1. Unit 8 –Government Lesson 1 – Foundations of Government Study Presentation Georgia Studies

2. Lesson 1 - Foundations of Government ESSENTIAL QUESTION –How does the structure of Georgia’s government ensure that its citizens are fairly represented? –How do political parties serve the purpose of voters with different opinions?

3. Government Democracy – Government where the power is held by the people (who vote for their leaders). Government - Social institution set up to promote and protect society through formal rules and services. Three main levels of government: –Federal – Government for the country (i.e. U.S.). –State – Government that rules over an individual state (i.e. Georgia). –Local – County of city (municipal) governments.

4. GA State Constitution Constitution – A set of laws for a nation or state. The US Constitution established the Federal Government for the United States. The Georgia Constitution established the government for the state of Georgia. Georgia’s Constitution, like the US Constitution, contains a preamble (introduction) and a Bill of Rights (a section containing a list of rights and government limits). The Georgia Constitution created a government similar to the US Federal Government. Both have three branches (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) and contain the systems of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.

5. GA State Constitution Separation of Powers – Each of the three branches of government have different jobs: –Legislative – Makes the rules or laws that people must obey. –Executive – Head, or leader, of the government. Enforces the laws. –Judicial – Interprets, or judges, the laws. Checks and Balances – System created to ensure that none of the three branches of government become too powerful, or more powerful than any of the other branches. General Elections are held in November of even numbered years to elect members of our government.

6. Structure of U.S. Government

7. Structure of Georgia Government State Capital Governor’s Mansion State Supreme Court General Assembly GovernorLieutenant Governor Notice the similarities between the structure of the national and state governments.

8. Checks and Balances

9. Rights and Responsibilities Rights – Standard or law that ensures that governments and other institutions protect people’s freedom and treat people equally in society and politics. Responsibility – Knowledge that actions have consequences, and that these consequences effect other people. People living in the US and in GA have certain rights guaranteed to them in the Federal and State Bill of Rights. If people break laws and violate other people’s rights they will face consequences (arrests and court hearings).

10. Voting Requirements Article II of GA’s Constitution lists voting requirements. To register to vote in GA, people must be 18 years old, be a citizen of the United States, and live in the county of GA where they wish to vote. People who have been convicted of certain crimes or who have certain mental disabilities may not be allowed to vote. Every two years Georgians vote for members of the state’s General Assembly. Every four years there are elections to choose the governor and lieutenant governor of the state. Voters registered to vote in GA also vote in national elections for the president, vice president, and members of the US Congress (House of Representatives and Senate). https://my.uscis.gov/prep/test/civics/view

11. Political Parties Political Party – Political organizations that attempt to gain and maintain power by participating in electoral elections. The United States is a two-party system (Democrats and Republicans). In a two- party system two political parties dominate to such an extent that electoral success under the banner of any other party is extremely difficult.

12. Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag "I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.“ Approved: March 28, 1935 Wisdom – good sense; a wise attitude, belief, or course of action Justice - the quality of being just, impartial, or fair; the quality of conforming to law Moderation – avoiding extremes of behavior or expression : observing reasonable limits

13. Georgia State Seal and the Georgia Flag Georgia State SealGeorgia State Flag The current Georgia state flag (adopted in 2004) features the state seal, surrounded by thirteen stars, which represent the original American colonies, placed on the first national flag of the Confederacy.

14. Legislative Branch GA’s Legislative Branch is known as the General Assembly. The General Assembly is bicameral (two houses) – The House of Representatives (with 180 representatives) and the Senate (56 Senators). Senators must be at least 25 years old and citizens of the US. Representatives must be at least 21 years old. Representatives and Senators must be a legal resident of the district they represent and have lived in GA for two years. Most important duties are making GA’s laws and passing GA’s budget.

15. Legislative Branch General Assembly Leadership: –The Lieutenant Governor presides over (leads) Georgia’s Senate –Members of the House of Representatives elect a representative to lead them, known as the Speaker of the House. Examples of powers of the presiding officer: –Determine the order of business –Control debates –Rule out proposed amendments to bills –Enforce rules of procedure for the General Assembly –Control meeting times and recesses –Order a roll call vote on any issue

16. Legislative Process 5 Steps for a Bill to become a Law: –Drafting – Legislators write the text of the bill (proposed law). –Introduction – The bill is introduced to either the Senate or House of Representatives for discussion. –Committee Consideration – The bill is assigned to a committee that studies the bill. The bill may be changed at this time. –Floor Consideration – A vote is called during a regular session. If the bill is passed in one house, it goes to the other house for consideration. –Governor Consideration – Once both houses pass the bill it is sent to the governor. The governor can then sign the bill into law or veto the bill (send it back to the General Assembly to be changed or rewritten). –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFroMQlKiaghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFroMQlKiag

