Georgia State Government

USE PAGE 530 and WRITE THE QUESTION WARM-UP 1 Dec 2008 USE PAGE 530 and WRITE THE QUESTION How many Constitutions has Georgia had? - When was the first state Constitution approved? - When was the last Georgia constitution approved? What is the purpose of Georgia government? What is the largest branch of State government and who is the head of it?

Question: What is a Constitution? Answer: A Constitution is a written plan for how a government is supposed to operate or work… Both the United States and Each Individual States has a constitution…

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. The Preamble to the State Constitution reads… “To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice for all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the Citizens and of the family, and to transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty, we the people of Georgia,, relying on the protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution”

Georgia’s Constitution SS8CG1a Georgia’s Constitution states that “All Government, of Right, Originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted for the good of the whole. Public officers are the trustees and servants of the people and are at all times amenable to them.” This means that the Government is founded by Permission of the people, and those officials in government are accountable to serve us and our needs as state citizens. This concept is called “popular sovereignty.”

Separation of Powers SS8CG1b 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 Georgia’s State Government Works similar to the Federal/National Government 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.

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, Justices are elected.

Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Government SS8CG1c Citizens have rights… These Rights are given to you by the U.S. and State Constitutions. Among them are… - Free Speech - Freedom of Religion - Freedom of the Press - Right to keep and bare arms - Right to a speedy, fair, and public trial.

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 issues.

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a Georgia’s Legislative branch is called the General Assembly. It is made up of two houses (bicameral) -The Senate -The House of Representatives. To be in the State House of Representatives, you must be 21 years old, Live in Georgia for 2 years, and live in the district you represent.

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a To be in the State Senate you must be 25 years old, Live in Georgia for 2 years, and live in the district you represent. Both State Senators and Representatives serve two year terms.

Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2b Georgia’s Legislative Branch The Georgia Generally Assembly meets for nearly two months every year beginning in Late January. Their Primary duties are to pass laws and passing 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 The House of Representatives has 36 committees. The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Speaker of the House. The Majority leader represents the Majority Political Party while the Minority leader represents the minority political party. The “Floor Leader” promotes the causes of the Governor

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 The is also a President Pro Tempore of the Senate. This is the leader of the Majority Party.

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 Consideration

WRITE AND ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FROM PAGE 536! WARM-UP WRITE AND ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FROM PAGE 536! 3 December 2008 What does the Tenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution say? - What is something only the State House of representatives can do? - What is something only the State Senate can do? According to Map 51 on that page, which state senate district would you say McDonough is in?

Georgia’s Executive Branch SS8CG3 a Georgia’s Executive Branch is headed up by the Governor. His second in command is called the Lieutenant Governor. (This is sort of like the Vice President)

Georgia’s Executive Branch SS8CG3 a To run for either the Governorship or the Lieutenant Governorship one must be 30 years old, a U.S. Citizen for at least 15 years, and a resident of Georgia for at least 6 years.

Georgia’s Executive Branch SS8CG3 a The Governor can be elected to two-four year terms. The Lt. Governor can serve an unlimited amount of 4-year terms.

More on Georgia’s Executive Branch Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal Powers of the Governor Appoints people to lead executive departments Writes the first draft of the state budget. Has to make a “State of the State” speech every year. Can “Pardon” Criminals.

More on Georgia’s Executive Branch Powers of the Governor Leader of the executive Branch Commander and Chief or Georgia’s military forces. (Georgia National Guard) Veto Legislation Signs bills into law

More on Georgia’s Executive Branch Powers of the Lieutenant Governor Serves as Governor if the current governor dies or is too sick to carry out his duties. As president of the senate, he decides committee memberships and chooses committee chair-persons. Georgia’s Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

More on the Executive Branch! The executive branch is also made up of executive departments. Department of Agriculture, the Insurance Commissioner and Department of Labor all have elected officials elected by the people. Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine

More on the Executive Branch! The Department of Corrections, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation all have officials appointed by the governor.

Executive Departments SS8CG3b,c State Attorney General – This person is the Chief Lawyer for the state. Commissioner of Agriculture – This person is Head of the Agriculture department. He/she helps maintain farmer’s markets, attract Farming-Related businesses to the state and inspects farms and farming related products. Commissioner of Labor – This person is head of the Labor department. They regulate the health and safety of workers and enforce state labor laws.

Executive Departments SS8CG3b,c Commissioner of Insurance – This person regulates the insurance companies and says which ones can operate in Georgia. Public Service Commissioners – These are people who regulate utilities in Georgia, such as phone, cable, electricity and water. Secretary of State – This person’s department maintains official records, supervises elections, appoints examining boards, grants corporate charters, and regulates stocks and bonds in Georgia. State School Superintendant - this is the head of the schools for our state.

State Agencies There are over thirty state Agencies and Boards… SS8CG3b,c There are over thirty state Agencies and Boards… Most of the members of these state agencies are appointed by the Governor or Commissioners of executive departments. Examples of Boards and Agencies are the… -State Board of Pardons and Paroles -the Board of Natural Resources -the State Personnel Board.

