SS8CG2: Georgia’s Legislative Branch

Separation of Powers There are three main powers of Government…There are three main powers of Government… –Legislative – Making the Laws –Executive – Enforcing or Carrying out the Laws –Judicial – Interpreting the law and judging criminals according to it. In this lesson, we will look at the Legislative BranchIn this lesson, we will look at the Legislative Branch

Georgia’s Government: Legislative Branch The Legislative branch is the largest branch of government in Georgia. The Legislative Branch is called the General Assembly. It is bicameral, meaning that it has two houses or chambers. These two house are called the… –S–S–S–State Senate (56) –S–S–S–State House of Representatives (180).

Who Gets to be a General assembly member? To be in the State House of Representatives, you must be 21 years old, live in Georgia for 2 years, and live in the district you represent.To be in the State House of Representatives, you must be 21 years old, live in Georgia for 2 years, and live in the district you represent. To be in the State Senate you must be 25 years old, live in Georgia for 2 years, and live in the district you represent.To be in the State Senate you must be 25 years old, live in Georgia for 2 years, and live in the district you represent. SS8CG2a

Assembly member terms Both State Senators and Representatives serve two-year terms.Both State Senators and Representatives serve two-year terms. noThere is no limit to how many terms they can serve. SS8CG2a

When does the general assembly meet? When does the general assembly meet? The Assembly must meet at least once a year at the Capital in Atlanta.The Assembly must meet at least once a year at the Capital in Atlanta. According to Georgia’s constitution, they are to convene on the second Monday in January and meet for at least 40 days.According to Georgia’s constitution, they are to convene on the second Monday in January and meet for at least 40 days. The Governor can call emergency sessions of the Assembly if neededThe Governor can call emergency sessions of the Assembly if needed SS8CG2a

What does the general assembly do? The Assembly proposes, changes, and discards laws based on:The Assembly proposes, changes, and discards laws based on: –Regulating people’s behavior –Providing for local government –Allowing the state to raise and spend money –Providing for state services SS8CG2a

Responsibilities of the General Assembly The Georgia General Assembly’s Responsibilities: The House is responsible for Appropriation Bills which raise taxes or spend money.The House is responsible for Appropriation Bills which raise taxes or spend money. The Senate is responsible for confirming the governor’s choices for appointed positions.The Senate is responsible for confirming the governor’s choices for appointed positions.SS8CG2a

The Georgia General Assembly’s primary duties are to pass laws and to pass the final version of Georgia’s budget. Most of the work done in Georgia’s General Assembly takes place in committees. Responsibilities of the General Assembly: Overall goals SS8CG2b

The House of Representatives has 36 committees. –T–T–T–The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Speaker of the House. –T–T–T–The current Speaker of the House is David Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge. The “Floor Leader” promotes the causes of the Governor. Committees in the General Assembly SS8CG2b

Georgia’s Senate has 26 Committees. –T–T–T–The Leader of the Senate is called the “President of the Senate” –G–G–G–Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate (Casey Cagle) SS8CG2b

Different Types of Committees Standing—are permanent and monitor the work of federal agencies and departmentsStanding—are permanent and monitor the work of federal agencies and departments Interim (Select)—temporary and deal with specific current issuesInterim (Select)—temporary and deal with specific current issues Joint—members of both houses focus on issues of national concernJoint—members of both houses focus on issues of national concern Conference—members of both houses work to develop a compromise version of a bill that both houses supportConference—members of both houses work to develop a compromise version of a bill that both houses support Committees in the General Assembly

How do Committees Create Laws? A potential law (before it is passed) is called a Bill.A potential law (before it is passed) is called a Bill. A Bill goes through several steps before it becomes a law, at both the state and national levels…A Bill goes through several steps before it becomes a law, at both the state and national levels… –Drafting –Introduction –Committee Consideration –Floor Consideration –“Other House” Consideration –Governor (or President) Consideration SS8CG2c

1.Drafting – written by legislators 2.Introduction – By senator or representative to house in which they serve 3.Committee Consideration – studied and changes or improvements are considered (other officials, bill’s author, lobbyists or public may comment) 4.Floor Consideration; “Other House” Consideration – Proposed before each house for a vote 5.Governor consideration – either signed into law or vetoed. If vetoed, a bill must pass with 2/3 vote in BOTH the House and Senate to become a law. Process of creating laws

Comparison: House of Representatives Georgia State Level National Level You must be 25 years old, citizen of the country for 7 years, and live in the state/district you represent.You must be 25 years old, citizen of the country for 7 years, and live in the state/district you represent. House of Representatives (Congressmen) serve two-year terms and the number is based on a state’s population; There are currently 435 members.House of Representatives (Congressmen) serve two-year terms and the number is based on a state’s population; There are currently 435 members. There is no limit on how many terms they can serve.There is no limit on how many terms they can serve. The House of Representatives has 21 committees.The House of Representatives has 21 committees. The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Speaker of the House.The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Speaker of the House. The current Speaker of the House is Paul Ryan. He is third in line for the presidencyThe current Speaker of the House is Paul Ryan. He is third in line for the presidency

Comparison: Senate Georgia State Level National Level You must be 30 years old, citizen of the country for 9 years, and live in the district you represent.You must be 30 years old, citizen of the country for 9 years, and live in the district you represent. Senators serve six-year terms and there are only two senators per state for a total of 100.Senators serve six-year terms and there are only two senators per state for a total of 100. There is no limit to how many terms they can serve.There is no limit to how many terms they can serve. The Senate is made up of 16 Committees.The Senate is made up of 16 Committees. The Leader of the Senate is called the “President of the Senate,” and this role is filled by the Vice-President of the United States.The Leader of the Senate is called the “President of the Senate,” and this role is filled by the Vice-President of the United States. The current President of the Senate and Vice-President of the United States is Joe Biden.The current President of the Senate and Vice-President of the United States is Joe Biden.