State and Local Government SSCG17: Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of state and local government described in the Georgia Constitution. a: Examine the structure of local governments with emphasis on counties and cities.

Georgia Constitution The most recent Constitution for the State of Georgia was ratified in 1983 and was a culmination of twenty years of discussion and debate The Constitution of 1983 was the tenth Constitution ratified by Georgia and is reflection of the state’s rich political and social history.

Georgia Constitution There are more than 520 cities and towns in Georgia 159 counties In other states, there are significant differences between cities and towns. In Georgia, the law makes no distinctions between cities, towns, or municipalities. There are often several cities and towns in each county.

Georgia Counties Georgia is unique in that the counties are still the center of politics, even if the cities within the counties are large.

Georgia Counties Counties provide certain state programs, such as: Collecting taxes (property, sales, licenses, etc.) Overseeing elections and voter registration Conducting courts of law Filing official records Maintaining roads Providing for the welfare of citizens (administers welfare and public assistance programs) Sells motor vehicle tags Probates wills

Georgia Counties The 1983 Constitution added supplementary powers to this list of county duties. Counties are now allowed to also provide: police and fire protection garbage and solid waste collection and disposal public health facilities and services, including hospitals, ambulances, emergency rescue, and animal control street and road construction, including curbs, sidewalks, and street lights parks, recreational areas, facilities, and programs storm-water and sewage collection and disposal systems water utilities public housing

Georgia Counties (Public Services Continued) public transportation libraries, archives, and arts/sciences programs and facilities terminal and dock facilities and parking facilities codes, including building, housing, plumbing, and electrical codes air quality control planning and zoning Each county in Georgia has at least one elected representative in the Georgia General Assembly. Even if there are a number of cities and towns in a county, the county seat operates all of those services above.

Georgia Counties (Board of Commissioners) Beginning in 1868, the state began creating the position of county commissioner to administer the general operations of the county. Today every county has a commissioner; many have a Board of Commissioners (BOC). As part of general county operations, the BOC must finance county programs and pay the salaries of constitutional officers. The BOC has the power to adopt ordinances, resolutions, or regulations relating to county property, county affairs, and operation of local government. To help counties administer state programs and conduct state courts, the state constitution originally created four elected county officers:

Georgia Counties (Board of Commissioners) The BOC has the power to adopt ordinances, resolutions, or regulations relating to county property, county affairs, and the operation of local government.

Georgia Counties (County Officers) To help counties administer state programs and conduct state courts, the state constitution originally created four elected county officers: Sheriff: Enforces the law Maintains peace in the county Serves as the jailer (The county police force may supplement the law enforcement ability of the sheriff but does not replace the sheriff). Tax commissioner: Receives all tax returns Maintains the county's tax records Collects and pays tax funds to the state and local governments

Georgia Counties (County Officers) Clerk of the Superior Court: Maintains all the court records Supervises the registration of property transactions Judge of the Probate Court: Broad range of powers, mostly unrelated to criminal matters. Oversees matters pertaining to property deeds Marriage licenses Guardianships Wills Supervises elections Administers public oaths of office.