What is the process called for citizens to propose laws or amendments in Arizona?

In Arizona, the process that allows citizens to propose laws or amendments to the state constitution is known as the initiative process. This mechanism empowers voters to directly influence legislation by gathering a set number of signatures to qualify their proposal for the ballot. If successful, the proposed law or amendment is then voted on by the electorate during an election.

This process is an essential aspect of Arizona's participatory democracy, enabling citizens to have a direct hand in shaping their legal framework. The initiative allows grassroots movements and public sentiment to initiate legal changes without requiring the traditional legislative body to first endorse the proposals.

Other options like a referendum involve the legislative body putting a proposed law or amendment to a vote of the people, typically on issues already passed by the legislature. A constitutional assembly, which does not accurately describe a process used in Arizona for citizen-initiated laws, generally refers to a convening for the purpose of drafting or revising a constitution. Meanwhile, a plebiscite usually refers to a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or policy issue, often adopted in other political contexts but not specifically defining the process for proposing laws in Arizona.