In the context of Arizona governance, who is ultimately vested with the authority of governance?

In the context of Arizona governance, the authority of governance is ultimately vested in the citizens. This principle is rooted in the foundational concept of popular sovereignty, which asserts that the power of government derives from the consent of the governed. In Arizona, as in other states, the citizens have the right to elect their representatives, change laws, and even amend the constitution through initiatives and referendums. This demonstrates that while elected officials, the judiciary, and the executive branch play vital roles in governance, it is the citizens who hold the ultimate authority and responsibility for their government.

Elected officials act on behalf of the citizens but are accountable to them through the electoral process. The judiciary interprets the laws and ensures they align with the constitution, but its authority stems from the framework established by the will of the people. The executive branch administers laws and policies, yet its actions are also guided by the mandates and desires of the citizens they serve. Thus, the role of the citizens as the source of authority is pivotal in maintaining a democratic system of governance in Arizona.