1. Georgia State Government

2. Activating Activity
What are the three branches of government and what are their responsibilities?
What is the largest branch of government (based on the number of members) and what organization reigns over it?

3. Georgia’s Constitution
SS8CG1a
Georgia adopted its first state constitution in 1777 just after the Colonies declared themselves free from Great Britain.
Georgia has had 10 State Constitutions
The Current one was created in 1983.

4. Purpose of the Georgia Constitution?
A Constitution is a written plan for how a government is supposed to operate or work…it is a framework for how it is to conduct its job
Both the United States and each individual state has a constitution…

5. Separation of Powers
The Legislative Branch is called the General Assembly.
It is Bicameral with a… -State Senate (56) and a -State House of Representatives (180).
Each member has a 2-year term.
The Legislative branch is the largest branch of government in Georgia.

6. Separation of Powers
The Executive Branch is headed by the Governor who serves a 4-year term.
The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Georgia and the justices are appointed by the governor.

8. Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Government
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With Rights comes Responsibilities… - Voting – Though it is a right, it is also the responsibility of a free citizen. It is the responsibility to research every office and issue you vote for. -Paying Taxes- It is every citizens Duty to pay taxes to the Federal, State, and Local government. -Jury Duty- For our court systems to be fair, you may be called to participate on a jury -Draft- All young men at the age of 18 must register for the draft for military service

9. Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Government
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To vote in Georgia, one must be… -18 years Old -A Citizen of the United States - a Legal resident of the county in which you reside
Voters May join a Political Party, which is a group of voters who have like-minded ideologies.

10. Georgia’s Legislative Branch
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The General Assembly is bi-cameral …The House: with no less than 180 members and The Senate with no more than 56 members

11. Georgia’s Legislative Branch
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The Assembly must meet at least once a year.
According to Georgia’s constitution, they are to convene on the second Monday in January and meet for at least 40 days.
The Governor can call emergency sessions of the Assembly if needed

12. Georgia’s Legislative Branch
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While meeting at the Capital in Atlanta, the Assembly proposes, changes, and discards laws based on:
Regulating people’s behavior
Providing for local government
Allowing the state to raise and spend money
Providing for state services

13. Three Branches of Government

14. Georgia’s Legislative Branch
SS8CGb
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
Georgia’s Senate also is made up of Committees, of which, there are 26.
The Leader of the Senate is called the “President of the Senate” -Georgia’s Lieutenant
Governor is President
of the Senate (Casey Cagle)

15. The Legislative Process
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A potential law (before it is passed) is called a Bill. A Bill goes through several steps before it becomes a law…
Drafting
Introduction
Committee Consideration
Floor Consideration, Then to “other house”
Governor/President Consideration

17. HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

22. A Pocket Veto