Simone Lawson
The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles, with articles 23 and 24 having been repealed and article 30 no longer in force. The full text runs approximately 49,000 words, shorter than many other constitutions, but still a hefty read. The document covers a range of topics, from the boundaries of the state to taxation powers, education, and the official language. It also outlines the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Word Count | 49,000 |
| Amendments | 161 |
| Articles | 30 |
| Sections | 27 (in Article 4) and 8 (in Article 8) |
| Date Adopted | 1912 |
| Last Amended | November 5, 2024 |
| Topics Covered | Powers, structure, and limitations of the state government; individual and civil rights; labor; child labor; work day definition; abortion; marriage; education; healthcare; language; real estate agents; ambulances; retirement systems; immigration law; etc. |
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What You'll Learn
The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles
The Arizona Constitution, the state constitution of Arizona, is divided into a preamble and 30 articles. The current constitution, which has been amended 161 times, was adopted in 1912, two years after Arizona became a state. Notably, the Arizona Constitution is much longer than the U.S. Constitution, with an approximate word count of 49,000 words.
The length of the Arizona Constitution can be attributed to the fact that it outlines the state's framework for governance in detail, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. The document is also designed to be highly responsive to the wishes of local citizens, which has resulted in frequent amendments.
The 30 articles within the Arizona Constitution cover a diverse range of topics. Article 2, titled the Declaration of Rights, serves as 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 the separation of powers, dividing the state government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Article 6 outlines the qualifications for state-level positions within the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, such as the House of Representatives, Senate, and Governor. Articles 7, 8, and 15 pertain to the removal of officials from these branches.
Other articles cover a variety of topics, including labour regulations (Articles 18 and 25), the creation of the office of State Mine Inspector (Article 19), religious freedom and the banning of polygamy (Article 20), and the regulation of real estate agents and ambulances (Articles 26 and 27).
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It's approximately 49,000 words long
The Arizona Constitution, the governing document of the State of Arizona, is a comprehensive and detailed framework for the state's governance, and it is approximately 49,000 words in length. This word count places it among the longer state constitutions in the United States. While the exact word count can vary slightly depending on the source and the specific version of the constitution being referenced, it's clear that the Arizona Constitution is a substantial document.
The length of the Arizona Constitution is a result of its comprehensive nature and the state's rich political history. Arizona's constitution-making process began in the late 19th century, and the document has since undergone numerous amendments and revisions. The constitution covers a wide range of topics, including the structure and powers of the state government, individual rights, and the organization of counties and municipalities.
One of the unique aspects of the Arizona Constitution is its emphasis on the rights and powers of the state's citizens. It includes a strong bill of rights, guaranteeing various civil liberties and protections for its residents. The length of the document allows for a detailed explanation of these rights and the mechanisms to enforce them.
The approximately 49,000 words of the Arizona Constitution are divided into several articles, each covering different aspects of state governance. These articles address topics such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, finance and taxation, education, and local government. The length of each article can vary, with some being more concise and others, such as the article on legislative power, being more extensive.
The word count of the Arizona Constitution also reflects the state's dynamic and evolving nature. Over time, amendments have been made to address changing societal needs and values. This has resulted in the addition of new sections and clauses, contributing to the overall length of the document. The amendment process itself is outlined within the constitution, providing a mechanism for future changes.
In conclusion, the approximately 49,000-word length of the Arizona Constitution underscores its importance as a comprehensive framework for state governance. The document's length allows for a detailed explanation of the rights, powers, and structures of government, ensuring a clear understanding of Arizona's unique political system. The constitution's evolution over time, through amendments and revisions, further highlights its significance as a living document that adapts to the needs and values of Arizona's citizens.
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It's been amended 161 times
The Arizona Constitution has been amended 161 times. The state's constitution was adopted in 1912, and amendments have been made frequently since then. The reason for this is that the framers of the constitution created a document that would be highly responsive to the wishes of the local population.
The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles. Articles 26, 27, and 29, for example, deal with real estate agents, the regulation of ambulances, and public retirement systems. Article 28 establishes English as the official language, and Article 29 deals with public retirement systems. Article 25 regulates child labour, defines a workday as eight hours, and declares Arizona a right-to-work state.
