Which group has the authority to approve or deny proposed amendments to the Arizona Constitution?

The authority to approve or deny proposed amendments to the Arizona Constitution lies with the registered voters of Arizona. This process underscores the principle of direct democracy, where the electorate has a significant role in shaping the state’s foundational legal document. Once the Arizona state legislature proposes an amendment, it must then be placed on the ballot for the voters to decide in a general election.

This empowers citizens, allowing them to have a direct say in the governance of their state and ensuring that significant changes to the Constitution reflect the will of the people. It's an essential aspect of participatory governance, demonstrating the democratic nature of the state's political system.

The incorrect options highlight various misunderstandings of the amendment process. The state governor does not have the unilateral power to approve constitutional amendments, as this would concentrate authority away from the electorate. The state legislature does play a role in proposing amendments, but it is ultimately the registered voters who have the final say. The federal government does not have authority over state constitutional amendments, reinforcing the principle of state sovereignty in local governance.