explicit right to abortion in Article 2 in 2024. This amendment brings the Arizona Constitution in line with contemporary issues and values. Furthermore, the Arizona Constitution contains provisions that address specific issues, such as the rights of minors accused or convicted of crimes and the state's right to engage in industrial pursuits.
The length and amendment frequency of the Arizona Constitution reflect the complex and evolving nature of state governance. While the federal Constitution sets out broad principles and limitations on federal power, state constitutions, such as Arizona's, delve into greater detail to restrict and define the powers of the state government. The amendments to the Arizona Constitution showcase the dynamic nature of law and governance, ensuring that the document remains responsive to the needs and wishes of the citizens it serves.
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It includes laws on equal rights and public office recall
The Arizona Constitution is the governing document for the State of Arizona and contains approximately 49,000 words. This makes it far longer than the U.S. Constitution, which has 7,591 words, but shorter than many other state constitutions. The length of the Arizona Constitution is due in part to the fact that it must restrict what the state government can and cannot do. It is also because the Arizona Constitution has been amended more frequently than the federal Constitution, as it was designed to be responsive to the wishes of local citizens.
The Arizona Constitution includes laws on equal rights and public office recall. In terms of equal rights, the Constitution states that the State of Arizona shall not grant preferential treatment to or discriminate against any individual or group based on race, sex, colour, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, or public contracting. However, it does allow for bona fide qualifications based on sex that are reasonably necessary for the normal operation of these areas.
The Constitution also outlines the process for recalling public officers holding elective office, either by election or appointment. Qualified electors from the relevant electoral district, which may include the whole state, can demand the recall of an officer by filing a recall petition. This petition must include a general statement of the grounds for the recall and must be signed by a number of electors equal to 25% of the votes cast in the last preceding general election for the office held by the officer. If the officer does not resign within five days of the petition being filed, a special election must be held.
The ability to recall judges was originally included in the Arizona Constitution when it was drafted in 1910. However, it was vetoed by President William H. Taft, and the constitution was amended to remove this provision before Arizona became a state in 1912. Soon after statehood, however, the state legislature approved a constitutional amendment that restored the ability to recall judges, which was approved in the 1912 general election.
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Frequently asked questions
The Arizona Constitution runs approximately 49,000 words.
The average length of a state constitution is about 39,000 words. Arizona's constitution is longer than the average state constitution but shorter than many others. The Alabama Constitution is the longest at 389,000 words.
The U.S. Constitution is far shorter at 7,591 words, including its amendments. State constitutions are generally longer because they outline what a state government can and cannot do.
The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles, numbered 1–6, 6.1, 7–22, and 25–30. Articles 23 and 24 were repealed, and Article 30 is no longer in force as it was ruled illegal.
