V. Government Structures, Division of Power, and Relationship between Levels of Government

The government of Arizona is structured into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches¹. The executive branch is headed by the Governor, who is elected for a four-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms¹. The Governor’s cabinet consists of several other statewide elected officials¹. The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate¹. The judiciary is composed of the Arizona Supreme Court and lower courts¹.

Arizona is divided into political jurisdictions designated as counties, which derive all of their power from the state. Incorporated cities and towns are those that have been granted home rule, possessing a local government in the form of a city or town council¹.

The relationship between levels of government in Arizona is guided by the U.S. Constitution, which allocates powers to the states and federal government, structures their relationship, and guides state-to-state relationships². Federal, state, and local governments rely on different sources of revenue to enable them to fulfill their public responsibilities².

The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws and administering the day-to-day operations of the state government. The Governor, who is elected for a four-year term, is the head of the executive branch and oversees approximately 130 agencies, departments, authorities, boards, commissions, councils, administrations, registrars, offices, and institutions 1.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws and consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate 1. The House of Representatives has 60 members who serve two-year terms while the Senate has 30 members who serve four-year terms 1.

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. It consists of the Arizona Supreme Court and lower courts 1.

V.A National Legislative, Judicial and Executive Branches

State Legislatures - American Governance (Vol. 5. )
In the United States the institution of the state legislature actually predates the US Congress, as legislatures existed in the thirteen states under the Articles of Confederation. In the early twenty-first century, legislatures exist in all fifty states, but their precise structures and procedures vary a bit from state to state.

V.B State, County, Municipal, and Tribal governments

In Arizona, the government structure consists of state, county, municipal, and tribal governments. Here is an overview of each:

State Government: The state government of Arizona is responsible for making and implementing laws and policies that apply to the entire state. It consists of three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch is headed by the Governor and includes various state agencies and departments. The legislative branch consists of the Arizona State Legislature, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judicial branch consists of the Arizona Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and other trial courts.
County Government: Arizona has 15 counties, each with its own government structure. County governments are responsible for providing various services at the local level, such as law enforcement, public health, public works, and record-keeping. The county government is typically headed by a board of supervisors or commissioners who are elected by the residents of the county.
Municipal Government: Arizona has numerous cities and towns, each with its own municipal government. Municipal governments are responsible for providing local services and implementing ordinances and regulations within their jurisdiction. The governance structure varies among municipalities, but it generally includes a mayor or city manager, city council, and various departments such as police, fire, public works, and parks and recreation.
Tribal Government: Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Native American tribes, each with its own tribal government. These tribal governments have sovereign powers and have the authority to govern their own tribal lands and members. They make their own laws, manage tribal resources, provide services, and maintain their cultural heritage and traditions. Some well-known tribes in Arizona include the Navajo Nation, the Apache Tribe, and the Tohono O'odham Nation.

It's worth noting that the responsibilities and powers of each government entity may vary, and their jurisdictions may overlap in certain areas.

V.C Interrelationship between Tribal, State, and Federal Governments

The relationship between U.S. tribal nations and the federal government is based on the principle of tribal sovereignty, which means that tribes have the authority to govern themselves and their lands¹². Tribal sovereignty predates the formation of the United States and is recognized by the U.S. Constitution and various laws and court cases¹. Tribal governments are on equal footing with state governments and have a government-to-government relationship with the federal government, meaning each treats the other as a separate nation in most respects¹²

e-Tribal Relations and Interstate Compacts
Native American tribal governments are sovereign, self-governing entities. Much like state governments, tribal governments are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of their citizens and their communities. Tribal sovereignty pre-dates the formation of the United States and is recognized through the U.S. Constitution and numerous federal statutes and court cases. Tribal governments are on equal footing with state government and have a government-to-government relationship with federal government. The sovereignty of each entity necessitates a government-to-government relationship at the state and tribal levels as well.
How Native American tribes and the US government relate to ... - USAFacts
The United States government and federally recognized tribes operate on a “government-to-government” principle, meaning each treats the other like a separate nation in most respects.
Tribal, Federal, and State American Governments
According to Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction, “tribal governments, the federal government, and state governments are linked together in a unique relationship outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction
The guide "Tribal Nations and the United States: An Introduction" developed by the National Congress of American Indians seeks to provide a basic overview of the history and underlying principles of tribal governance.
more...less...
The guide also provides introductory information about tribal governments and American Indian and Alaska Native people today. The purpose of the guide is to ensure that policy decision makers at the local, state, and federal level understand their relationship to tribal governments as part of the American family of governments. Additionally, this guide provides the information necessary for members of the public at large to understand and engage effectively with contemporary Indian Nations.
National Congress of American Indians - Western Region Profile
The figures below show age distribution for the AIAN population on reservations and statewide compared to the White population of the Western states.

V.D Electoral Process

The electoral process is a set of steps and procedures that are followed to determine the outcome of elections. It includes various stages such as voter registration, political campaigning, voting, and counting of votes. During the electoral process, eligible citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives and leaders through the act of casting their vote. This process ensures that the selection of government officials is fair, transparent, and reflects the will of the people. It is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, allowing citizens to have a voice in the decision-making process and shaping the future of their nation.

The Electoral Process and Taking Office
Over the years the process for electing the president not only has shifted political involvement from the few to the many but also has become longer, more complex, and more subject to the unintended consequences of reform and the changing technologies of business and everyday life.

Voting is Social Work

Voting is Social Work - National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign
The National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign works to integrate nonpartisan voter engagement into social work education and practice.

SWU182 - A Social Services Perspective of Government