Role and Rights of Citizens under the NEW GA Constitution

CG1 The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s Constitution. Citizens should be informed about issues relating to government Register to vote Vote at all elections Join a political party Run for an office if you are interested or concerned about how things are being done

Differentiate the rights and responsibilities of citizens Rights of Citizens Nominating candidates to run for public office Voting for candidates who are nominated Holding public office at the local, state or national level Directing or organizing community affairs Volunteering in the community

Responsibilities of Citizens The most important responsibility citizens have is to vote. By voting, the people have a voice in the government. The people decide who will represent them in the government. Officials can be voted in or out of office. Every person’s vote counts the same as another person’s vote. The government may call upon citizens to serve on a jury. If an individual is chosen for jury duty, he or she must stop work and attend the trial as long as he or she is needed. The members of the jury need to decide the case in as fair a way as they can. Men can be asked to serve in the armed forces. During times of war, any man who is physically able can be called upon to fight for the U.S. In peaceful times, there can be a draft or men and voluntarily. women can enlist.

Explain voting qualifications and elections in Georgia. A Citizen of United States Legal Resident of Georgia and of the County in which you reside At least 18 years of age (by election day)   Also, you may not register to vote if you are currently: Serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony Judicially determined to be mentally incompetent

All citizens are protected under Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances Guarantees citizens a voice in government and prevented development of a monarchy Prevents too much power from being held by a single group Government roles are divided into the three branches of the government No one branch is given all the power

Roles of Each Branch (pg 522) Executive- Enforce the Laws. The President and his cabinet utilizes the FBI, C IA, etc., appoint judges to Supreme Court, veto bills, and enter into treaties with the approval of Congress (*In GA, this is the Governor) Judicial- Rules the law, interprets the Constitution and laws (*There is also a supreme court of GA) Legislative- Creates laws; Expressed Powers- powers specifically given to Congress; Implied Powers- not specifically stated in Constitution but are necessary to carry out expressed powers; Elastic Clause- (stretches the powers of Congress) Statement which derives from the right of Congress to make laws to carry out its powers; Can also override Presidential Veto with 2/3 vote in both houses. (*In GA, this is called the General Assembly)

Checks and Balances Ensures the branches of government work together fairly Each branch has “checks” or “controls” over the other branches The branches are separate, but work together to perform the work of the government

Explain the role of political parties in government. Allows citizens to participate in political process with like-minded people. Combine the efforts of the group to influence politics Party takes a certain side on some issues Work together to pass laws Nominate candidates to run for office Political parties are not a part of the government, but must obey state and federal laws to prevent unfair tactics Currently, the 2 largest parties are the Democratic and Republican

Explain the basic structure of the NEW Georgia state constitution. The structure protects the separation of powers. Preamble Article I – Bill of Rights Article II – Voting and Elections Article III – Legislative Branch Article IV – Constitutional Boards and Commissions Article V – Executive Branch Article VI – Judicial Branch Article VII – Taxation and Finance Article VIII – Education Article IX – Counties and Municipal Corporations Article X – Amendments to the Constitution Article XI – Miscellaneous Provisions

Other Info for Friday’s Test The GA Constitution has been completely rewritten 10 times! The reps at the Constitutional Convention choose to create the Electoral College to select the nation’s President because they were not sure the people had the knowledge to make the best choice! http://www.schooltube.com/video/fa7aa2a72dea3fdc948b/Six-Principles-of-the-US-constitution