17. Brain Pop https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usg overnmentandlaw/howabillbecomesalaw/https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usg overnmentandlaw/howabillbecomesalaw/

18. Executive Branch GA’s Executive Branch is made up of many different offices and departments. The Executive Branch is the largest of the three branches in Georgia. The governor is the leader of the Executive Branch. The governor and lieutenant governor both have to be at least 30 years old, US citizens for at least 15 years, and a GA resident for at least 6 years. The Governor may run for and serve a second term. There is no limit on number of terms a lieutenant governor may serve. Most important duties of the governor are to serve as the leader of the state’s executive branch, veto legislation put forward by the General Assembly, and appoint people to lead executive offices. Most important duties of the lieutenant governor are to serve as governor if the governor dies or gets too sick to work and also serves as the President of the Senate.

19. Executive Branch In addition to the governor and lieutenant governor, there are a large number of other agencies and leadership officials. Some of these leaders are elected while others are appointed by the Governor or other agency leaders. Examples of Georgia’s Elected Officials: –State Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Labor, Commissioner or Insurance, Public Service Commissioners, Secretary of State, and State School Superintendant. Examples of Appointed Officials, Boards, and Commissions: –Chief Drug Inspector, State Boards of Pardons and Paroles, the Board of Natural Resources, the State Personnel Board, the Board of Human Resources, and the Board of Public Safety.

20. Judicial Branch GA’s Judicial Branch is made up of two main types of courts – Trial Courts and Appellate Courts. Trial Courts – People’s actions are judged to see whether or not they have committed a crime. These judgments are made either by a jury (group of citizens) or simply by a judge. Trial courts oversee two types of cases. In a civil case occurs when a person claims that another person did something wrong to them (example – The People’s Court). A criminal case occurs when a person claims that a crime has been committed against them. Trial Courts are split into 5 Classes – 3 with Jury Trials (Superior, State, and Probate Courts) and 2 with Judge Trials only (Magistrate and Juvenile Courts).

21. Appellate Procedures Appellate Courts – Look over judgments made by trial courts. If someone believes that a mistake was made during their trial they may make an appeal. The appeal goes to an appellate court which decides if the trial court has made a mistake or not. No juries in appellate courts. Makes sure that trials are fair and do not go against Georgia’s Constitution. Georgia has two appellate courts – The Supreme Court (Georgia’s highest court) and the Court of Appeals.

22. Georgia Court System Elected by GA Voters 6 Year Terms Elected by GA Voters 6 Year Terms Elected by GA Voters 4 Year Terms Elected 4 Year Terms Elected 4 Year Terms Appointed by Judges 4 Year Terms Elected 4 Year Terms

23. Adult Justice System – Civil Cases Each court has jurisdiction. Jurisdiction – Geographic and legal range over which a court has control and can pass judgment. Civil Law is used in Civil Cases. A Plaintiff (a person who complains about another person having done something wrong to them) tries to convince a judge that their case has real basis against the Defendant (the person accused of wrong doing). If the Plaintiff wins the Defendant may have to pay money to the Plaintiff.

24. Adult Justice System – Criminal Cases Criminal Law is used in Criminal Cases. In a Criminal Case the government claims that a person or group has committed a crime (breaking the law). The Government is called the Prosecutor and the person accused of breaking the law is called the Defendant. The Prosecutor tries to convince the judge or jury that the Defendant committed a crime. If successful the Defendant can be found guilty and can be punished. Crimes for which the punishment is less than one year in jail are called misdemeanors. Crimes for which the punishment is one year or more are called felonies. The punishment for very serious felonies (such as murder) may be death.

25. Conflict Resolution Many civil cases are settled out of court. The two sides in a conflict often resolve their issues without lawyers or judges. They may negotiate themselves or use a mediator. Mediator – A third person who has no interest in the problem. Helps the two sides in a conflict come to an agreement or resolution.

26. Structure of Georgia Government Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch Carries out the laws.Makes the laws.Evaluates or reviews the laws. Governor: Sonny Perdue (Republican) [Nathan Deal in January] Lieutenant Governor: Casey Cagle (Republican) Also includes the head officials of these departments: Department of Agriculture, Attorney General, GA Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Public Service Commission, Secretary of State, and State School Superintendent. General Assembly House of Representatives: 180 members representing the citizens of Georgia. Senate: 56 members representing the citizens of Georgia. Courts at the state, county and city levels. Supreme Court Juvenile Courts Court of Appeals Superior Courts Probate Courts Magistrate Courts

27. Lesson 5 - Local Governments ESSENTIAL QUESTION –Why do local governments collect and use taxes? –Why are there different forms of local governments?

