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Unit 6 Georgia’s Constitution
Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG1 Describe the foundations of Georgia’s government a. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution (preamble, bill of rights, articles, and amendments) as well as its relationship to the United States Constitution. b. Explain separation of powers and checks and balances among Georgia’s three branches of government. c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens according to the Georgia Constitution. d. List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia. e. Identify wisdom, justice, and moderation as the three principles in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.
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The First Five March 19th, 2018 Agenda Message: Unit 6 Quiz March 23rd (Yes, 23rd ) THIS FRIDAY!!! Unit 6 State and Local Govt.: Unit Test March 31, 2018 Frayer Model Thursday March 22, 2018
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Section 1: Citizens and Government
Essential Question How have the citizens of Georgia organized their government to make sure that all are treated fairly?
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State Motto Georgia’s motto is Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation
Wisdom - applies to the Legislative branch and its making of state laws Justice - applies to the just and fair decisions made by the Judicial branch Moderation - applies to the use of moderation in administering laws by the Executive branch It is located on the state seal
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Governor Eugene Talmadge signed a joint resolution of the General Assembly adopting a pledge of allegiance to the Georgia flag on March 28, 1935. The Georgia flag, at that time, featured three bars - two red and one white - and a vertical field of blue that featured the Georgia state seal. This pledge stated: “I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.”
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Georgia’s Constitution
Georgia’s Constitution is a written set of guidelines for operating the state’s government. It is the highest set of laws for the state. The state has had 10 constitutions. Georgia’s Constitution outlines the following: Structure of government Elections Three branches of government Taxes Public Education Local Government Process for amending (making changes) to the Constitution
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Georgia’s Constitution
Purpose: to protect and benefit the people of Georgia. Contains 11 articles that establish the way the state’s government should be structured and how it operates. Covers: laws and rules that apply to Georgia. Explains: the powers and the functions of the government. First article is the Bill of Rights.
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Structure of the Georgia Constitution
The basic structure of the Georgia state constitution includes the preamble, bill of rights, articles, and amendments, as well as its relationship to the United States Constitution. The preamble is a brief statement that identifies the fundamental purposes and principles for which the Georgia Constitution stands. The bill of rights is found in Article I of the Georgia Constitution. A bill of rights enumerates certain individual liberties and protects those liberties from governmental intrusion, unless there is a sufficiently compelling justification for government action.
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The Articles outline the rights, rules, regulation, and procedures for both citizens and the state’s government.
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Articles of Georgia’s Constitution (no notes)
Georgia has had 10 Constitutions. The current one was adopted in 1983. Bill of Rights Voting and Elections Legislative Branch Constitutional Boards and Commissions Executive Branch Judicial Branch Taxation and Finance Education Counties and Municipal Corporations Amendments to the Constitution Miscellaneous Provisions
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Three Branches of Georgia’s Government
General Assembly / Senate and House of Representatives Legislative: Creates the Laws Executive: Carries out and enforces Laws Judicial: Interprets how the law will apply Each branch: has separate powers to carry out their functions. The division of the powers among the three is known as Separation of Power. Each uses its power to check and balance the actions of the others. Governor/ President Supreme Court
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Checks and Balances Definition-The system that gives each branch of government some ways to keep the other two branches from becoming too powerful. Checks and balances…….. This ensures: that no one branch becomes too powerful.
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The Branches The Legislative branch(General Assembly) can pass laws. The Executive Branch (Governor) can veto bills passed by the Legislature Branch. Legislative Branch (General Assembly) can override officials in the other two branches. The Governor can appoint judges to the Supreme Court, but the General Assembly must approve them. Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) determines if the laws are unconstitutional. STOP 3/19
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Unit 6 Georgia’s Constitution
Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG1 Describe the foundations of Georgia’s government a. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution (preamble, bill of rights, articles, and amendments) as well as its relationship to the United States Constitution. b. Explain separation of powers and checks and balances among Georgia’s three branches of government. c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens according to the Georgia Constitution. d. List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia. e. Identify wisdom, justice, and moderation as the three principles in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.
