Arizona Statehood and Constitution - Essay Example

?PART ARIZONA HOOD In the Southwestern region of United s, the of Arizona is located whose capital is Phoenix, a metropolitan Arizona achieved the status of state in 1912. This state is noted for its diversity in temperature and climate having hot desert climatic conditions in lower lands and comparatively cooler temperatures in northern highlands. (Heinrichs, 2004, p. 6-9) In this paper I am going to discuss chronological narrative explaining and evaluating all the events that contribute in the formation of Arizona as a state. In the process of investigation, key events from the history are enclosed here, The Pre-territorial Period (10,000B.C. to 1400 A.D) This was the oldest period in the history of Arizona. The earliest inhabitants of this period introduced various cultures and traditions and started living at community level sharing their needs. These earliest people were known as Paleo. In 2000 BC, Cochise culture was developed in Arizona. Those Cochise people introduced agriculture in that area. They used to grow several crops especially corn. In 300 BC, Hohokam people settled in the southern parts of Arizona. They were more developed people and introduced new ways to refined living and civilization. They used to construct irrigation canals, roads and agricultural communities and villages in the region. So, Hohokam along with Anasazi people paved the new ways to success. In 500 A.D. Hohokam people contributed more and more in the creation and establishment of more advanced and extensive irrigation networks. In 700 to 1100 A.D. Pueblo period came to its peak and they flourished in the regions nearby Arizona. They were the pit dwellers and built many elaborated residences in that region. They used more extensive material like stone slabs, bricks, sticks and mud in the building process. Underground chambers were also developed and cotton fiber was introduced first by these inhabitants. Although the status of a state is recently achieved by Arizona but its history goes back to thousands years almost 12,000 years back. EUROPEAN COLONIZATION PERIOD 1) The Spanish Period (1528 to 1821) In the time period 1528- 1536, Spanish colonist steadily began to enter in the region of Arizona via water ways from the coast of current day Texas. They were especially attracted by the deposits of silvers present there. They were quite interested in exploring the regions because of hidden treasures. In 1539, a Spanish colonist Fray Marcos searched out the city of Cibola. His discoveries for silver deposits encouraged more exploration in the region. In 1629, Franciscans were the first Europeans who planned out more missions in various parts of the region including San Xavier, Guevavi and San Miguel. In 1736, Spanish succeeded to explore more deposits and large chunks of silver near Arizonac Camp. With such discoveries, Spanish also accomplished their goals having forts in the region. Tubac Presidio was the first fort established by Spanish community in the region of Arizona. Jesuits were also replaced from key positions by Franciscans. In 1765, Charles III of Spain did a major rearrangement of military on the area extended northward. Franciscans were given the place in mission planning and implementation. It is also obvious from history that during the mid of eighteenth century, the pioneers and Spanish colonist also tried to expand the territory of Arizona towards North. However, they were stopped by some Native American tribes including Apache and Tohono O’ odham. Those tribes also began violating acts on the local villagers of the region. They also launched raids and captured the livestock of the local people. However, as a whole we may conclude that the Spanish Arizona had survived economy. Several small scale silver and gold mining operations were also held in that time period. 2) Mexican Period (1821 to 1848) However, in1821, Mexico gained independence from Spanish Rule. The independence was gained as a result of a long war which had demolished the industry of silver mining and also bankrupted the treasury. The bankruptcy of national treasury caused the cession of various funds sanctioned to peace camps of Apache. Therefore, Apache again raided the land. In 1924, when Apaches raiding was continued, the mountain men of America entered Arizona for trapping beavers. In 1836, Texas announced its independence from Mexican Rue and also claimed the northern Mexican territory. This greatly weakened the power of Mexico which are near to United States. In 1846, United States occupied Texas. U.S troops also occupied the disputed territory and marched into the Mexico finally capturing the Mexico City. Mexican Republic then formed was forced to surrender its northern half to U.S. including Arizona. In 1848, a treaty was signed according to which Mexico ceded to U.S. the annexation of Texas, California and Arizona with U.S. was also agreed upon in this treaty. 3) US Controlled Period: As already mentioned, in 1848, Mexico conceded to United States of America and many other territories including the 70 percent part of Northern Arizona as well. So, in 1850 the whole region declared as New Mexico Territory. Later on the remaining area of the present Arizona was also bought by US leaders. During the civil war of 1861, CSA (Confederate Territory of Arizona) was declared and considered as a precious way to access Pacific Ocean. CSA involved southern parts of New Mexico Territory, Mesilla and Tucson. However, in 1862, troops brought back CSA and returned to New Mexico. But the whole situation created a continuous mess and civil war in CSA. Finally in 1863, United States simple split up the territory of New Mexico and created United States Arizona Territory to bring the disputes an end. This territory later became the statehood of Arizona. Although the civil war created unrest between American settlers and the Native Americans but this chaos lasted in 1886. 