Arizona state law is bicameral, with a Senate and a House of Representatives. Each senator and representative is elected for a two-year term. There is a limitation of four consecutive terms. After serving four terms, they must be removed from office for one term before they can be re-elected to that position. There are certain qualifications to become a legislator. Candidates for the state Senate or House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state for three years and living in the county for one year before the election. A legislator's job in Arizona is part-time, due to the limited length of the regular session. Their salaries, currently $24,000 a year, are set by public vote. There are several special exemptions and privileges enjoyed by legislators when the legislature is in session. The first is that they can only be arrested in cases of felony, treason or breach of the peace. They are also exempt from being prosecuted in civil proceedings during the session or fifteen days before the start of the session. They can also speak freely in the Senate or House, leaving them safe from civil suits for defamation or slander. They are, however, expected to follow the rules of each chamber and are subject to punishment for disorderly conduct, or may be removed from chambers if deemed necessary. How the legislature is organized is very important to the actual law-making process. Seniority is not important at the state level, but the distribution of power between majority and minority parties is. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and is chosen by the vote of the entire House. In reality, it is the m...... middle of paper ......n is a common memorial, which is an official statement of the state's position on an issue not within its competence , or a request for action. to a federal government agency or official. The final action is the simple memorial, which expresses the position of a house. The legislative branch also has duties besides passing laws. They are able to create and fund government offices, approve the appointment of governors, and remove someone from office through impeachment. This gives them an advantage over other branches because, in a system of checks and balances, they have more ability to control. This, combined with the ability to appropriate and tax, makes it the most powerful branch of Arizona state government. Works Cited Gawronski, D. (2002). An introduction to Arizona history and government. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.