By: Nitashi Arnold LaQuoyia Hayes Georgia On My Mind By: Nitashi Arnold LaQuoyia Hayes

Home Sweet Home Georgia is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. It was the last of the Thirteen Colonies to be established, in 1733. It was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788. It declared its secession from the Union on January 21, 1861 and was one of the original seven Confederate states. It was the last state to be restored to the Union, on July 15, 1870. Georgia is the ninth-largest state in the nation by population, with an estimated 9,685,744 residents as of July 1, 2008.From 2007 to 2008, Georgia had 14 counties among the nation's 100 fastest-growing counties, second only to Texas. Georgia is also known as the Peach State and the Empire State of the South. Atlanta is the capital, and the most populous city.

What is a governor? A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state. In federations, a governor may be the title of each appointed or elected politician who governs a constituent state.

What is a lieutenant governor? A lieutenant governor or is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor - a "second-in-command." In many Commonwealth of Nations states, lieutenant governors are usually deputy heads of state.

Their Roles and Qualifications Lt. Governor Presides over debate in that chamber and oversees the Committee that determines Senate committee membership. Responsible for choosing the chairman of each committee. While he cannot vote or sponsor legislation, he works with advocates in the Senate to introduce the legislation for him. If the Governor is incapacitated temporarily, the Lieutenant Governor exercises the powers of the Governor. If the Governor dies or otherwise can no longer fulfill his duties, the Lieutenant Governor serves the Governor's unexpired term. Governor Chief executive of the state and runs the executive branch of the government. He is the commander-in-chief of the military and is responsible for managing the state budget. Fills vacancies in the state's two Senate seats. In Georgia, the governor has the power to veto legislation from the Georgia General Assembly. The veto, however, can be overturned by two-thirds of both houses in the Assembly: the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, the governor can fill vacancies in both Assembly houses.

Quick Facts on Georgia State Motto: Wisdom, justice, and moderation State Nickname: The Peach State also known as The Empire State of the South State Capital: Atlanta Governor: Sonny Perdue Abbreviation: Ga.2 letter Area: 58,876 square miles Date Entered the Union: Jan. 2, 1788 State #: 4 Flag Meaning: There are 3 stripes (2 red and 1 white) and the coat of arms on a blue field in the upper left corner. There are 13 stars surrounding the state seal that represent Georgia as one of the original colonies. The arch columns of the seal represent the state government branches: legislative, judicial and executive and bear Georgia's motto. A soldier appears with a sword drawn representing defense of the Constitution. The words "In God We Trust" appear under the arch and columns. This new design of the flag was adopted on May 8, 2003. Borders: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia Number of U.S. Representatives: 13 State Motto: Wisdom, justice, and moderation State Flower: Cherokee Rose State Bird: Brown Thrasher State Song: "Georgia on My Mind" State Tree: Live Oak State Mammal: Right Whale State Reptile: Gopher Tortoise State Fish: Largemouth Bass State Amphibian: Green Treefrog State Butterfly: Tiger Swallowtail

Facts continued…. Famous Residents: - James Bowie, soldier - James Brown, singer - James E. Carter, president - Ray Charles, singer - Oliver Hardy, comedian - Harry James, musician - Martin Luther King, Jr, civil rights activist - Gladys Knight, singer - Margaret Mitchell, writer - Otis Redding, singer - Burt Reynolds, actor - Jackie Robinson, baseball player - Joanne Woodward, actress, Agriculture: chicken, cotton, muskmelon, nuts, peaches, peanuts, pecans, tobacco, watermelon, shrimp, crabs, oysters Industries: tourism, lumber, textile, fishing, shipping, transportation, communication Natural Resources: lumber, clay, clay products, granite, marble, talc

Facts continued… Attractions: Stone Mountain, Okefenokee Swamp, Chickamauga Battlefield, Little White House, Etowah Mounds, Ida Cason Gardens, Midway Church, Wren's Nest Largest Cities (in order of size): Atlanta, Augusta-Richmond County, Columbus, Savannah, Athens-Clarke County, Macon, Roswell, Albany, Marietta, Warner Robins