Maricopa Community Colleges  POS135   20062-99999 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 10/25/05
POS135 20062-99999 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Issues in the Arizona State Legislature
An introduction to contemporary political issues faced by the Arizona state legislature. Prerequisites: None.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
POS135   20062-99999 Issues in the Arizona State Legislature
1. Explain the primary political issues involved during the debate on Arizona statehood. (I, II)
2. Describe the basic powers and functions of the Arizona state legislature. (II)
3. State the titles held by persons holding key legislative positions. (II, VI)
4. Explain the differences between the powers of the Arizona legislature and those possessed by the legislatures of other states. (II, III)
5. Describe the election processes and the terms of office of an Arizona state representative and state senator. (II, IV)
6. Explain the Arizona Clean Elections law. (IV)
7. Describe the purpose and function of a legislative committee. (V)
8. Explain how a bill becomes a law. (V)
9. Explain the roles of legislative staff. (V)
10. List the steps involved in creating the state budget. (V, VI)
11. Describe the governor's role in creating a law. (V, VI)
12. State the different interests of the governor and the legislature. (VI)
13. Describe the role of interest groups in the legislative process. (VII)
14. Explain what interests generally support what political party. (VII, VIII)
15. List the basic political values and philosophy of each of the two political parties in the legislature. (VIII)
16. Explain the politics associated with being the majority and the minority party in the legislature. (VIII)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
POS135   20062-99999 Issues in the Arizona State Legislature
    I. The Arizona State Legislature: History and Culture
      II. Constitutional Powers of the Legislature
        III. The Arizona Legislature within the National Context
          IV. Campaigns, Elections, and the Arizona Clean Elections Law
            V. How a Bill Becomes a Law
              VI. Legislative-Gubernatorial Relations
                VII. Interest Groups
                  VIII. The Political Parties in the Legislature
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