State and Local Governments SSCG17: Student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of state and local government described in the Georgia Constitution.

State constitution Georgia’s government is set up through a constitution or a written plan of government The US has a Constitution and what is not covered in that constitution is covered by Georgia’s constitution Georgia’s constitution is set up with a preamble or beginning. After that, it has several articles The articles address voting, establishing the three branches of government, deal with taxes, education, and outlines the functions of local governments

Georgia’s branches of government Legislative Branch Georgia General Assembly Executive Branch Georgia’s governor Judicial Branch Georgia’s Supreme Court and other state courts

Georgia’s Branches of Government Georgia’s three branches are the legislative branch, which makes the laws, the executive branch, which enforces the laws, and the judicial branch, which interprets the law. These branches have separation of powers, which means that they each have a list of responsibilities that they need to preform. They also have checks and balances, meaning that each branch has limit, or a check, on the other one that keeps one branch from taking over the other two. This ensures that each branch is equal!

Rights and Responsibilities Georgia’s citizens are given many rights and responsibilities. Some of these rights given to Georgians are basic American rights – The right to bear arms, the right to freedom of speech, the right to life, liberty and property. In Georgia, you have these rights – but you also have responsibilities. You cannot violate (or break) the law without punishment You are expected (though not required) to vote You need to pay taxes You might be required to serve in the military

Georgia’s political parties Georgia’s two political parties are: Republican Democratic Today, Georgia’s political ideologies are majority Republican Historically, Georgia’s political ideologies have been majority Democratic from after the Civil War up until the 1980s.

Georgia Voting Requirements To vote in Georgia, you need to be 18 years old You have to vote in the same county you live in Convicted felons are not allowed to vote in the state of Georgia

Georgia’s Legislative Branch

Georgia’s Legislature Qualifications

Organization of the House The house leader is the Speaker of the House This person comes from the majority party (the political party with the most representatives) The speaker assigns members of the House to committees Committees are groups that research issues to determine if laws need to be written Usually most House members are on three committees http://www.house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/HouseMembersList.aspx

Organization of the Senate The leader of the Senate is the Lt. Governor, who serves as the president of the Senate Because the Lt. Governor is elected, he/she may not be of the majority party Assigns members of the Senate to committees to research bills The president pro tempore is the majority leader of the Senate http://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/SenateMembersList.aspx

How does a bill become a law?

Georgia’s Legislative Process The Senate and the House of Representatives are both responsible for creating bills. These bills are researched in committees that senator and house members have been assigned to. Sometimes, the bills die before they reach the Senate/House floor. If the bill “lives” for the vote, however, it is voted on in the chamber that has been researching it. Sometimes changes are made to the bills on the floor Then, the bill moves to the other chamber, where the process begins again The Senate and House have to both agree on the same version of a bill before it is sent to the governor

Georgia’s Legislative Process Initiative- a method where citizens propose a constitutional amendment or new law. GA example: Referendum- a special election. When voters rather than the legislature vote on an issue GA example: SPLOST, Alcohol sales Recall- voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote The state of Georgia does not allow statewide initiatives or referendums.

Georgia’s executive Branch The executive branch of Georgia’s government consist of the governor and lieutenant governor The executive branch also consist of state agencies The executive branch enforces the law in the state through state agencies These agencies make sure that Georgia’s constitution is followed Example: Georgia State Patrol is under the executive branch and makes people follow the law Governor: Nathan Deal Lt. Governor: Casey Cagle

Georgia’s Executive Branch Qualifications

Georgia’s State Agencies The governor is the head of many state agencies. Sometimes, he appoints the heads to these agencies, other times these people are elected. Some of these major areas are: Education – The governor oversees education in the state of GA and funding for public schools. Human Resources – This consist of the Department of Labor and also deals with the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. The human resource department handles state employee payments/benefits. Public Safety – The governor is the head of the Georgia State Patrol, and organization that ensures public safety.

Georgia’s state Agencies Transportation – The governor can oversee highway/railroad development projects, and is in charge of the Georgia Department of Transportation Economic Development – The governor works to bring in new business to Georgia. He/she meets with business leaders and promotes industries (such as the film industry) in our state Natural Resources - Through Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources, the governor ensures that the state’s wildlife, forests, and state parks are protected

Governor appointments The governor appoints some of the heads of these agencies, other heads are elected. Since these agencies fall within the executive branch, it makes this branch the largest in our state and give Georgia’s governor a wide range of power!

