Foundations of Government in Georgia

Structure of Georgia’s Constitution Georgia’s first state constitution was adopted in 1777. Georgia’s tenth constitution was approved in 1983. According to Georgia’s constitution, all government originates with the people . What do you think this means? Government gets its authority from the citizens because the citizens choose their representatives and hold them accountable. According to Georgia’s constitution, “Government is instituted for the protection, security , and benefit of the people.” How do voters control the state government? By electing state officials. The current Georgia constitution has 11 articles. The first article has 28 paragraphs that explain the rights of Georgia’s citizens. This is called Georgia’s Bill of Rights. Structure of Georgia’s Constitution

Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances Just like the U.S. Constitution, Georgia’s constitution divides the power and responsibility of government into three branches – legislative, executive, and judicial. Separating government powers creates a limited government. Checks and balances: Each branch of government has some power to control or prevent some actions of the other two branches. This system ensures that no one branch becomes too powerful. Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances

Example of Checks and Balances When the legislative branch (General Assembly) passes a law, the executive branch (governor) can veto it if he/she does not agree with it. The legislative branch can override the veto with 2/3 majority. Once the bill becomes law, the judicial branch (Supreme Court of Georgia) determines if the law is constitutional. If the law is ruled unconstitutional, the law is null and void. Example of Checks and Balances

Checks and Balances Judicial Branch Executive Branch Legislative Branch Determines whether or not laws are constitutional can impeach officials in the executive or judicial branches can veto bills passed by the legislative branch can call special sessions of the legislature can override governor’s veto of bills to make them law Must confirm appointments made by the governor Checks and Balances

Checks and Balances Judicial Branch Executive Branch Legislative Branch Determines whether or not laws are constitutional can impeach officials in the executive or judicial branches can veto bills passed by the legislative branch can call special sessions of the legislature can override governor’s veto of bills to make them law Must confirm appointments made by the governor Checks and Balances

Checks and Balances Judicial Branch Executive Branch Legislative Branch Determines whether or not laws are constitutional can impeach officials in the executive or judicial branches can veto bills passed by the legislative branch can call special sessions of the legislature can override governor’s veto of bills to make them law Must confirm appointments made by the governor Checks and Balances

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the Georgia Constitution are similar. What are the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? Freedom of religion, of speech, of the press and the right to assemble and petition the government. Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Some of the responsibilities of citizens are: Running for office if you choose Voting for candidates for elected office Upholding (obeying) the laws of the state and nation Participating in juries Possibly serving in a branch of the military during wartime Paying taxes Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

Voting Qualifications There are three qualifications to be able to vote in Georgia: You must be 18 years old You must be a citizen of the United States You must be a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which you register Voting Qualifications

Primary elections are held in July or August of even-numbered years to determine the candidate for the Republican and Democratic parties. You do not need to be a member of a party to vote in the primaries. A general election is held in November in at least every even-numbered year. Other elections are held as needed to select public officials at all levels of government: national, state, county, or city. In order to change the constitution, proposed amendments to Georgia’s constitution must be approved by the people of Georgia. Citizens sometimes vote on other laws as well; when a law appears on the ballot for voter approval, it is called a referendum. Elections

Role of Political Parties Political parties are organized groups of people who share common ideals and who seek to influence government policies and decisions by electing their party to government office. The two main political parties in the United States and Georgia are the Republican party and the Democratic party. People who are not a part of these two major parties are usually referred to as independents. Role of Political Parties

Role of Political Parties Third-party candidates (from minor political parties) serve an important role in the democratic process. Minor parties bring attention to specific minority ideas. These ideas can influence the thinking and the principles of party leaders in the two major political groups. In other words, third parties are important because they give more people a way to express their ideas. Role of Political Parties

Role of Political Parties Georgia was controlled by one political party for much of its history. Today, both Democrats and Republicans hold political office in Georgia. Which general statement is true about political parties in Georgia over the past fifty years? A. Georgia has been dominated by three parties. B. Georgia has been dominated by the Republican Party. C. Georgia has changed from a one-party system to a two-party system. D. Georgia has changed from being a two-party system to a one-party system. Role of Political Parties

Role of Political Parties Georgia was controlled by one political party for much of its history. Today, both Democrats and Republicans hold political office in Georgia. Which general statement is true about political parties in Georgia over the past fifty years? A. Georgia has been dominated by three parties. B. Georgia has been dominated by the Republican Party. C. Georgia has changed from a one-party system to a two-party system. D. Georgia has changed from being a two-party system to a one-party system. Role of Political Parties

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag "I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation." The three principles of the Pledge of Allegiance can also be found on the state flag of Georgia. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag

"I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation."