Constitutional Government

4 Basic Principles of the Constitution 1) It spells out the powers of government 2) It limits those powers 3) Tells how the government is to be organized 4) Guarantees certain rights to the people

1 st Step in a Plan for Shared Power The national government would be divided into three branches (separation of powers). -Executive -Legislative -Judicial Each branch would have various checks on the other branches to balance power.

2 nd Step in a Plan for Shared Power The national government would share power with the state government, though in some areas the national government is supreme (federalism)

As citizens of the U.S. we are citizens of two (or more) governments at the same time. Powers reserved for the Federal gov’t Coining money Declaring war Establishing rules for citizenship Powers reserved for State gov’ts Authority over child custody Regulate marriage Operate public schools Conduct elections

The U.S. Constitution & Georgia’s State Constitution Compare Have a preamble Have articles that establish 3 branches of government Have a process for amending the constitution Have a Bill of (guaranteed) Rights Contrast GA’s is longer than the U.S. GA’s places more restrictions on government Guarantees additional rights Freedom of conscience Prohibits banishment from the state

A Third Level of Government Local Governments CountiesCities Special Districts

Local governments are not full partners with national and state governments. Their power comes from and may be taken back by the state.