Arizona Politics and Government: The Quest for Autonomy, Democracy, and Development (Politics and Governments of the American States)

Arizona Politics and Government analyzes the development and operation of one of the country’s fastest-growing states. David R. Berman cogently explains the distinctive history and culture of Arizona politics, thoroughly describing the development, structure, and operation of major components of the governing system.

According to Berman, three forces have shaped the history, structure, and present character of Arizona politics: autonomy, the push for democracy, and economic development. Arizonans’ belief in autonomy, derived from the traditional western individualism of settlers, has deeply influenced the role of their government, their views of outsiders, and intergovernmental relations. Concerns about democracy produced several progressive reforms in the early twentieth century, heightened awareness of the dangers of special-interest influence and corruption, and resulted in a long struggle to open the political system. A quest for economic development has been another major force in state politics, becoming especially significant during the last few decades.