Local Government

Essential Questions By the time we finish today’s lesson, you should be able to answer these questions: 1)What are the origins, functions, purposes, and differences of county and city governments in Georgia? 2)What is the difference between a weak mayor- council, strong mayor-council, and council- manager forms of city government? 3)What are the functions of special-purpose governments? 4)How do local governments work with state agencies to administer state programs?

County Government

Georgia has 159 counties, nearly 600 towns – each has a government county: subdivision of a state set up for certain governmental functions Most Georgia counties are run by an elected Board of Commissioners. Most counties are set up in a similar manner.

Sharing Services Some city and county governments share services. Fulton County is home to city of Atlanta. Fulton County and city of Atlanta share zoning duties and library system. Fulton and DeKalb counties share a hospital authority. Fulton County and the City of Atlanta have separate school systems.

Officials in County Government Most counties have the following elected officials: –commissioners, superior court clerk, probate court judge, sheriff, tax commissioner, coroner Many officials are appointed: –county clerk, fire chief, road supervisor, emergency management director, attorney, planning and building inspector, etc. Larger counties have more officials.

City Government Georgia has over 600 cities.

municipality : a city with its own government City receives charter from state legislature. City charter explains what the city government can do... –police protection, maintain streets and sidewalks, license businesses, control traffic, provide water and sewerage Some city charters allow for a city-run school system.

Forms of City Government Mayor-Council: most common in Georgia –elected council, elected mayor –weak-mayor system: mayor has little power, figurehead –strong-mayor system: mayor has power to run the city, propose budget, can veto council Council-Manager –voters elect council members –mayor may be elected or appointed –council hires city manager for day-to-day operations of the city City Commission –voters elect commissioners –commissioners form department heads of the city –mayor chosen by the commissioners

City-County Government Some city and county governments merge when the region becomes more urban can reduce the cost of government Examples: –Athens-Clarke County –Columbus-Muskogee County –Augusta-Richmond County

Special Purpose Districts Created for a specific job or task Within certain guidelines, these districts are self-governing Examples –school districts –MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) –Public Housing Authority –Georgia Ports Authority

Funding Local Government Sources of funding include state and federal grants and taxes on citizens ad valorem taxes: taxes paid based on the value of the property user fees: paid by the user of the service sales tax: added to purchases made in the city or county –general purpose local option sales tax: tax for general use –special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST): approved by voters, adds sales tax to fund special projects such as parks or schools bond issues: a way for governments to borrow money; interest must be paid on the bonds

Where Do Georgia’s Citizens Live?

Georgia is one of fastest-growing states Hispanics are fastest-growing group Georgia’s has an increasing number of older citizens Most Georgians (2/3) live in metropolitan area (area in or around a city) Over 50% of Georgians live in metro Atlanta Just 50 years ago, most Georgians lived in rural areas – Georgians were mostly farmers

Urban Sprawl In 1960s, people began to move to suburbs – areas near edge of cities. Expansion of suburbs created declines in urban population. Large numbers of people in suburbs cause challenges to infrastructure – not enough roads, utilities, schools, sewerage, etc. Sprawl can cause traffic and pollution problems and an economic problem for the central city since the number of residents decline.

Urban Revitalization Effort to attract citizens to live in urban areas Cities need people to work and live there in order to grow and be healthy. Examples: –Atlanta: Sweet Auburn, Little Five Points, Virginia Highlands –Savannah: historic district, Bay Street, Factor’s Walk –Augusta: Riverwalk

Essential Questions Continued… 5) What are the rights and responsibilities of Georgia citizens?

Georgia Citizen Rights and Responsibilities The rights of Georgia citizens are found in Article I of the Georgia state constitution. Rights under the Georgia state constitution are modeled after the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Rights: –Are for all citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, etc. –Should be fair. What are the rights and responsibilities of Georgia citizens?

Georgia Citizen Rights and Responsibilities Wait! Don’t think that the government should only do things for the citizens. The citizens also have responsibilities to the government. Other examples of citizen responsibilities: -- Voting –Jury Duty –Serving in military when required. What are the rights and responsibilities of Georgia citizens?

Election & Voter Requirements You must be 18 years of age or older. Be registered with the Secretary of State’s office by completing an application for voter registration. Be a legal resident of the country, state, county and city in which you vote; legal resident of Georgia. Have not been found to be mentally incompetent by the court. Are not serving a sentence for a felony of moral turpitude. Have a VALID form of identification – such as a voter ID card, driver’s license or state issued ID. What are the requirements to vote in Georgia?

Election & Voter Requirements You must complete a STATE OF GEORGIA APPLICATION FOR VOTER REGISTRATION. You can also register online. You may register any time up to the 5th Monday before election day and vote in that election. How do I register to vote?

Election & Voter Requirements You have options on how to vote: –In person: Vote at your assigned polling place on election day. –Absentee Voting: Vote by mail if you are sick or out of time. –Advanced Voting: Voters can cast a ballot in-person at their county registrar’s office 45 days prior to an election. –Provisional Ballot: Provisional voting allows you to cast a ballot in person even if all the requirements for doing so cannot be met at the time. –You must show a valid form of identification to be able to vote. Examples: Driver’s License or state issued ID card. How can you vote in Georgia?

Election & Voter Requirements Remember, the citizens or voters hold the power by electing officials to represent them and their interests. A general election is held in November in at least every even-numbered year. –This is when national and state officials are elected. –Other elections are held to elect officials or vote for issues, such as an increase in the sales tax. –Run-off elections or specials elections are held when neither candidate receives at least 50% of the vote plus one. What are the election requirements for Georgia?

Voter Scenarios Tammy has just moved to Atlanta from Houston, TX. It is the day before the election and she has decided that she wants to vote in this year’s presidential election. Can she vote in this year’s election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Adam has lived in Conyers for a year and a half and loves getting involved in local politics. He has proof of residency proving that he is a legal resident of Georgia. However, Adam never changed his driver’s license from his home state of New York. The election is next week. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Sam has just been released from prison for robbery – a felony crime. He is not on probation and is anxious to find a job and get on with his life. His friends are encouraging him to vote for Senator Barack Obama for president. Sam is hesitant because he doesn’t know if he is eligible to vote. He not registered to vote. The election is in six weeks. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Tasha just received a speeding ticket in DeKalb county. She’s never been in trouble with the law before and is nervous that this speeding ticket will go on her record. Can she vote in the election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Jake’s 18 th birthday on Friday. The Friday before the election. He really likes Mitt Romney and wants to help him win the presidency. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Renee currently lives in Covington, GA (Newton County), but she is still registered to vote in Cobb County. The election is three weeks away. Can she vote in the election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Tony has suffered from many mental disabilities most of his adult life. He works at the local grocery store and owns his own home. The neighborhood kids even call him the crazy man because he sits on his front porch and whispers to himself. He is registered to vote. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?

Voter Scenarios Dr. Smith is what some call a “mad scientist.” He is a genius in the sciences and has even came close to discovering a cure for cancer. He is a celebrated doctor and scientists. Unfortunately, last year Dr. Smith was committed to a mental institution by a judge due to mental distress he suffered after the death of his cat. Can he vote in the election? Why or why not?