Georgia Studies SS8CG1

How comfortable are you with the understanding of citizen roles in government? A.) Not at all B.) Somewhat C.) Very

 The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution.  Explain the basic structure of Georgia’s state constitution  Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances  Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens  Explain voting requirements and elections in GA  Explain the role of political parties in government

 Constitutions specify how governments are run  GA’s government operates similarly to the U.S. government in three branches  Legislative Branch = General Assembly (bi-cameral)  Executive Branch = Governor & Lt. Governor  Judicial Branch = Supreme Court and other court systems

 In order to prevent any one person (or group of people) from having too much power our government is based upon the separation of powers  Each branch has a specific responsibility  Executive-carries out the laws  Legislative-makes the laws  Judicial-interprets the laws

 These branches also have ways to “check up” on each other and balance each other out  Executive can veto or approve laws  Legislative can override the governor’s veto  Judicial determines if the laws made by the legislature are constitutional

 Georgia’s constitution states: “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.”

 As a citizen you have rights/responsibilities  Participation in government  Participation in elections  Upholding laws  Defending our nation (all young men are required to register with the selective service when they turn 18)  Serving on a jury  Assisting within your community through service

To register to vote in Georgia:  At least 18 years old  Citizen of the United States  Legal resident of GA  Legal resident of the county in which you register to vote

The chief election official in our state is the secretary of state  Schedules elections  Verifies candidates  Prints ballots  Provide election materials to each county  Verifies results of elections General Elections are held in November in at least each even numbered year

 Political Parties are organized groups of people who share common ideals and seek to influence government policies and decisions by electing members of their party to government offices.

 The two main parties in Georgia are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party (G.O.P.)  People who are not members of these two parties are generally referred to as independents  Other minor political parties exist in our country and state  These parties generally do not have enough influence to win major elections, but the can impact the democratic process

Who makes up the judicial branch of Georgia government? A.) Governor and Lt. Governor B.) Court systems and Supreme Court C.) Lawmakers in the General Assembly