Georgia State Constitution

Georgia has operated under 10 constitutions. The most current version was adopted in 1983 Basic structure of the Constitution is broken up into 12 sections.

Sections of the Georgia Constitution Preamble: states purpose of the constitution Article I – Bill of Rights: States specific rights guaranteed by the constitution, such as life, liberty, and property. Article II – Voting and Elections: Sets qualifications for voting and rules for elections. Article III – Legislative Branch: Describes structure of and powers given to the General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives)

Sections of the Georgia Constitution Article IV – Constitutional Boards and Commissions: Sets up government bodies such as the Public Service Commission, State Transportation Board, and Board of Pardons and Paroles Article V – Executive Branch: Establishes offices and powers of Governor and Lieutenant governor

Sections of the Georgia Constitution Article VI – Judicial Branch: Establishes state court system Article VII – Taxation and Finance: Authorizes power to tax, and purposes and methods of taxation. Article VIII – Education: Establishes public education system supported by taxes, and Board of Education to over see it.

Sections of the Georgia Constitution Article IX - Counties and Municipal Corporations: Describes powers and structure of county government Article X – Amendments to the constitution: Describes process to amend the constitution. Article XI – Miscellaneous Provisions.

Separation of Powers Each branch depends on one another to work effectively Each branch has separate powers that cannot be taken away by the other two branches. Legislative, Executive, Judicial

Separation of Powers Legislative: General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) Create Laws Executive: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer Enforce Laws Judicial: Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, Municipal Courts Interpret laws

Checks and Balances Having three branches of government makes sure that no one branch can have more power than the others Each branch can check the power of the other two, and make sure that one does not become too powerful

Example of Checks and Balances The General Assembly (legislative branch) may pass a bill, but the Governor (executive branch) may veto, or say no to it The Governor (executive branch) may veto a bill, but the General Assembly (legislative branch) may pass the bill over the veto if they have enough votes The state Supreme Court (judicial branch) can declare laws (legislative branch) unconstitutional.

Citizens Rights The U.S. and Georgia State Constitution have given all citizens basic rights Along with rights (freedoms, privileges) come rules and responsibilities. Rules and laws made by government protect peoples rights. As citizens we all have the responsibility to: Take care of ourselves Respect the tights of others Obey rules and laws

Voting in Georgia Qualifications are: Must be a citizen of the US Must be a legal resident of Georgia and of the county where you wish to vote You must be at least 18 years of age by Election Day A citizen cannot vote if they are serving a sentence for a felony or is declared mentally incompetent.

Elections… The Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s office runs all elections. Every election has a voter registration deadline that is 30 days before the election. Each fall, Georgians vote on various positions, sometimes special elections are held at other times of the year. Presidential elections are held every four years on the first Tuesday of November

Elections… In Georgia, voters use touch screen voting machines at an assigned polling place near their home. On election days polling places are open from 7 – 7 If you don’t want to wait in line to vote, you can: mail an absentee ballot before the election begins Advance Voting: vote the week before the election begins at the voter registration office

Political Parties An organized group of people who control of seek to control a government Play a key role in government and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process Compete against one another in elections to keep or gain control of the government Functions: Recruiting and nominating candidates Educating the electorate about campaign issues Helping candidates win elections Monitoring actions of officeholders