Who can propose amendments to the Arizona Constitution?

The Arizona Constitution allows for amendments to be proposed either by the Arizona Legislature or through a citizen initiative process. This dual approach enables a balance of power and ensures that the process is accessible to both elected representatives and the general public.

When amendments are proposed by the Arizona Legislature, they require a majority vote in both houses. This ensures that elected officials, who are accountable to their constituents, can enact changes reflecting the will of the people. On the other hand, the citizen initiative process empowers individuals to place proposed amendments on the ballot, allowing voters to directly influence constitutional changes. This aspect of direct democracy is significant because it gives citizens a mechanism to address issues that may not be prioritized by the legislature.

The options mentioned are less viable because they either limit the amendment process to a single entity, like the Governor or local government officials, or fail to acknowledge the broader public participation that the citizen initiative provides. In Arizona, the combination of legislative and grassroots avenues for proposing amendments is a hallmark of its democratic framework, allowing for a more engaged and responsive governance system.