Article 2, or the Declaration of Rights, is the state's equivalent of the Bill of Rights. In 2024, this article was amended to include an explicit right to abortion. Article 3 establishes the separation of powers, dividing the state government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Article 4 establishes the legislature and outlines the qualifications for the state House of Representatives and Senate.
The Arizona Constitution also includes provisions for the removal of officials from office, the process of amending the constitution, and the right to vote by secret ballot for employee representation.
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Article 2 is the Declaration of Rights
The Arizona Constitution is approximately 49,000 words long, much longer than the U.S. Constitution. This is because state constitutions must restrict what a state government can and cannot do.
Article 2 of the Arizona Constitution is entitled the Declaration of Rights and is the state's equivalent of the Bill of Rights. It contains sections 1-37, which describe the rights of both the citizens and the state of Arizona.
Article 2, Section 2.1, for example, states that no sectarian instruction shall be imparted in any school or state educational institution established under the Constitution, and no religious or political test or qualification shall be required as a condition of admission into any public educational institution of the state. However, this liberty of conscience shall not justify practices or conduct inconsistent with the good order, peace, morality, or safety of the state, or with the rights of others.
Another section of Article 2 states that the State of Arizona and each municipal corporation within the State shall have the right to engage in industrial pursuits. It also states that a person who is present 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.
Article 2 was amended in 2024 to include an explicit right to abortion. This amendment demonstrates the responsiveness of the Arizona Constitution to the wishes of its citizens, as it is amended far more frequently than the federal Constitution.
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Article 18 concerns child labour
The Arizona Constitution has approximately 49,000 words and is divided into a preamble and 30 articles. Article 18, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution, addresses child labour and outlines specific regulations regarding the employment of minors.
Firstly, it prohibits children under the age of fourteen from being employed during regular school hours. This ensures that education takes priority for this age group. Additionally, the law protects young people under sixteen by restricting their employment in underground mines or in any occupation deemed hazardous, injurious to health or morals, or dangerous to life and limb. This comprehensive approach safeguards minors from potentially harmful work environments.
The Arizona Constitution also enforces daily hour limitations for minors. No child under sixteen should be employed for more than eight hours in any given day. This provision promotes a healthy balance between work and personal time, ensuring that young people have sufficient time for rest, leisure, and other developmental pursuits outside of work.
Furthermore, Arizona child labour laws impose restrictions based on the nature of the work. For instance, youth aged 16 and 17 may work in a diverse range of jobs, but they are prohibited from engaging in occupations deemed hazardous, such as manufacturing or storing explosives, or working as motor vehicle drivers. These restrictions aim to protect minors from physical dangers and ensure their safety in the workplace.
Additionally, Arizona's child labour regulations extend to youth aged 14 and 15. While they may also work in a variety of jobs, their working hours are significantly limited, especially when school is in session. This consideration ensures that their education remains a priority and that their work does not interfere with their studies.
In summary, Article 18, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution, reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing child labour. It prioritises the education, health, safety, and overall well-being of minors by regulating the types of work they can perform, the hours they can work, and the potential hazards they may encounter. These provisions safeguard young people from exploitative labour practices and ensure that their employment is managed responsibly.
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Frequently asked questions
The Arizona Constitution has approximately 49,000 words.
The Arizona Constitution is divided into a preamble and 30 articles, with articles 23 and 24 repealed. Article 1 outlines the boundaries of the state, Article 2 is the state's Bill of Rights, Article 3 establishes the state government's three divisions, and Article 4 establishes the legislature. The constitution also covers topics such as taxation, education, counties, corporations, and labor.
The Arizona Constitution includes provisions such as the right to abortion, the official language being English, and the prohibition of forcing citizens to purchase healthcare. It also establishes the Corporation Commission to regulate corporations and public utilities.
Yes, the full-length Arizona Constitution is available to read online. There is also an abridged edition that omits technical details and focuses on the core operations, ideas, and distinct features of the constitution.
