Arizona Constitution Article 4 - LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
Arizona Constitution – Article 4: Legislative Department
📘 Summary:
Article 4 of the Arizona Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the state government, defining its structure, powers, organization, and procedures.
🔑 Key Provisions:
Section 1 – Legislative Power
The legislative power of Arizona is vested in a Legislature, which consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
Section 2 – Composition and Apportionment
The Legislature is made up of members elected from legislative districts.
Each district elects one Senator and two Representatives.
Apportionment of districts is based on population and is adjusted after each decennial census.
Section 3 – Qualifications
Senators and Representatives must be U.S. citizens, qualified electors of their district, and have resided in the state and district for a specified period.
Section 4 – Terms of Office
Senators and Representatives serve two-year terms.
Elections occur every two years during the general elections.
Section 5 – Sessions
The Legislature meets at least once annually in regular session.
Special sessions may be called by the Governor or by the Legislature itself.
Section 6 – Officers
The Legislature elects its own officers, including the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.
Section 7 – Compensation
Legislators receive compensation and allowances as provided by law.
Section 8 – Lawmaking Process
Bills may originate in either house except revenue bills, which must originate in the House of Representatives.
The process for passing laws includes committee review, readings, and approval by both houses and the Governor.
Section 9 – Journals
Each house keeps a journal of its proceedings.
Section 10 – Contempt and Discipline
Each house may punish its members for disorderly conduct and expel members with a two-thirds vote.
🏛️ Purpose:
Article 4 creates a bicameral Legislature with clear rules for representation, qualifications, and lawmaking, ensuring democratic governance and checks within the legislative branch.
RELATED Blog
0 comments