The Executive Branch of State Government Class Presentation

Georgia Performance Standard SS8CG3 The student will analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of the governor and lieutenant governor. b. Describe the organization of the executive branch, with emphasis on major policy areas of state programs; include education, human resources, public safety, transportation, economic development, and natural resources. c. Evaluate how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws.

Essential Question: 1. What is the role of the Executive Branch in Georgia State Government?

Branches of Government

Executive Branch: Levels of Government 1.Federal (Top) 2.State (Middle) 3.Local (Bottom) President of the United States State Governor Chairman of the County Board of Commissioners Mayor, City Manager

The Governor Nathan Deal

The Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle

Introduction (Adapted from the GA DoE) The executive branch is the largest branch of Georgia’s government. The governor is the highest position of the executive branch and is primarily responsible for enforcing the law. After completing this standard you will be able to explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of the governor and lieutenant governor. In addition, you will be able to describe the organization of the executive branch and how the branch fulfills its duties to administer programs and enforce laws.

Organization of the Executive Branch Due to the 236 members of the General Assembly, students often think that the legislative branch is the largest branch of the state’s government. However, due to the fact that so many state agencies and departments fall under its jurisdiction, the executive branch is the largest branch. Other than the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, there are elected officers who are part of the executive branch as well, including the secretary of state, the attorney general, the state superintendent of schools, the commissioner of insurance, the commissioner of agriculture, and the commissioner of labor.

The Governor (Formal Powers) 1. Three types of formal powers: a) Executive Powers- Include the right to appoint state officials and the right to see that civil and criminal laws are enforced. b) Legislative Powers- Include the right to veto a bill (proposed law) and the right to call a special session of the legislature. c) Judicial Powers- Include the right to pardon persons convicted of crimes and the right to appoint state justices. 2. Other formal powers a) Managing the state’s budget b) Directing the Attorney General c) Presenting the annual “State of the State Address” d) Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard and other civil defense units e) Commanding the Georgia Highway Patrol and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)

The Governor (Informal Powers) 1. Informal powers of the governor are a result of tradition and custom. 2. Some of the informal powers include: a) Public communication b) Head of the Party c) Issuing proclamations d) Representative of our state (in meetings with other states) e) Recruiting businesses f) Guiding state agencies

The Governor (Nathan Deal) Georgia State Executive Branch The Lieutenant Governor (Casey Cagle) Must be 30 years old A citizen of the U.S. for 15 years A resident of the State for 6 years Qualifications Must be 30 years old A citizen of the U.S. for 15 years A resident of the State for 6 years Serves 4 year terms Can run for a second term Special rules that govern terms Term Serves 4 year terms No term limits Must win the Primary Election Elected by the citizens by popular vote during the General Election Elections Must win the Primary Election Elected by the citizens by popular vote during the General Election Does not have to be from the same political party as the governor Chief Executive Officer Enforce Civil & Criminal Laws Can veto (reject) laws Can sign bills into law Appoints State Officials and Judges Can “line-item veto” parts of the State Budget Duties President of the Senate Decides who serves on different committees First in the line of gubernatorial succession

Qualifications Governor Must be 30 years old A citizen of the U.S. for 15 years A resident of the State for 6 years Lieutenant Governor Must be 30 years old A citizen of the U.S. for 15 years A resident of the State for 6 years

Term Governor Serves 4 year terms Can run for a second term Special rules that govern terms Lieutenant Governor Serves 4 year terms No term limits

Elections Governor Must win the Primary Election Elected by the citizens by popular vote during the General Election Lieutenant Governor Must win the Primary Election Elected by the citizens by popular vote during the General Election Does not have to be from the same political party as the governor

Duties Governor Chief Executive Officer Enforce Civil & Criminal Laws Can veto (reject) laws Can sign bills into law Appoints State Officials and Judges Can “line-item veto” parts of the State Budget Lieutenant Governor President of the Senate Decides who serves on different committees First in the line of gubernatorial succession

The State Department of Education (Adapted from the GA DoE) Founded in 1870, the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) is responsible for overseeing all facets of public education in the state. According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, its primary purpose is to ensure that “education-related laws are obeyed and that state and federal funds are properly allocated.” The state superintendent of schools reports directly to the Governor. The superintendent is also the chief executive officer of the state’s Board of Education which is made up of 14 members (based on congressional districts). The Department of Education is made up of five offices: Curriculum and Instruction, Finance and Business Operations, Instructional Technology and Media, Policy and External Affairs, and Teacher and Student Support.

The State Department of Human Services (Adapted from Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget) The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for the delivery social services. DHS serves all Georgia citizens through regulatory inspection, direct service and financial assistance programs. AGING SERVICES- The Division of Aging Services administers programs for older Georgians and adults with disabilities. FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES- The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) provides child welfare, economic assistance, and family violence services. Services are provided through a network of offices in all 159 counties, community partners, and contract agencies. CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES- helps children by enforcing parental obligation to pay financial support. RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE- inspects, monitors, licenses, registers, and certifies a variety of child caring programs to ensure that facilities operate at acceptable levels.

The State Department of Natural Resources (Adapted from Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget) Department of Natural Resources provides natural resource development, management, and protection services to Georgia's citizens and local governments. These services include the operation of state parks and historic sites; management and protection of wildlife and coastal resources; enforcement of wildlife, boating safety, and environmental laws; promotion of and assistance with pollution prevention; and protection and management of the state's water, air, and land resources in accordance with various state and federal laws.

The State Department of Public Safety (Adapted from the GA DoE) The Georgia Department of Public Safety was created in 1937 and was established to protect Georgia’s citizens and their property. This department, under the direct supervision of the Governor is made up of several departments. These include the Georgia Highway Patrol, the Capitol Police, and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division.

The State Department of Transportation (Adapted from the GA DoE) The Georgia Department of Transportation plays a role in all four of the major transportation systems in the state. Primarily, the GDOT is responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining Georgia’s roads and highways. However, it also offers financial support and planning to the other three transportation systems. The Department has eight offices throughout the state. One of the department’s most recognized contributions to the state are the yellow Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) trucks that quickly respond to highway accidents and stranded motorists.

The State Department of Economic Development (Adapted from the GA DoE) The Georgia Department of Economic Development is responsible for bringing economic development to the state. According to its website, the department “markets Georgia to the world by encouraging investment and trade and attracting tourists to Georgia.” Interestingly, it also promotes Georgia as a “go-to location for film, music, digital entertainment, and the arts.” Many well known movies have been filmed in Georgia including Forest Gump, The Blind Side, and Zombieland, just to name a few.