Arizona Constitution Practice Test

If an office becomes vacant with no provision for filling it, what happens?

1. The office will remain vacant until the next election

2. The Governor calls for an emergency election

3. The Legislature appoints a person to fill the position

4. The Governor appoints a person to fill the position

The correct answer is: The Governor appoints a person to fill the position

In Arizona, when an office becomes vacant and there is no existing provision in the law for filling that vacancy, the responsibility to appoint a replacement falls to the Governor. This protocol is in place to ensure that government functions continue and that representation is maintained in a timely manner. By enabling the Governor to appoint a replacement, the state's leadership can swiftly address any disruptions caused by the vacancy, thereby upholding the stability and continuity of government operations. The other options do not align with Arizona's procedures for vacancies. For instance, leaving the position vacant until the next election would not serve the public interest or allow for effective governance. An emergency election, while a useful tool in certain scenarios, is not the standard procedure for most vacancies and could lead to delays and complications. Additionally, the Legislature does not typically have the authority to make appointments for executive or statewide offices, reserving that power for the Governor in accordance with the Arizona Constitution.