State & Local Government Unit 8 Review

What document explains the laws, government offices, and citizens’ rights, and responsibilities in the state of Georgia?

Georgia State Constitution

How many articles are in the Georgia State Constitution?

11

What are the principles of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag?

Wisdom Moderation Justice

How did Georgia leaders separate powers of state government?

3 Branches of Government

Rights for Georgia citizens are modeled after…

The Bill of Rights

What are some of the responsibilities Georgians have to their state?

√ Vote in state elections √ Serve on jury when called √ Serve in the military when required √ Obey the laws of the land

What are the voting requirements for a Georgia citizen?

√ Must be at least 18 years of age √ Must be a citizen of the United States √ Must be a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which he or she registers √ Must have registered to vote five Mondays before the Election Day √ Must not be serving a prison sentence for a felony offense

What methods are used for voting on Election Day?

In person at your assigned voting place or at the county court house.

Who are organized groups of people who share common ideals and seek to elect their members to government offices?

Political Parties

How long is a term of office for state senators and representatives?

2 Years

What is the limit on the number of terms a state senator or representative can serve?

There is no limit.

Describe the duties of the House of Representatives and Senate.

√ Only the House of Representatives can write appropriations (spending) bills. √ Only the Senate can confirm appointments the governor makes to executive offices. √ Either house can propose and pass bills. √ All bills must be approved by both houses before being sent to the governor.

What is the primary purpose of the Legislative Branch?

To make laws

Georgia’s legislature is officially known as what?

General Assembly

How many members are in the Georgia House of Representatives?

180

How many members are in the Georgia State Senate?

56

Who presides over the state senate?

Lieutenant Governor

What day does the state legislative session begin each year?

The Second Monday in January

How many work days does the yearly legislative session last?

40 Days

What must happen to a bill before it can be brought up for a vote in the house and senate?

All bills must be reviewed by a house or senate committee.

Which branch of the state government is the largest?

Executive Branch

How old must a person be to run for the office of governor?

At Least 30 Years Old

What is the citizenship requirement for governor?

A citizen of the United States for at least 15 years

If the governor and the lieutenant governor both die or resign in office, who serves as chief executive until another can be elected?

The Speaker of the House of Representatives

What are the powers of the governor?

ExecutiveLegislativeJudicial --appoint state officials --make sure that civil and criminal laws are enforced --sending requests and messages to the legislature --signing bills into law --veto bills --call special sessions of the legislature --pardon persons convicted of crimes --appoint state justices to fill unexpired terms

Which state position maintains the state farmers’ markets and directs agribusiness programs?

Commissioner of Agriculture

What are the duties of the commissioner of labor?

● Enforce state labor laws ● Maintain statistical data on labor ● Administer unemployment insurance programs

Which state position supervises elections?

Secretary of State

What is the primary function of the state judicial branch?

Interpret the laws of the state

How are positions in the Georgia state courts filled?

Elected by Georgia voters

How many justices serve on the Georgia Supreme Court?

7

Cases are automatically reviewed by the State Supreme Court when they deal with what?

the death penalty

What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?

Civil Cases – disputes between two or more person or groups Criminal Cases – Cases involving violations of the law

What is a felony?

A serious crime such as a murder or burglary punishable by a year or more in prison, a fine of at least $1,000 or both

What is a misdemeanor?

A less serious crime punishable by less than a year in prison, a fine of less than $1,000 or both

What does a grand jury decide?

Whether or not a person accused of a crime should be charged and stand trial for that crime.

What is the term used to describe when a person is taken into custody and charged with a crime?

arrest

What is the court hearing called in which the judge reads the charges against the defendant and the defendant enters a plea?

arraignment

What is the decision of a jury or judge about whether a defendant is guilty as charged called?

verdict

What is the penalty imposed by a court called?

sentence

What are some methods of solving conflicts peacefully?

● working together to find common ground ● discussing the issue with the hope of resolving it ● having a mutual friend talk to both of you together ● listening respectfully to the other person’s point of view ● explaining your point of view in a calm manner

Describe due process.

1) When arrested, you have the right to have a lawyer present during questioning. 2) You have the right to remain silent so as not to incriminate (blame) yourself. 3) You must be given a speedy, public trial before a fair judge and jury.

Who is the main governing authority in almost all of Georgia’s counties?

Board of Commissioners

Describe a strong mayor-council system.

The mayor is a strong leader who proposes legislation, prepares the budget, appoints all department heads, and has veto power.

Describe a weak mayor-council system.

The city council has both legislative and executive powers. The mayor has limited powers, appoints few city officials, and has little veto power. Mayor is primarily a figurehead.

Describe a council- manager system.

The voters elect a city council that establishes laws and policies. There is a mayor who may be elected or named by the council. Council hires a city manager who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city.

Give examples of special purpose governments.

◊ A School System ◊ Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) ◊ Public Housing Authority ◊ Community Fire Departments ◊ Parks & Recreation Authorities ◊ Airport & Port Authorities

What are some activities or services that counties perform on behalf of the state?

■ Counties provide trial courts for the state judicial system and maintain roads that are part of the state highway system and issue automobile tags and collect licensing fees. ■ Counties provide assistance in statewide emergency situations. ■ Counties maintain records and vital statistics on citizens such as property ownership, marriages, births, and deaths and conduct voter registration and state elections.

Who is considered a juvenile in Georgia?

17

What is any act committed by a juvenile that would be considered a crime if it were committed by an adult called?

A Delinquent Act

How do the rights of juveniles compare to the rights of adults?

Juveniles have the same basic rights as adult citizens.

What types of cases will be heard in a juvenile court?

1) Juveniles who commit traffic offenses. 2) Delinquent juveniles (those under 17 who commit acts that would be crimes if committed by an adult) 3) Unruly juveniles (those under 18 who commit acts that would not be crimes if committed by adults 4) Juveniles under the supervision or probation of the court. 5) Deprived juveniles (Children under 18 who are neglected or abused by parents or guardians or those who have no parents or legal guardians) 6) Cases involving children who need mental health services. 7) Proceedings involving judicial consent for marriage, employment, or enlistment in the armed services when such consent is required by law.

Describe the process if a juvenile commits a delinquent act or is accused of unruly behavior.

1) Intake – the juvenile is turned over to a juvenile court intake officer who investigates. 2) Probable Cause Hearing – Within 72 house of deciding to keep a juvenile in custody, the judge will preside over the hearing. 3) Informal Adjustment – The juvenile and his or her parents/guardians must admit that the juvenile committed the offense and agree to certain conditions before he/she may be released. 4) Supervision – The court supervises the juvenile for 90 days to make sure he/she obeys the conditions.

Describe Georgia’s Seven Deadly Sins Act.

Law which permits youths who are charged with certain violent crimes to be treated as adults. This case is tried in a superior court not a juvenile court. There is a mandatory 10 year sentence.