Georgia State Government

Georgia’s Constitution Georgia adopted its first state constitution in 1777 just after the Colonies declared themselves free from Great Britain. Georgia has had 10 State Constitutions The Current one was created in 1983.

Purpose of the Georgia Constitution? A Constitution is a written plan for how a government is supposed to operate or work…it is a framework for how it is to conduct its job Both the United States and each individual state has a constitution…

Separation of Powers SS3CG1 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. It used to be that Kings and other types of Dictatorships would do all three of these powers by themselves. The United States (and Georgia) was one of the few Societies to start a government with these powers separated. Now many nations use this system because it works.

Separation of Powers The Legislative Branch is called the General Assembly. It is Bicameral with a… -State Senate (56) and a -State House of Representatives (180). Each member has a 2-year term. The Legislative branch is the largest branch of government in Georgia.

Separation of Powers The Executive Branch is headed by the Governor who serves a 4-year term. The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Georgia and the justices are appointed by the governor.

Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Government SS3CG1 With Rights comes Responsibilities… - Voting – Though it is a right, it is also the responsibility of a free citizen. It is the responsibility to research every office and issue you vote for. -Paying Taxes- It is every citizens Duty to pay taxes to the Federal, State, and Local government. -Jury Duty- For our court systems to be fair, you may be called to participate on a jury -Draft- All young men at the age of 18 must register for the draft for military service

Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Government SS8CG1 To vote in Georgia, one must be… -18 years Old -A Citizen of the United States - a Legal resident of the county in which you reside Voters May join a Political Party, which is a group of voters who have like-minded ideologies.

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a The General Assembly is bi-cameral …The House: with no less than 180 members and The Senate with no more than 56 members

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a The Assembly must meet at least once a year. The Governor can call emergency sessions of the Assembly if needed

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a While meeting at the Capital in Atlanta, 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

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a The Georgia General Assembly’s Responsibilities: 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.

Three Branches of Government

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2b Georgia’s Legislative Branch The Georgia Generally 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.

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CGb Georgia’s Legislative Branch Georgia’s Senate also is made up of Committees, of which, there are 26. The Leader of the Senate is called the “President of the Senate” -Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate (Casey Cagle)

Georgia’s Executive Branch SS8CG3 a Georgia’s Executive Branch is headed up by the Governor. Nathan Deal

Georgia’s Executive Branch SS8CG3 a The second in command is the Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle

Role in the Defense of the State Governor Deal is in charge of the National Guard for Georgia. He can call them to action at a minute’s notice for natural disasters, for public disorders, like riots, and other national/state emergencies.

Georgia’s Executive Branch Main Duty of the Governor Enforce the laws

Georgia’s Executive Branch Main Powers of the Governor Propose the annual state budget Veto Legislation and signs bills into law Appoints members of the state boards Represents Georgia to the federal government

The Judicial Branch in Georgia SS8CG4a,b,c,d There is no age requirement to be a judge in Georgia; nor, are there any residency requirements. You can serve unlimited terms but you must be elected by the people (inferior courts) The Georgia Supreme Court justices serve for life and are appointed by the governor.

The Judicial Branch in Georgia SS8CG4a,b,c,d The Georgia Supreme Court hears all appeals in Georgia, and their decision can be challenged and overruled by the Federal Supreme Court. There are 7 justices and Carol Hunstein is the Chief Justice.

The Judicial Branch SS8CG4a,b,c,d Appeals Court hear cases from lower courts…reviews the evidence, the proceedings, and decides if the case was handled fairly. Supreme Court hears appeal cases (Georgia hears them all), reviews all death penalty cases, and hears cases involving the interpretation of laws and election issues