28. County Governments Local Governments provide services and protections to people who live in particular counties or cities. After the American Revolution, Georgia’s Parishes became counties. Counties serve as ways for people to be represented in state government. Through the sheriff, counties act to protect people. County Governments – Build and maintain roads, control licenses for cars and trucks, run Georgia’s welfare programs, and have court systems. Today, there are 159 counties in Georgia. Each county has a probate court, a magistrate court, and a juvenile court

29. Municipal Governments Georgia has approximately 600 cities and towns, also called municipalities. Municipalities have charters (similar to constitutions) that form and structure the municipality’s government, and define the municipality’s boundaries and powers. Municipal governments elect officials and provide services for cities and towns. Services include police and fire protection, garbage collection and disposal, street and road construction, public housing, public transportation, libraries, electric or gas utility services, and street lighting.

30. Forms of Municipal Government Unlike Georgia’s county governments (which are standard across the state) Municipal governments come in different forms. In all forms residents elect members to a city council (the legislative branch). The forms differ according to the make-up of the executive branch. Forms of Municipal Government: –Weak Mayor-Council – Has a weak mayor. Mayor is elected by the voters, but has no special executive powers (no power to veto, choose committee members, or overriding say in the budget). –Strong Mayor-Council – Has a powerful mayor. Mayor is elected by voters in the city and can veto legislation passed by the city council. The mayor can also choose people to run the city’s services and runs the city’s budget. –Council-Manager – The city has a City Manager (head of the Executive Branch). The City Manager decides who is in charge of city services and runs the city’s budget. In this form, the mayor is a member of the legislative branch like the rest of the city council.

31. Special-Purpose Governments Special-Purpose Districts – Created by city and county governments to accomplish a specific task. The following are some special-purpose governments in GA: –Development Authorities – Create jobs and increase business in specific counties. –Downtown Development Authorities – Maintain and rebuild the downtowns of cities. –Recreation and Parks Authorities – Maintain and develop land for parks and recreation areas in counties. –Housing Authorities – Manage housing options in counties.

32. State Revenue All governments require money. The money that governments bring in is called revenue. There are several ways that the state of Georgia and its local governments raise revenue. Taxes – Required payment to a government by a person or business. Taxes are the largest source of revenue for Georgia. 4 Main Types of Taxes: –Income Tax – Tax on money earned by people or businesses. –Corporate Tax – Flat rate taxes based on the money a company makes in Georgia. Collected only by states, not by local governments. –Sales Tax – Tax levied on most retail goods and services. Collected by state and local governments. –Property Tax – Tax placed on property such as land, homes, cars, boats, and business inventory.

33. Other Revenue Sources and the State Budget There are other types of revenue raised from non-tax revenue sources. The largest non-tax revenue source for Georgia is the state lottery. Other sources include entry fees to state parks, and license fees for driving and hunting. The federal government can also add to state and local funds. Federal money comes in the form of grants and can be used for many things including building airports, preserving historical sites, and improving areas with poor economies. The governor submits a budget (the plan of how the state’s revenue will be spent) to the state legislature. This budget is then modified by legislators. It is then signed by the governor, who can veto items in the budget. The budget can later be changed in spending exceeds the revenue.

34. The Juvenile Court System Juvenile- those not yet considered adults (under 17). Serve 3 main purposes: 1. Protect the well being of the kids. 2. Provide the guidance & control kids need while protecting the interests of the state. 3. Provide care for kids who have been removed from their homes. Juvies must follow the same local, state, & federal laws as adults, but due to their age the punishments for breaking those laws are often less severe.

35. Juvenile Court Process Under 17 you must follow certain rules: Can’t have tobacco or alcohol, can’t hang out in public places, CAN’T be on the streets between 12 & 5 A.M. When juvies are taken into custody the court process starts. 1. They are taken to a juvenile court intake officer who investigates the case, must look at the evidence presented against the juvie to decide whether they can be charged, (if not, the juvie is released into the custody of the legal guardian or stays in jail). 2. The state must hold a probable cause hearing w/ in 72 hrs of deciding to keep the juvie in custody.

36. Ga.’s 7 Deadly Sins There are 7 behaviors that can transfer a juvie’s case to be tried as an adult. The courts will try juvies 13- 17 as adults if they are accused of 1. Murder 2. Rape 3. Armed Robbery 4. Child Molestation 5. Aggravated Sodomy 6. Aggravated Sexual Battery 7. Voluntary Manslaughter

37. Ga.’s 7 Deadly Sins Each of these crimes carries a mandatory 10 yr jail term. If a juvie is found guilty, part of what happens is that they are put in adult prisons instead of being put in a juvenile detention center. Cause they are weaker than adult prisoners, these juvies often find themselves the victims of violent acts in prison.