The Legislative Branch S8CG2 Analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia. a. Explain the qualifications for members of the General Assembly and its role as the lawmaking body of Georgia. b. Describe the purpose of the committee system within the Georgia General Assembly. c. Explain the process for making a law in Georgia. d. Describe how state government is funded and how spending decisions are made.

Key terms Expressed powers -powers stated in the constitution Implied powers – are powers needed to carryout the expressed powers Elastic clause – the clause that stretches Congress’ powers, Article I, section 8 of our constitution Bill – proposed legislation Veto – refusal to sign

Georgia’s Legislative Branch Georgia’s legislature is called the Georgia General Assembly 1789: became bi-cameral (two house) House of Representatives: can write appropriations (spending bills), they must start here Senate: only the Senate can confirm appointments the governor makes to executive offices

Powers of Congress Regulating Commerce Levying and collection taxes Creating laws Issuing Money Issuing copyrights and Patents Regulation of weights and measures (i.e. miles, oz., gallons) Declaring War

Powers of the GA General Assembly Law making for the state Approves the state budget Pass legislation on taxes, education, contracts, real and personal property Create public regulations, which are laws affecting morals, public health, and business regulations

To understand how our state legislative branch runs you also need to understand the federal level of the legislative branch The legislative branch makes laws. All representatives are elected. (The terms vary per office) Congress: 2 yr. for House, 6 years for Senate GA General Assembly: 2 yr term for both House and Senate

Qualifications to run for Georgia’s General Assembly Senate At least 25 years old Citizens of the US Citizens of GA for at least 2 years Legal resident of their district for 1 year House At least 21 years old Citizen of US Citizen of GA for at least 2 years Legal resident of their district for 1 year

What is the purpose of the committee system when making laws? Members of both the House and Senate are organized into Committees to review and proposed new laws Committees: all bills must be reviewed by Committees before they can be brought to a vote by the General Assembly or Congress Different types of committees: Standing Interim Conference joint

Georgia’s legislature Standing Committees (permanent) Ways and Means  Handles taxes Appropriations  Works on the budget Judiciary  State laws and court system

How does a bill become a law?

How a bill becomes a law Idea Senate Committee holds hearings to review bill House Committee holds hearings to review bill Draft is created House floor votes on bill Senate floor votes on bill Sent to Executive branch (governor or president) to be signed or vetoed https://youtu.be/FFroMQlKiag

Funding Georgia’s Government Revenues: sources of income for the state State funds-(taxes) Federal funds Special fees Expenditures: plans for spending the funds Georgia’s budget must be balanced, state constitution requires it

Three types of budget Original budget: the first one created for that year(fiscal year) Amended budget: changes made to balance the budget during the fiscal year Supplementary budget: when additional funds are available 90 % revenue comes from taxes