The current constitution of Arizona, drafted in 1910 at the height of the Progressive era, contained reform provisions that were very advanced for the time; initiative, referendum, workers' compensation, short terms for elected officials, suffrage for women, and the barring of trusts and monopolies from the state. The constitution was adopted in 1911 and had been amended 133 times January 2003.
Legislative authority is vested in a 30-member senate and a 60-member house of representatives. Legislative sessions are annual, begin in January, and must adjourn no later than the Saturday of the week during which the 100th day of the session falls. Special sessions, which are not limited in duration, may be called by petition of two-thirds the membership of each house. All senators and representatives serve two-year terms and are chosen at the general election in November of each even-numbered year. A legislator must be a US citizen, at least 25 years old, and must have been an Arizona resident for at least three years and a member of their district for at least a year. The legislative salary in 2002 was $24,000.
Chief executive officials elected statewide include the governor, secretary of state (the designated successor to the governor, as there is not lieutenant governor), treasurer, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction, all of whom serve 4-year terms. The governor is limited to a maximum of two consecutive terms. The three members of the Corporation Commission, which regulates public services and utilities, are elected for staggered six-year terms, and the state mine inspector is elected for two years. Candidates for executive office must have been US citizens for at least ten years, must be at least 25 years old, and must have been a citizen of Arizona for at least five years. In 2002 the governor's salary was $95,000.
Bills may originate in either house of the legislature and must be passed by both houses and approved by the governor in order to become law. A two-thirds vote of the elected members in each house is necessary to override the governor's veto. If the governor fails to sign or veto a bill, it becomes law after five days (Sundays excluded) or ten days after the legislature has adjourned. Under the initiative procedure, legislation and proposed constitutional amendments can be placed on the ballot by petition. The petition must be signed by 15% of total votes cast for all candidates for governor at the last election. Constitutional amendments proposed in the legislature are ratified by a majority vote of the electorate.
In order to vote in Arizona, a person must be 18 years old, a US citizen, and must have been a resident of the state for at least 29 days prior to the next election. Restrictions apply to convicted felons and those declared mentally incapacitated by the court.