Understanding the Arizona Constitution [Paperback]

Toni McClory (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0816520968 | ISBN-13: 978-0816520961 | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

An authoritative guide to Arizona government— written in plain language!
How do laws make their way through the state legislature?
What are the specific powers of the governor?
How do the courts make public policy?
Can citizens change the constitution? A leading lawyer and college educator who was an assistant attorney general through six governors, Toni McClory has written a definitive guide to Arizona government that is as comprehensive as it is easy to understand. It provides a thorough explanation of the state's constitution and shows the impact that its unique features have had on the everyday operation of the state's political system. Thoroughly up to date and clearly written, this book belongs on every Arizonan's shelf. Much of the information it contains is based on original research compiled by the author from primary sources and draws on her direct experience with government processes, officials, and events. • For concerned citizens, it offers topics of special interest to voters—including facts about initiatives and referenda and a chapter on local government—and contains references to online government resources.
• For lawyers and business people, it makes available a brief yet sophisticated synopsis of state government along with a wealth of citations and supporting detail.
• For students and teachers, it offers an exceptionally readable introductory text that relies heavily on primary sources and features "pro and con" passages-examining both sides of important issues-that are designed to stimulate critical thinking. From administrative rules to water law, Understanding the Arizona Constitution is your complete guide to the inner workings of the state. It is an essential reference for today's citizens and tomorrow's leaders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Tucson-Pima Public Library 'Southwest Book of the Year' for 2001 "More than just a citizen handbook or a college text—although it is both—McClory's thoughtful book highlights the features that make Arizona government unique, while clearly presenting the pros and cons of controversial aspects of our lawmaking and governing process. Marketed as 'an authoritative guide to Arizona government—written in plain language,' this fascinating book lives up to its billing. Every Arizonan should read it, and keep it handy for future reference." —Journal of Arizona History

About the Author

Toni McClory teaches political science at Glendale Community College, before which she practiced law in Arizona for more than eighteen years. She was an assistant attorney general from 1976 to 1991, served a clerkship with the U.S. Court of Appeals, and was a judge pro tem for the Arizona Court of Appeals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816520968
• ISBN-13: 978-0816520961
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,326 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Government     > State & Local Government

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding and Readable Source ..., September 11, 2006

By 

N. Cooley (Gilbert, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding the Arizona Constitution (Paperback)

"Understanding the Arizona Constitution" was an invaluable tool for me as I took an Arizona Constitutional Law class in my 2nd year of law school. The reading for the class consisted of case after case organized by the professor and divided up into different topics relevant to the Arizona Constitution specifically. This book provided a very concise, yet informative background on Arizona's Constitution. It covered the same topics we covered in class and stated principles simply while providing understandable and appropriate anecdotes.

For example, in explaining Arizona's progressive referendum and initiative process, the author discussed the process by which Arizona State University became a university in the mid-1950's. The book also anecdotally explained the recall drive and impeachment of former governor Evan Mecham and the Constitutional implications associated with that process. Summarily, the author explains Arizona's government and its subtle differences between it and the federal government. The author has done a fantastic job in elucidating the intricacies of the Arizona Constitution and, almost more importantly, why those differences exist.

I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who is looking for any reference material preceding an academic study (law school, etc.) of the Arizona Constitution.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely useful and easy to navigate, January 2, 2009

By 

VWgal (Phoenix Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding the Arizona Constitution (Paperback)

This book is written extremely clear and in an easy to read format. I work in an Arizona Government office and the staff of ten share the book when aiding constituents. This book has answers to questions you can't even find on google! Tony McClory, the author, also has updated material located on her website to keep the book up to date with information. This book is a wonderful side book to help you understand and navigate the Arizona Constitution and the Author should be applauded for her outstanding efforts.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Arizona Citizen Should Read This Book, May 10, 2005

By 

Jackson Howa (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding the Arizona Constitution (Paperback)

This book contains a very interesting history of Arizona, and an explanation of the rights of Arizona citizens under the constitution. It clearly explains the often confusing processes of initiative, referendum, and recall and also details the layout and powers of each governmental branch. The whole book is in an easy to understand, conversational tone. If you want more information on something she talks about, she provides endnotes with explanations and sources. Every citizen of Arizona should have a copy of the book to read and consult. The book is concise, interesting, and just long enough to tell you almost everything you want to know about Arizona's government.