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SWU182 - A Social Services Perspective of Government

Government and the role of policy practice in advancing social and economic justice and effective social services within the Southwest.

III. Historical Background of State, Tribal and Local Structures of Government

The historical background of state, tribal, and local structures of government is important for understanding the origins, evolution, and impact of these governance systems on the political, social, and economic landscape of a country or region. It provides insights into the principles, values, and practices that underpin these government structures and how they have influenced decision-making, policy development, and citizen participation throughout history.


Some key historical events that have shaped the development of state, tribal, and local structures of government include:

  1. Colonialism and Independence Movements: The colonization of territories by European powers and subsequent independence movements led to the establishment of new state-level governments. These events often resulted in the formation of new governing structures and systems, influenced by both indigenous traditions and colonial governance.

  2. Constitutional Conventions and Ratification: The drafting of constitutions and the ratification process played a crucial role in shaping state-level governmental structures. These events determined the powers and authorities of different branches of government, including executive, legislative, and judicial bodies.

  3. Expansion of Westward Frontier: In the United States, the westward expansion during the 19th century led to the establishment of new states and the development of state-level governmental systems to manage these territories. It also impacted the relationships between state and local governments.

    1. Government Treaties with Native Americans American Eras (Vol. 6: Westward Expansion, 1800-1860. )

  4. Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the mid-20th century brought about significant changes in local and state governance. It led to reforms in voting rights, desegregation, and increased representation of marginalized communities in local and state governments.

  5. Indigenous Rights Movements: Indigenous rights movements have had a profound impact on the recognition and empowerment of tribal governments. The establishment of tribal sovereignty and the recognition of tribal self-governance have been important milestones. - UXL Protests, Riots, and Rebellions: Civil Unrest in the Modern World (Vol. 2. )

  6. Decentralization Movements: In various countries, decentralization movements aimed to shift power and authority from central governments to regional and local levels. These movements led to the establishment of local government structures and increased autonomy for local communities.

  7. Globalization and Interconnectedness: The rise of globalization and the interconnectedness of nations have influenced state-level governance and structures. Economic integration, international treaties, and global challenges have necessitated cooperative governance arrangements between states.

These events have played significant roles in shaping the development of state, tribal, and local structures of government, influencing their powers, functions, and relationships within larger governance systems.

III.A. The Arizona Constitution

The ​Arizona Constitution refers to the governing document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, and structure of the state government in Arizona. It serves as the supreme law of the state and provides the framework on which the state's legal system operates. The Arizona Constitution was adopted in 1912 when Arizona became the 48th state of the ​United States. It establishes the three branches of government - the executive, legislative, and judicial branches - and defines their powers and limitations. The document also includes provisions on individual rights, education, taxation, and other key aspects of governance within the state. Understanding the Arizona Constitution is important for residents, as it affects the laws and policies that govern their daily lives.


The key features of the ​Arizona Constitution include:

  1. Separation of Powers: Like many state constitutions, the Arizona Constitution establishes a separation of powers among the three branches of government: the ​executive, ​legislative, and ​judicial branches. This ensures a system of checks and balances and prevents the concentration of power in any one branch.

  2. ​Popular Sovereignty: The Arizona Constitution upholds the principle of popular sovereignty, which means that the power of the government comes from the people. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of ​citizens and emphasizes the importance of their participation in the ​democratic process.

  3. ​Individual Rights: The Arizona Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to its residents, such as ​freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. It also protects individual rights related to ​due process, ​privacy, and ​equal protection under the law.

  4. ​Education: The Arizona Constitution includes provisions related to education, emphasizing the importance of providing a ​free and public education system. It sets guidelines for the ​organization and funding of schools, ensuring that education is accessible to all residents.

  5. ​Local Government: The Arizona Constitution grants power to local governments, such as ​counties and ​municipalities, to govern and make decisions on local issues. It outlines the structure and authority of these local governments, allowing for ​local autonomy and decision-making.

  6. ​Amendment Process: The Arizona Constitution provides a process for amending the constitution. This allows for changes and updates to be made over time to reflect the evolving needs and values of the state.

These are some of the key features of the Arizona Constitution, but it is important to consult the full text of the constitution to understand its complete provisions and the rights and responsibilities it guarantees to the people of Arizona.

III.B. County, Classes, and Charters

The term "​County, ​Classes, and ​Charters" refers to different aspects related to government and administration.

  1. County: A county is a geographical division or administrative region within a particular ​state or ​country. It is typically governed by an elected body known as the county government or county council. Counties often have their own set of laws, regulations, and services that cater to the needs of the local population. They may also have specific elected officials such as county executives or commissioners.

  2. Classes: In the context of government, classes can refer to different levels or categories of government officials. For example, there may be different classes of elected officials at the county level, such as county commissioners or county judges, each with specific responsibilities and powers. It can also refer to different social or economic classes within a society, representing different levels of wealth or privilege.

