Arizona’s history is highly interesting if just because it is still considered by many as an unexplored territory of Native American Indians, outlaws with guns and horses, miles of flat, hot desert filled with poisonous species of snakes, scorpions and spiders, and sort of a state out of time. The truth is, is still is, but mostly it has joined the rest of the country, in 1912, and welcomed the modern world, yet, as a whole, it is a state misunderstood today, in that it stands strong for certain civil rights, yet stands against interference from other states on how it should be run.
Pre-Territorial Arizona, 2000 B.C.-1100 A.D.
Circa 2,000 B.C., the Cochise tribe’s culture developed in what is now southern Arizona. These Native American Indian grew vegetable crops
including the all important corn. In 700 A.D., the Anasazi culture developed its Pueblo Period in which they used adobe bricks in home building, and cotton fabrics are developed.
Spanish Period, 1528-1821
In 1542 Coronado claims vast lands that are today the American Southwest for Spain. This marks the very first European exploration of the Southwest. Members of his party were the first Europeans to view the Grand Canyon.
In 1687, Father Kino begins establishing the missions of San Xavier, San Miguel and Guevavi. 1736 is when large deposits of silver were discovered in a mining camp called Arizonac. Unfortunately, the Indians and the missionaries conflicted on many cultural and lifestyle deviances, and in 1751, the Pima Indian Revolt happened with the Pimas fighting against the harsh discipline of Jesuit
missionaries. Perhaps as an aside reaction to the interference by Mexican and European padres of the church, in 1767, the Spanish government expelled the Jesuits and allowed Franciscans to replace them.
In 1785, Spanish troops eventually work out a peace with the Apaches and mining, ranching and missions prosper in Arizona.
Mexican Period, 1821-1848
In 1821, Mexico gains its independence after an over ten year revolution from Spain and considers most of what is modern-day Arizona as part of its land. The Mexican War is fought by the US Army of the West which gradually takes control of New Mexico, California, and some of Arizona territory. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the war and the U.S. gain much of the southwest territory as theirs. (which included Arizona to the Gila River)
American Period, 1848-
In 1848 Discovery of gold in California. Arizona’s Gila Trail becomes one of the main routes to the California gold fields. Less than fifteen years later, the Territory of Arizona is established and President Abraham Lincoln appoints Arizona Territorial officials. The Oath of Office is taken by John N. Goodwin, the first territorial governor.
History can be ugly and the event that took place when Kit Carson led a military campaign defeating the Navajo instigated the “long walk” to New Mexico they were forced to take.
Meanwhile, Tucson as capitol changes back to Prescott and silver is discovered at Tombstone. Geronimo surrenders to General Nelson Miles in 1886. Finally, in 1912, Arizona officially becomes a state on February 14s, and simultaneously,
Women gain the right to vote in Arizona
World War II brings economic boom to Arizona. Cotton, copper, cattle, farming and industry flourish. In 1972, Cesar Chavez, founder of the National Farm Workers Association, fasts for 25 days in Phoenix over a new Arizona law that prohibits the right of farm workers to strike or boycott. And just two decades ago, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman judge to sit on the United States Supreme Court.
Arizona Constitution
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Functions as the law making branch
Functions as the administrating branch
Functions as the judiciary or adjudicating branch
Power to make law, allow voting to be fairly carried out for elected positions, to offer voice to those disagreeing with the law and a forum for discussion. Power of Legislative Immunity.
Carrying out procedures of other branches, organizer of protocol. Power to initiate enforcement of scheduling infractions.
Court management and law enforcement of the state; holding court and monitoring court scheduling; monitoring impartialities regarding party differences.
Article 21 of the Arizona Constitution allows three methods of amending the Arizona Constitution: Initiated constitutional amendments to go on the a ballot, Legislative-referred constitutional amendments, or a constitutional convention can be called
Again, Arizona‘s desire to be ruled by its own State Legislature has been in the past fought for, as when it was only a territory, US Congress made the rules and expected citizens living here to carry them out and to be enforced. Arizona now with that power allows amending of its own constitutions to its citizens. While this is diplomatic and democratic, it still opens up the government to criticism and change. Not ever not wanting to promote change, and with Mexican populace numbering more and more each year, thus decade, many citizens do not want rash change. Though the methods described above promote public voice, the majority strive for fairness “within reason” and cannot carry out only sect legislative demands.
Therefore, all three branches of government must uphold in unison the dictates of the written Constitution of both the country and the state. If problems have occurred due to political issues, a constitutional convention would see the best method. This makes the issue or desired amendment trying to be passed in the forefront of media and the public can be aware and acknowledge their right to be heard and vote accordingly.
Resource Cites
www.ballotpedia.org
www.azmedia.org
www.wnyc.org/blogs/its-free-blog//arizonas-ugly-political-history/
