Free Arizona Civics Resources
Arizona Government and History Lessons
Explore Arizona’s constitution, branches of government, system of direct democracy, tribal governments, and defining moments in the state’s political history.
Start Here
Connect Arizona to the American constitutional system
Arizona’s government operates within the broader system of American federalism. These resources provide background before students begin the Arizona-specific primers and lessons.
Federalism Curriculum
Review how authority is divided between state and federal governments through the Civic Literacy Curriculum.
Explore systems of governmentIntroduction to Arizona’s Constitution
Learn why state constitutions matter and what makes Arizona’s constitutional system distinctive.
Read the introductory essayArizona Civics Extras
Extend learning with the Arizona Government and History podcast and an Arizona civics Kahoot!
Listen to the podcast Open the Arizona civics Kahoot!Arizona Government Primers
Choose the introduction that fits your learners
The high school and adult primer provides a concise constitutional overview. The elementary primer introduces the same core concepts through student-friendly explanations.
High School and Adult Primer
A concise constitutional overview of Arizona government
Examine the structure of Arizona government, the Declaration of Rights, direct democracy, elections, and the relationship between state and local authority.
- Legislative branch
- Executive branch
- Judicial branch
- Elections
- Direct democracy
- Local government
Elementary Primer
A student-friendly introduction to Arizona government
Introduce students to the state constitution, elected leaders, state laws, voting, tribal governments, the Five Cs, and Arizona’s important symbols.
- State constitution
- Governor
- Legislature
- State courts
- Tribal governments
- State symbols
Read the Elementary Arizona Government Primer
Arizona, like our country, has a government that makes rules and decisions for the state. The United States Constitution gives some responsibilities to the federal government and leaves many other responsibilities to the states.
State Constitution
The Arizona Constitution establishes the state government, assigns responsibilities, and limits what the government may do.
Governor
The governor helps carry out state laws, oversee state agencies, and guide decisions about Arizona’s budget.
State Legislature
Arizona’s Senate and House of Representatives work together to make state laws.
State Courts
Arizona courts resolve legal disagreements and interpret the state constitution and laws.
Voting
Arizonans vote for state leaders and may also vote directly on laws and proposed constitutional amendments.
Tribal Governments
Arizona’s tribal nations govern their communities and provide services such as education and public safety.
State and Local Services
State and local governments support schools, roads, public safety, parks, and other community needs.
The Five Cs
Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate have played important roles in Arizona’s economy and history.
State Symbols
Arizona’s flag, copper star, saguaro cactus, and Grand Canyon represent the state’s geography, history, and identity.
Lesson Library
Arizona government and history lessons
Each lesson includes suggested Arizona History and Social Science Standards for Grade 3 Arizona Studies and high school civics or United States and Arizona history.
Showing all 11 lessons
U.S. and Arizona Constitutions
Compare the purposes, structures, powers, and amendment processes of the federal and state constitutions.
Arizona Declaration of Rights I
Investigate the individual rights protected by Article 2 of the Arizona Constitution.
Arizona Declaration of Rights II
Compare Arizona’s Declaration of Rights with the federal Bill of Rights.
Direct Democracy and Amendments
Explore initiative, referendum, recall, and the process for changing Arizona’s Constitution.
The Arizona Legislative Process
Follow a proposal through the Arizona Legislature and examine how a state bill becomes law.
The Plural Executive
Examine the independently elected officers who share executive authority in Arizona.
Judges and Judicial Selection
Investigate Arizona’s courts and the state’s system for selecting and retaining judges.
Local Government, Education, and Taxation
Consider how state and local governments provide services, fund programs, and oversee education.
Indigenous Arizonans and Tribal Governments
Explore tribal sovereignty, governance, and the role of tribal nations in Arizona.
Statehood and Judicial Recall
Examine Arizona’s path to statehood and the controversy over judicial recall in the original state constitution.
Women’s Suffrage in Arizona
Investigate the campaign for women’s voting rights in Arizona before the Nineteenth Amendment.
Standards Alignment
Arizona History and Social Science Standards
Suggested alignment: These matches identify the standards most directly supported by each resource. The exact standards addressed may vary according to the activities, questions, and assessments selected by the teacher.
Grade 3 Arizona Studies
3.C1.1
Describe civic virtues and democratic principles within government structures, societies, and communities in Arizona.
3.C3.1
Describe the origins, functions, and structure of the Arizona Constitution, local governments, and tribal governments.
3.H1.1
Use a variety of sources to construct a historical narrative exploring Arizona’s cultures, civilizations, and innovations.
3.H3.1
Evaluate how individual rights, freedoms, and responsibilities can vary by community, state, and nation.
3.H3.2
Use primary and secondary sources to analyze changes that have taken place in Arizona.
3.E1.1 and 3.G1.1
Describe industries that shaped Arizona and use maps or graphs to represent the state and its changes over time.
High School Civics and Arizona History
HS.C2.3
Evaluate the evolution of ideals and rights established in historical documents, legislation, executive actions, and court cases.
HS.C2.5
Compare rights guaranteed in the Arizona Constitution with those guaranteed in the United States Constitution.
HS.C2.6
Evaluate the contributions of individuals and groups, including Arizonans, who promoted civic and democratic principles.
HS.C3.2
Analyze the origins, functions, and structures of government at the national, state, local, and tribal levels.
HS.C4.1
Evaluate procedures for government decision-making in all three branches and at multiple levels of government.
HS.C4.2 and HS.C4.3
Evaluate public policies and explain election procedures at the local, state, tribal, and national levels.
Need help using these resources?
The Center for American Civics can help educators identify lessons, supporting materials, and professional learning opportunities.