Arizona Constitution Practice Test

What is required for a constitutional amendment in Arizona?

1. A majority vote of the Legislature

2. A two-thirds vote of the electorate

3. A simple majority vote by the electorate

4. A unanimous vote by the legislature

The correct answer is: A simple majority vote by the electorate

In Arizona, a constitutional amendment requires a simple majority vote by the electorate. This means that when a proposed amendment is put to a vote, it only needs to receive more votes in favor than against to be ratified, without requiring any supermajority thresholds. This lower barrier facilitates the process of amending the state constitution and allows for more responsive governance, enabling changes that reflect the will of the people. In contrast, options that suggest a two-thirds vote of the electorate or a unanimous vote by the legislature set higher thresholds that are not reflective of the actual requirements in Arizona. A majority vote of the legislature is also not sufficient for constitutional amendments, as the ultimate authority for ratifying amendments lies with the electorate rather than the legislature itself. This framework is designed to empower citizens directly in the amendment process, underscoring the principles of democratic participation in state governance.