Arizona Government

Executive Branch

Janice K. Brewer is the 22^nd governor of Arizona. Governor Brewer took the oath of office as Governor of Arizona on January 21, 2009, upon the resignation of then-Governor Janet Napolitano. She was again sworn in on January 3, 2011 after winning the election in November, 2010.

Governor Brewer has seen Arizona grow and prosper—and she knows as the state goes through its economic peaks and valleys, it always emerges stronger.

To lessen the economic swings, she knows Arizona needs to take decisive action to diversify its economy with higher paying jobs and a reformed education system. 

Legislative Branch

The Kids and the Capitol video series is offers a great introduction to civic leadership to audiences of all ages.

The Arizona State Legislature is a bicameral body with 30 members in the Senate and 60 members in the House of Representatives. Each district is served by one Senator and two House members. See member list.

Judicial Branch

In 1912, the Arizona Legislature established superior, juvenile and justice of the peace courts. In 1913, municipal courts were established  by the State Legislature for each of the state’s incorporated cities and towns. Today's court system has three levels.

The second Pinal County Courthouse was built in Florence in 1890–91. Until 2003, it remained the oldest public building still in use.

Municipal Courts

Limited jurisdiction courts are justice and municipal (city) courts. These courts have jurisdiction over a limited variety of cases, and permanent records of court proceedings are not required.

Superior Court

The general jurisdiction court is the Superior Court of Arizona, a statewide trial court. This court hears the widest variety of cases and keeps permanent records of court proceedings.

Appellate Courts

The state appellate courts have jurisdiction to review trials and decisions appealed to them. Most appeals come from the superior court, except those which go directly to the Supreme Court.