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Citizen’s Rights The Bill of Rights outlines the basic rights of all citizens including life, liberty, property, and freedom of conscience. Both the US and Georgia Constitution have a Bill of Rights Freedom of Speech Freedom of Religion Trial by Jury
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Fourth Branch This additional branch focuses on Georgia’s citizens and their roles. The roles of the citizens are: Voting: Must be 18 years old or older Paying Taxes: Helps to fund & run the government Being a good citizen: Obey laws & volunteer in your community
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Citizen’s Responsibilities
Includes paying taxes, serving on juries and volunteering...also…. Voting: Must be a citizen of U.S. and a legal resident of Georgia. Must be 18 or older. Can not be serving time for a felony or ruled mentally incompetent.
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Role of Political Parties
America’s political system is often called a “two party system”. Two major parties (Republican & Democratic) with many smaller parties. The role of political parties is for groups of people who share similar ideas to have a chance to work together to elect their members to political office.
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Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Government
SS8CG1 Voters May join a Political Party, which is a group of voters who have like minded issues. STOP
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The Georgia Constitution contains many similarities as well as differences to the U. S. Constitution. Similarities: Each constitution contains a bill of rights. Each adopts the concept of separation of power. The legislative branches (the U.S. Congress and the Georgia General Assembly) are bicameral and each calls its two chambers the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both governments allow judicial review (the power of the courts to declare acts unconstitutional. Differences: Georgia’s Constitution is longer in length Georgia voters must approve any amendments to the constitution. Requires that the state maintain a balanced budget. Georgia elects almost all of its judges on non-partisan ballots while the President nominates judges for Senate approval.
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Ticket Out The Door (Don’t forget to put name)
How many Articles are in Ga’s Constitution? What are the 3 branches of Ga’s government? What does the term “separation of power” mean? What does the term “Checks and Balances” mean? - give as many examples as you can of how one branch checks another
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Georgia State Government: Executive Branch,
UNIT 12 Georgia State Government: Executive Branch, Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG3 Analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the qualifications for the governor and lieutenant governor and their role in the executive branch of state government. b. Describe how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws.
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The First Five March 20, 2018 Agenda Message: Unit 6 Frayer Models are due 03/22 at the beginning of class. Today’s Warm-up: How many constitutions has the state of Georgia had since 1777? What is the state’s motto? Why is Georgia’s constitution the highest set of laws for the state?
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Section 2: Citizens and Government
Essential Question What are the 3 branches of government? What are their responsibilities?
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Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
separation of powers: Each branch of government has its own powers limited to its own area of interest. Three branches of government: legislative: makes the laws executive: carries out and enforces the laws judicial: interprets the law and how to apply it checks and balances: A system in which each branch of government has ways to keep the others from becoming too powerful (check), and yet they must work together to govern (balance).
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Checks and Balances
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Georgia State Government: Executive Branch,
UNIT 12 Georgia State Government: Executive Branch, Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG3 Analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the qualifications for the governor and lieutenant governor and their role in the executive branch of state government. b. Describe how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws.
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The First Five March 22, 2018 Agenda Message: Unit 6 Frayer Models are DUE TODAY 03/22. Today’s Warm-up: How many constitutions has the state of Georgia had since 1777? What is the state’s motto? Why is Georgia’s constitution the highest set of laws for the state?
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The Executive Branch (2, 5)
The executive branch is charged with the responsibility to enforce the laws passed by the legislative branch. In order to do so, the state government is comprised of agencies to support the implementation of Georgia law. Because the many state agencies and departments fall under the jurisdiction of the executive branch, the executive branch is the largest branch in the state.
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Executive Branch-Governor of Georgia (4)
Nathan Deal was sworn in as Georgia’s 83rd Governor on January 10, 2011. Qualifications for Governor: 30 years old Resident of Georgia for six years U. S. citizen for 15 years Role = Enforces Georgia’s laws: spokes person for Georgia. Commander-in- Chief of the state’s National Guard and the Georgia State Patrol Term: Four years (no more than 8 consecutive years) Election: Every four years (even numbered years)
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Lieutenant Governor On November 7, 2006, Casey Cagle made Georgia history by becoming the 1st Republican ever elected to the state’s 2nd highest office. He was re-elected as the 11th Lt. Governor on November 2, 2010. Qualifications for Lt . Governor are: Must be a U.S. citizen for 15 years Lived in Georgia for six years 30 years old or older The Lt. Governor of Georgia has no restrictions on the number of times he or she can hold the office. Role = the Lt. Governor's primary job is to serve as President of the Georgia Senate. Takes over as Governor if the Governor dies, resigns, or is impeached.
