Discuss the impact of the Progressive movement on the creation of the Arizona Constitution, including the declaration of rights, ballot initiatives, and recall of judges. Defend your position with examples from this week’s resources or other readings.
The Progressive Movement had a profound and undeniable impact on the creation of the Arizona Constitution, shaping it into one of the most distinctly "progressive" state constitutions in the United States. Drafted and ratified in 1910, just before Arizona achieved statehood in 1912, the document reflects the era's widespread distrust of concentrated power, a desire for greater popular control over government, and a commitment to social justice. This influence is particularly evident in its extensive Declaration of Rights, robust provisions for direct democracy (ballot initiatives and referenda), and the controversial inclusion of judicial recall.
1. Distrust of Corporate and Political Power: The Progressive Era was characterized by a backlash against powerful trusts, monopolies, and political machines that were seen as corrupting government and exploiting ordinary citizens. This pervasive distrust led Arizona's framers to build in mechanisms to limit governmental and corporate influence.