  3. Charters: Charters are legal documents or grants that establish the rights and privileges of an organization or institution. In the context of government, charters can refer to the legal documents that establish the framework and authority of a county or municipality. These charters often outline the powers and responsibilities of the local government, the structure of the government, and other important provisions. They serve as the foundation for the governance and administration of a particular jurisdiction.

Overall, "County, Classes, and Charters" are broad concepts that relate to the organization, governance, and administration of local areas within a state or country.


The counties located in Arizona are:

  1. Apache County
  2. Cochise County
  3. Coconino County
  4. Gila County
  5. Graham County
  6. Greenlee County
  7. La Paz County
  8. Maricopa County
  9. Mohave County
  10. Navajo County
  11. Pima County
  12. Pinal County
  13. Santa Cruz County
  14. Yavapai County
  15. Yuma County

These are the 15 counties in Arizona. Each county has its own government structure and provides various services to its residents.

III.C. Incorporation of Municipal Areas

The incorporation of a municipal area refers to the process of formally establishing a ​municipality, which is a local governing body that has the authority to make decisions and provide services within a specified geographic area. This process usually involves the creation of a ​municipal charter, which outlines the powers, responsibilities, and boundaries of the municipality. Once incorporated, the municipality can levy ​taxes, create ​local ordinances, and provide services such as ​water and sewer, road maintenance, and public safety. Incorporation is typically done to provide local governance and representation for residents within a specific area.

III.D. Charters Tribal Sovereignty and Governance

"​Charters Tribal Sovereignty and Governance" refers to the establishment and recognition of the rights and autonomy of ​tribal nations or ​indigenous communities.

Sovereignty is the inherent right of tribes to govern themselves, make decisions, and maintain their cultural identity and way of life. Tribal sovereignty is recognized and protected by the ​U.S. government through legal agreements such as ​treaties and legislation.

Charters are documents that outline the framework and principles of governance for tribal nations. They define the powers, responsibilities, and structures of tribal governments, including the roles of tribal leadership, procedures for decision-making, and the relationships between the tribal government and its members. Charters are often developed and adopted by tribal communities as a means to exercise their sovereign authority and establish a system of governance that reflects their unique cultural and historical circumstances.

In summary, "Charters Tribal Sovereignty and Governance" pertains to the legal recognition and establishment of the rights of indigenous tribes to self-govern and determine their own political, social, and cultural affairs through the development of governing charters.

IIIE. Tribal Law and Social Issues

Tribal law addresses social issues in a variety of ways:

  1. Sovereignty and Government-to-Government Relations: Tribal Nations are distinct political entities whose inherent sovereignty predates the United States. This sovereignty is reflected in their government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government1.

  2. Federal Trust Responsibility: The United States has a unique trust responsibility to protect and support Tribal Nations and their citizens through treaties, statutes, and historical relations1.
                     2.1 - U.S. Reaches Agreement With Victims of Doctor Who Abused Native American Patients

     

  3. Healthcare and Education: Federal agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and the Indian Health Service (IHS) provide direct services or funding to federally recognized Tribal Nations and their citizens1However, these agencies face challenges in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their tribal programs1.
                      3.1 - How The Wall Street Journal and FRONTLINE Uncovered a Pedophile Doctor’s Past PBS Frontline

  4. Violence Against Native Women: In the United States, violence against indigenous women has reached unprecedented levels on tribal lands and in Alaska Native villages2.
                        4.1 - Will the Violence Against Women Act Close a Tribal Justice “Loophole”? - PBS Frontline
                        4.2 -  For Tribes, Prosecuting Non-Native Abusers Still a ChallengePBS Frontline

  5. Environmental Protection: Indigenous land rights, environmental protection, and human rights are interconnected issues in most indigenous cultures2.

  6. Human Rights: Indigenous peoples around the world have been marginalized and subject to unjust and discriminatory legal systems of states2.

  7. Land Rights: When indigenous peoples are deprived of their ties to the earth and their ways of life, they suffer2.

  8. Law Reform: Changing the unjust and unworkable legal framework applied to Native tribes is at the core of work in the United States2.

These are just a few examples of how tribal law addresses social issues. The specifics can vary greatly between different tribes due to their unique histories, cultures, and legal statuses34.

1. Sovereignty and Government-to-Government Relations

Tribal Nations are distinct political entities whose inherent sovereignty predates the United States. This sovereignty is reflected in their government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government.

2. Federal Trust Responsibility

The United States has a unique trust responsibility to protect and support Tribal Nations and their citizens through treaties, statutes, and historical relations.

3. Healthcare and Education

Federal agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and the Indian Health Service (IHS) provide direct services or funding to federally recognized Tribal Nations and their citizens. However, these agencies face challenges in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their tribal programs.

4, Violence Against Native Women

In the United States, violence against indigenous women has reached unprecedented levels on tribal lands and in Alaska Native villages. 

Assignment - Using the links below locate an article of interest and summarize it on a MS Word document and cite it using APA citation style and send it to your professor in Canvas.

5. Environmental Protection

6. Human Rights

7. Land Rights

8. Law Reform