What makes the Arizona state constitution Progressive?

Answer 1

Of the fifty-two delegates to the Arizona Constitutional Convention held on 12 September 1910, a majority were progressive Democrats. The progressive movement sweeping the nation at this time was at its peak. Many radical (progressive) items were adopted by the Convention. These included the direct primary, the initiative, referendum, and recall, and other items that would ensure that the voting public would have a fundamental say in the actions of the new state government. The final constitution was adopted by the US Congress but, because of the inclusion of the recall of judges in the document, President Taft (conservative) vetoed the bill. Arizona took the recall provision out and Taft signed the bill admitting Arizona. The citizens of Arizona then amended the new Constitution to allow for recall of judges.

Answer 2

At the Arizona Constitutional convention in 1910, there was a decisive progressive maority in the convention that was determined to put many new radical (progressive) ideas into the constitution. The Progressive Movement sweeping the country was at its peak during this time. There was a belief that most governmental power had been in the hands of the few and many delegates to the Arizona convention were determined to defend the rights of the citizens from "big government."