Judicial Branch

Georgia’s court System Georgia’s court system has two different types of court: Trial Courts deal with trials – where the law is examined according to the actions of a person. Some trial courts have juries. Trial courts are state court, superior court, probate court, magistrate court, and juvenile courts. Appellate courts deal with appeals – appeals are cases that are looked over to determine if they followed the law correctly (if they are constitutional). There are only two appellate courts in Georgia – the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Judges in Georgia are chosen in different ways. Most of them are elected (in non-partisan elections – meaning they do not run as a Republican or Democrat), although other judges choose juvenile court judges

Georgia’s Justice System In the adult justice system, all adults are given the right to a fair trial under the law and due process of law The crime you commit (felony or misdemeanor can depend on the court you are sent to and sentenced in Felony: law provides for imprisonment for longer than a year Misdemeanor: punishable by a fine or incarceration in a local jail

Georgia’s Justice System Superior Court is the highest court in the state of Georgia, while regular state courts deal with more minor crimes Jurisdiction also applies. Jurisdiction in the area the law can cover Example: the Georgia Supreme Court does not have South Carolina in its jurisdiction. Some courts cover certain counties and districts

Georgia’s Current Supreme Court Justices http://www.gasupreme.us/court- information/biographies/

Georgia’s Court System The job of the court system in Georgia is to make sure that the laws are interpreted correctly All court cases can be appealed, although the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals may or may not choose to listen to the appeal

Local government

City and county Government City and county governments are very similar! Both provide services to people within their jurisdiction (the area they cover) Both city and county governments function differently Counties are headed up by commissioners, and cities are governed by either a mayor, or a city council, or a city manager

Forms of City Governments County –normally the largest territorial and political subdivision of the state. Began in the south where the population was more sparse than in the north. In the metropolitan areas, the county government has been growing more powerful. In most counties, a county board has both executive and legislative powers. Board officials are usually elected by voters Township – exist in less than half the state, and their powers and duties vary from state to state.

Forms of City governments Municipality – is an urban unit of government that has legal rights granted to it by the state. May be formed when people in a community ask the state legislature to permit their community to incorporate Special District – a unit of local government that deals with specific function such as education and transportation

Special Purpose Government Also known as a special-purpose district Part of the government that is self-sufficient and preforms a certain, special purpose Example: MARTA is an Atlanta special-purpose district. School systems are special purpose districtics too!

State and Local Governments Local governments ALWAYS have to work with the state to make sure laws are enforced. Example: School systems have to work with the state to make sure they meet state guidelines Police departments have to make sure that state laws are followed/updated The local government follows state/national rules at all times

State Government Gaining Revenue State constitutions limit state taxing powers, as does the U.S. Constitution Most state government have some type of sales tax, which accounts for half of the local tax revenue of state governments Most states also have individual income taxes and corporate income taxes, which account for more than 30% of all state tax revenue States today raise large amounts of revenue from state lotteries. Remember they make money off of the purchase of the ticket and the sales tax that must be paid!

Local Government Gaining Revenue Local governments finance services by levying taxes Example: Property tax Revenue sources for local governments include local income tax, sales taxes, fines and fee, government-owned business, bonds and state grants

Four Types of Municipal governments Council-Manager – City council oversees the general administration, makes policy, sets budget. Appoints a professional city manager to carry out day-to-day administrative operations. Often the mayor is chosen form among the council on a rotating basis. Mayor-Council – Mayor is elected separately from the council, is often full-time and paid, with significant administrative and budgetary authority. Depending on the municipal charter, the mayor could have weak or strong power. Council is elected and maintains legislative powers. Some cities appoint a professional manager who maintains limited administrative authority.

Four types of municipal governments Commission – voters elect individual commissioners to a small governing board. Each commissioner is responsible for one specific aspect, such as fire, police, public works, health, finance, etc. One commissioner is designated as chairman or mayor, who resides over meetings. The commission has both legislative and executive functions. Town Meeting – all voters meet to decide basic policy and elect officials to carry out those policies.

Powers of the State Government Set the standards for educational achievement. Set the standards for marriage laws. Licenses doctors and dentist, regulates the sale of medicines, and requires vaccinations for school admission. State agencies proved programs for public welfare, health and human services. With federal assistance, states help people with special needs. With Medicaid assistance, states help low-income people pay medical bills.

Powers of the Local Government Local school districts provide money and make most of the decisions regarding the operation of public schools. Local governments use zoning to regulate the way land and buildings are used. Police and fire protection are paid by the local budget. Make vital decisions regarding road maintenance, water service, and sewage disposal and treatment. Offer important services to citizens who have special needs and provide recreation and cultural programs for their residents.

Henry county Population: 221,768 (July 2016) Land Area: 322.13 Square Miles County Seat: McDonough Governed by: Board of Commissioners Mayor: Billy Copland Fun Facts: Geranium City, named after Patrick Henry who is famous for saying, “Give me liberty, or give me death,” during the Revolutionary War

Locust Grove Population: 5,790 (2015) Land Area: 2.2 Square Miles Mayor: Robert Price Fun Facts: Named from a beautiful grove of locust trees that could be seen throughout the town. Served as a major rail distribution center for cotton, peaches, and other farm products.

Georgia Capital: Atlanta State Bird: Brown Thrasher State Flower: Cherokee Rose Colony: 13th British Colony and 4th state to join the Union Nickname: Peach state Population: 10,310,371 (July 2016)