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Georgia State Executive Branch: Support Officers
Chris Karr Attorney General: State lawyer. advisor to the executive branch, the attorney general’s office deals with contracts and legal concerns for the state. Richard Woods State Superintendent of Education: Oversees Georgia’s public education Brian Kemp Secretary of State: Oversees state elections & official records
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Georgia State Executive Branch: Support Officers
STOP Georgia State Executive Branch: Support Officers Gary Black Commissioner of Agriculture: Oversees farming, crop production, & agribusiness in the state Mark Butler Commissioner of Labor: Oversees employment and Human Resources in the state Ralph Hudgens Commissioner of Insurance: Oversees the insurance industry in the state
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Georgia State Government: Legislative Branch
UNIT 12 Georgia State Government: Legislative Branch Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG2 Analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia. a. Explain the qualifications for members of the General Assembly and its role as the lawmaking body of Georgia. b. Describe the purpose of the committee system within the Georgia General Assembly. c. Explain the process for making a law in Georgia. d. Describe how state government is funded and how spending decisions are made.
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Georgia’s Legislative Branch
The General Assembly’s role is creating state laws. It was established by the Georgia Constitution of 1777. This bicameral (2-houses) legislature is divided into: House of Representatives has 180 members Senate has 56 members. Elected every 2 years. The House of Representatives, is presided over by the Speaker of the House, who is elected by the entire membership. Lt. Governor's primary job is to serve as President of the Georgia Senate
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SENATE MEMBER House of Representatives Qualifications 25 years old • Resident of Georgia for two years Resident of the district for at least one year • U. S. citizen 21 years old Resident of the district for at least one year U. S. citizen Term Two-year term Duties Pass state’s operating budget Enacting laws Redistricting - Every 10 years Vote to place constitutional amendments on the election ballot (2/3 vote) Serving on standing committees Pass state’s operating budget Enacting law
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d. Describe how state government is funded and how spending decisions are made.
In order for the state government to function effectively, the government must generate revenue (money) to operate. Georgia’s government collects tax and non-tax revenues. Tax revenues are generated from the following types of tax sources: Individual income taxes Corporate income taxes General sales taxes Property taxes Non-tax revenues are generated from fees, the state lottery, and settlement funds.
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Georgia’s Legislative Branch
The General Assembly meets for 40 days, beginning the 2nd Monday in January. During this 40-day session, many bills (proposals for laws) are proposed. Some bills are passed into laws by a majority vote from the House of Representatives and the Senate. These laws will: Regulate people’s behavior Provide for local government Allow the state to raise and spend money Provide state services
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Georgia’s Legislative Branch
If the Governor does not support a proposed bill, he or she can veto (reject it). Then, 2/3 majority vote from the House of Representatives and the Senate can override the Governor’s veto (rejection) of a bill.
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SS8CG2 Analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia b
SS8CG2 Analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia b. Describe the purpose of the committee system within the Georgia General Assembly. Most of the work conducted in both houses of the General Assembly is in the committee system. The House of Representatives is comprised of 36 standing committees while the Senate is made up of 26. Each of these committees can, create, amend, change, or kill legislation. There are four types of committees in the General Assembly.
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Committees: cont These are:
•Standing Committees: Permanent committees or those that continue for every legislative session Ad hoc Committees: Committees created for a special purpose Joint Committees: A committee made up of members of the Senate and House Conference Committees: Created when the House and Senate create different versions of a bill. The members of each house must compromise and make one bill for it to become a law.
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The Legislative Process
SS8CG2 c 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 Committee” Other House Floor Conference Committee Governor Consideration If Necessary, vote to Override the veto (If Necessary) (If Necessary)
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Georgia State Government: Local Government,
UNIT 12 Georgia State Government: Local Government, Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG6 Analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia. a. Explain the origins and purposes, of city, county, and special-purpose governments in Georgia. b. Describe how local government is funded and how spending decisions are made.