4) Statehood/ The Territorial Status In 1863, the state of Arizona was organized as separate state. Fort Whipple was the first capital. Later on several cities were declared as capital of new state. Finally, in 1889, Phoenix was declared as the capital of Arizona. Homestead Act in 1862, Desert Land Act in 1877 and Carey Act in 1894 were the acts that played key role in turning barren lands to settlers for development of the state and her inhabitants. Later on, mining flourished at large scale. In the year 1912, Arizona attained the status of a state in United States. Its constitution was formed with several initiatives like judicial recall and referendum. PART II: ARIZONA CONSTITUTION Impact of the Progressive Movement In Arizona’s constitution, direct democracy system was introduced. This direct democratic approach was a result of progressive ideas and movement which came forward at the end of nineteenth century. Direct democracy, basically, involve the direct participation and involvement of the citizens in governmental affairs. So, the progressive move involved referendum, initiative and the recall method. Citizens’ views and measures were highly considered and recommended prior importance while formulating constitutional document in spite of the opposition involvement via political leadership in the matters of consideration. Three Branches of Arizona’s Government Arizona’s constitution offered three branches of government to keep balance in power sharing. This is the same process as many other civilized nations do. The three branches include, Executive Legislature Judicial Powers and Functions of the three branches Powers Functions Legislative Branch Regulating law making process Formation of laws (Laws are in written form, voted and discussed in Congress) Executive Branch Approved laws Carrying out laws Appointment and expulsion of government members Negotiates plans and treaties Implementation of Laws in various departments performing within the state Judicial Branch Oversees the matters/ cases of dispute and consideration Clarifies the true spirit of constitution Amendment Process of the Arizona’s Constitution US constitution is not flexible one. Any amendment requires great deal of work. It is quite difficult to propose any change in the state constitution. However, each state prescribed its own methods for any type of amendment required. In Article 21 of the constitution of Arizona, there are three methods told for any amendment can be carried out that might be required any time. Commenced Constitutional Revisions: This procedure deals with the ballot system. If any petition is commenced and finally signed by electors equal to fifteen percent of the overall number of votes that have been casted for all the candidates. Constitutional Revision Referred by the Legislature: Any chamber of the legislature of Arizona is always allowed to forward any amendment. However, to make it the part of constitution, majority members of both the chambers are required to approve it. If both chambers approved then the proposed revision goes further. A statewide poll or ballot is offered to people where the amendment gets approval or rejection by popular vote of people. If approved then it becomes the part of written constitutional document. Secretary of State: Secretary of State is also allowed to issue a copy of suggested revision in popular national newspaper. This must be done ninety days prior to election. Later on proposed revisions are required to vote separately. Legislature is also allowed to call a special meeting for vote purpose. Moreover, amendments can be announced and voted in general elections. Constitutional Convention: While going through the amendment procedures in constitution, statewide votes may call conventions. However, in this case legislature is not allowed to ask for the convention. Propose changing are submitted and presented for vote. If the changes are approved by popular vote then it becomes the part of constitution. (The Arizona Constitution Study Guide, 2009). Conclusion: So, all the above mentioned amendment procedures offer great sense of liberty to the people living in the State of Arizona. Although the state offers a framework that is fair and people friendly. Still there are some reservations in the process. When framers give such liberty to people then we may see two extremes. At one end people can meet their demands. They can raise their voices in a productive manner. At the same time the constitution might be highly flexible. Continuous amendments may affect the true spirit of this written document which reflects the vision, ideas and responsibilities of a nation/ state. Last but not the least, progressive framers would, definitely, approve the way this method has been used so far because they are more concerned about the declaration of human rights in spite of the intervention of leaders and politician in the matters of national interests. Sources: 1. Heinrichs, A. (2004). Arizona: Canyons, Deserts, and Plateaus. USA: Compass Point Books. 2. The Period before Written History. ARIZONA CHRONOLOGY. Retrieved August 10, 2011, from http://www.azgovernor.gov/kids/documents/chronology.pdf 3. Arizona Early History. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2011, from http://www.e-referencedesk.com/resources/state-early-history/arizona.html 4. The Arizona Constitution Study Guide (10th ed). (2009). Harvard. MA: Academic Solutions, Inc. ISBN- 13: Read More