The Judicial Branch in Georgia SS8CG4a,b,c,d The Georgia Supreme Court is the Highest State Court in the State of Georgia. There are two types of Courts… -Trial Courts - Appellate courts A Trial Court is where a criminal’s action or a lawsuit may be tried.

The Judicial Branch in Georgia SS8CG4a,b,c,d An Appellate Court is where a previous case is appealed. Jurisdiction = is a term meaning which cases a court can try. This is because of the type of case, and the geographic location. Judges may be appointed, or Chosen in partisan and non-partisan elections

Civil and Criminal Cases A Civil Case is where one person sues another for a claim of having done them wrong. -The person suing is the Plaintiff -The Person getting sued is the defendant Most Civil Cases are settled out of court, and those found guilty never have to go to jail.

Civil and Criminal Cases The Second kind of case is a criminal case. This is where someone accused of breaking the law is put on trial by the law enforcement agencies. The Government’s lawyer is called the prosecutor.

Georgia Court System

Adult Justice System SS8CG4c Persons accused of a crime must goes through these steps… Arrested Arraignment - The Police bring the accused before the judge to tell why he/she has been arrested Grand Jury – This is a group of people who determines if there is enough evidence for the accused to stand trial. Jury trial Sentencing

Checks and Balances SS8CG1b In Both the state and federal governments, there is a concept of “Checks and Balances” This means that each branch of government has some power over another branch of government.

Checks and Balances SS8CG1b For Example… (In the Georgia State Government) -The Executive Branch can Veto bills sent to it by the Legislative branch. It can also appoint court justices when they resign or die. -The Legislative branch Can Impeach officials, It can override a veto, it can confirm those people appointed to office by the governor, and it can propose constitutional changes. -The Judicial branch can rule actions of the governor or Laws made by the general Assembly Unconstitutional

Why does the committee system exist? What is a standing committee? Give 3 examples of one Compare and contrast an Interim Committee, Conference Committee, and a joint committee…

The highest Ranking Court in Georgia is the _________ court. The GA supreme court automatically reviews all cases involving the _________ penalty. The Second Highest Court in Georgia is the... Explain the difference between a Trial Jury and a Grand Jury from page 546.

The highest Ranking Court in Georgia is the _________ court. Give 3 examples of a standing committee? When was the first state Constitution approved? Why does the committee system exist?

General Assembly Lieutenant Governor Separation of Powers Constitution DEFINE THESE WORDS! General Assembly Lieutenant Governor Separation of Powers Constitution

Truancy Juvenile Status Offense Delinquent Act List the steps in the Juvenile Justice Process… For what kinds of crimes can a Child be tried as an adult?

What is the Georgia State Legislative Branch Called? How many People are in the state Senate? State House of Representatives? Who is in charge of the State Executive branch? What is the Highest court in Georgia?

The Juvenile Justice System On any given day, 2,500 children are locked up in Georgia because of Criminal Activity. Juveniles are Citizens under the age of 17 Juveniles have to follow all other Federal, State and Local Laws, but have a special status under the law. A Juvenile’s Status can mean more lenient sentencing, but it also means that you have to obey some laws that adults don’t.

Juvenile Courts exist in every county and have three purposes… SS8CG6 a,b,c,d Juvenile Courts exist in every county and have three purposes… To help protect the well being of Children To make sure that any child coming under the jurisdiction of the court receive the care, protection and control that they need. To provide for children that are removed from their homes.

Types of Offenses There are two types of offenses… A Status Offense is one where the Juvenile commits a crime that is only a crime for a Juvenile. Ex: Truancy, Disobeys Caregivers, Curfew Violations etc.. A Delinquent Act is a crime committed by a child that would also be a crime if an adult did the same thing… Ex: Rape, Murder, Drugs etc. Children can be tried as an adult for serious crimes.

Steps in the Juvenile Justice Process Intake – A juvenile is turned over to an Intake Officer. Detention – When a Juvenile is detained, a probable cause hearing must be held within 72 hours. Formal Hearing – has two parts 1) Adjudicatory Hearing – Actual Trial 2) Dispositional Hearing – Sentencing Phase Sentencing Appeals

Settling Disputes Peacefully SS8CG4d Filing a lawsuit against someone is not always the best way to handle a dispute peacefully. Below are other ways… Mediation – A Neutral third person meets with all sides and helps them settle the dispute. Arbitration – A Neutral Third Person called an arbitrator meets with both sides and the arbitrator makes a legally binding decision Compromise – Each of the disputing parties gives up something to live in peace Negotiation – The Process of giving up an issue with the intention of resolving it. Collaboration - occurs when members of opposing parties meet together to find common ground. Non-Violence – to seek change with peaceful protest

How old do you have to be to serve in the Georgia State House of Representatives? How old do you have to be to serve in the Georgia State Senate? Define Jurisdiction… Define Juvenile…

1) What is the Primary duty of the Georgia General Assembly? 2) Why is the committee system used? 3) Explain the difference between a Status Offense and a Delinquent Act… Give examples of each.

How many People are in the state Senate? How many People are in State House of Representatives? Why is the committee system used? Define Juvenile… What is the legislative branch called in Georgia? The Crime of Skipping school too frequently is called…