Study+Guide+Part+2

ARIZONA CONSTITUTION STUDY GUIDE Part 2

 * The Governor **

Ch. 5 (pp. 91–111) and Ariz. Const., art. v, §§ 1–8, 12


 * Other Executive Branch Officials **

Ch. 5 (pp. 111–116) and Ariz. Const., art. v, § 9

1. What is the function of the executive branch?

2. Describe the structure of the Arizona Executive branch. What is meant by a plural executive? How does this affect the power of the governor? Of other executive branch officials?

3. List the qualifications for the executive branch. If there are special qualification on each, list it first under that office.

4. What are the terms of office for the executive branch. ? How long may they serve total?

5. When are the elections?

6. Describe the Powers and Duties of the elective executive officers, and the limitations on each.


 * ** Office ** || ||
 * ** Governor: Powers & Duties **// w/ brief description of each (tell if it administrative or legislative or judicial in nature.) // || ** Limitations **// w/. explanation of each check. What powers does the governor not have? // ||
 * ** 1. ** || ||
 * ** 2. ** || ||
 * ** 3. ** || ||
 * ** 5. ** || ||
 * ** 6. ** || ||
 * ** 7. ** || ||
 * ** Secretary of State ** || ||
 * ** Attorney General ** || ||
 * ** Treasurer ** || ||
 * ** Sup’t of Public Instruct ** || ||
 * ** State Mine Inspector ** || ||

8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the office of Governor.

9. How may executive officers be removed?

10.How did Rose Mofford become Governor?


 * What do you think? **

11.Is the Governor unfairly burdened by a plural executive? What advantages and disadvantages does she have as chief executive? Would it be better to appoint the other executive officers? Why or why not?

12. Do we need a Lieutenant Governor? Why or why not?


 * Ch. 6 (pp. 117–132) and Ariz. Const. art. vi and vi.i (skim) **


 * Judges and the State Court System **

1. What is the function of the courts?

2. How do judges make law?

3. What is common law?

4. What is judicial review? How have the Arizona Courts used this power?

5. How do procedures in a trial court differ from those in an appellate court?

6. Distinguish between a Criminal case and a civil case. How does the “burden of proof” differ in them?

7. Describe the structure of the Arizona court system, and the jurisdiction of each court by answering the following:

a. What is a court of limited jurisdiction?

b. Which courts handle traffic cases?

c. What is small claims court?

d. What court handles misdemeanors?

e. Where would your preliminary hearing be held? What is the purpose of it?

f. What court is the trial court of the state?

g. If you thought there was an error in your trial, to whom would you appeal?

h. Which cases are appealed straight to the Supreme Court?

i. Describe the types of cases the Arizona Supreme Court hears. What other reresponsibilities does it have?

j. How many justices serve on the Arizona Supreme Court? How are they selected?

8. Describe the “Missouri system” (merit selection) of judicial selection and retention used by some counties in Arizona and discuss the arguments for it. What role do the voters play in this plan? Which counties use it?

9. How are judges in the other counties selected?

10.How many persons sit on a typical jury? When are 12 person required?


 * Think about it: **

11..There is a movement to elect judges in all counties in Arizona? What are the pros and cons? What do you think?


 * Crimes, Torts and Reform **

Ch. 6 (pp. 132–142) and Ariz. Const., art. ii, §31; art. xviii, § 5–6

12. What is a tort? What are actual (compensatory) damages? Punitive damages?

13.Why do some argue that we need tort reform?

14.Why is tort reform difficult to achieve in Arizona?

15. Evaluate the 3 major proposals for tort reform, and the arguments used by each side in the debate. (these will be discussed in class).

16. Predict the likelihood of tort reform in Arizona, and support your prediction.


 * Ch. 7 : County and Local Government **

17. What things to local governments do? Why are they important to Arizona Citizens?

18.What are the major functions of county government?

19.What is the county governing body called?

20. Describe the major County officers and their functions ? How are they selected?

21.What are the major functions of city governments?

22.What is the difference between a Mayor/Council system of city government and a City manager system?

23.What is a special district? Describe the purposes of Special Districts, and give examples.

24.What is home rule?

25.Evaluate the arguments for a county charter (Home rule) and predict the likelihood of achieving it for Maricopa County.

26.Describe the purposes of Special Districts, and give examples.


 * THINK ABOUT IT **

27.Evaluate the arguments for a county charter (Home rule) and predict the likelihood of achieving it for Maricopa County. ·

28.Since the Board of Supervisors sets the budget, but the Sheriffs and County Attorneys are elected by the public, to whom do they answer?

29.Why do some people think the County Sheriff’s and Attorney’s should be appointed, rather than elected? How would you answer that?

30.Why do you think voters have rejected home rule for the county but not the city?