The
path to statehood for Arizona was anything but easy. For many years, the people in the New Mexico and
Arizona Territories petitioned Congress seeking admission into the Union. During the late 19th Century
various members of Congress introduced bills in support of Arizona and New Mexico statehood, but none
were approved. Despite widespread concern over Arizona's constitutional provision for the recall of
judges, Congress passed H.J.Res. 14,
"to admit the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union."
On August 15, 1911, President William Howard Taft vetoed the statehood resolution in large part because
Arizona's constitution allowed for the recall of judges, a provision that he stated went against the
need for an independent judiciary.
Immediately
after Taft vetoed the resolution providing for New Mexico and Arizona statehood, Congress passed S.J.Res.
57, admitting the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as states conditioned upon Arizona voters' adoption
of an amendment to the constitution removing the judiciary recall provision. President Taft approved
the resolution on August 21, 1911. On February 14, 1912, Taft signed the proclamation making Arizona
the 48th state, and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the union.
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