Georgia State Government

Activating Activity What are the three branches of government and what are their responsibilities? What is the largest branch of government (based on the number of members) and what organization reigns over it?

Georgia’s Constitution SS8CG1a 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 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 SS8CG1c 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. 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 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

Three Branches of Government

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)

The Legislative Process SS8CG2 c A potential law (before it is passed) is called a Bill. A Bill goes through several steps before it becomes a law… Drafting Introduction Committee Consideration Floor Consideration, Then to “other house” Governor/President Consideration

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otbml6WIQPo

A Pocket Veto