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City Government. There are over 500 cities and towns in Georgia
City Government. There are over 500 cities and towns in Georgia. Unlike other states, Georgia makes no legal distinction between a city, town, or village. This is because cities and towns are approved and incorporated by the General Assembly. A city or town (municipality) is established by a Municipal Charter, a written document that sets up its governmental structure including the type of government, boundaries, and powers it will have. Some of the services a city may provide include police and fire protection, schools, taxes, and streets and water service. County Government. Counties were created by a rural society that expected government to keep the records straight and to provide swift justice. To help counties administer state programs and conduct state courts, the state constitution originally created four elected county officers: the sheriff, the tax commissioner, the clerk of the superior court, and the judge of the probate court.
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Type of Government Powers of the Mayor Powers of the Council
Weak Mayor Council Mayor may share duties with council Often “figure head” role • Day to day operations • Appoint council committees • Develop cities budget • Confirm and fire department heads Strong Mayor Council • CEO • Day to day operations • Hiring and firing • Administer city’s budget • Make appointments • Veto legislation passed by the city council Adopt ordinances and resolutions • Override Mayor’s veto Council Manager Ceremonial-- actual day to day operations • Set city’s policy. • Hires city manager
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Government Funding Funds from the federal & state governments
Taxes & fees from local residents A. Property Taxes: Taxes paid on the value of land and buildings owned by people. B. Sales Taxes: Taxes paid on purchases & services C. Special Purpose Taxes: Taxes that pay for special projects (build new schools, jails, road, etc.) D. Fees: Fines & penalties, licenses, and permits County commissioners set the policies and ordinances (laws/rules) in counties.
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Local Government Many of the day-to-day services that you use are provided by local government. Examples: Police and Fire Departments, roads, road signs, and traffic lights Local government focuses on the needs of the citizens, and their services are based on available funds (taxes). Voters elect the officials who run county and city governments.
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Ticket Out the Door Who is the current Governor of Georgia?
Who is the current Lieutenant Governor of Georgia? What are the qualifications to serve as the Governor? What are the qualifications to serve as the Lieutenant Governor?
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The First Five March 26, 2018 Agenda Message: Unit 6 Unit 6 Test…Study! Unit 6 B Frayer Model DUE March 30, 2018 Today’s Warm-up: Taylor writes a letter to the editor of her local newspaper, expressing her opinion on proposed legislation. Based on the rights guaranteed by the Georgia constitution, Taylor is exercising her… freedom of conscience. right to keep and bear arms. right to assemble and petition. freedom of speech and of the press.
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Ticket Out the Door What is the name of Georgia’s legislative branch of Government? Who presides over the state House of Representatives? Who presides over the state Senate? Where does the state government meet each year? In which building does the state government meet?
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The First Five November, 2014
Agenda Message: Study for Unit 5 Quiz on Wednesday! Today’s Warm-up: Minimum 1 paragraph Writing Prompt Topic: Why are courts and judges needed in Georgia? Also, what does it mean to be presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law?
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Georgia’s Judicial Branch
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Georgia’s Judicial Branch
Its role is to interpret and apply the laws that the General Assembly creates each year. State courts handle two classes of disputes: Civil: The court helps to settle disputes between two or more parties. Criminal: The state takes legal action against someone who has been arrested for committing a crime (breaking the law).
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Georgia’s Judicial Branch
The Georgia Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and holds certain powers that no other court in Georgia has. These include: interpreting laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly resolving challenges to elections results reviewing cases where the death penalty was sentenced. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, the seven justices on the State Supreme Court are elected to 6 year terms by Georgia voters.
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Georgia Supreme Court Justices
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Georgia’s Judicial Branch
While all courts in the judicial branch play a part in ensuring justice in our legal system, the Supreme Court plays the most important role by interpreting laws enacted by the legislative branch. If the Georgia Supreme Court rules that the law is unconstitutional (not supported by the Georgia or U.S. Constitution) then the law is struck down. The power to interpret laws is one of the checks that the judicial branch has over executive and legislative branches and is a way to protect against “bad” laws and ensure justice for all of Georgia’s citizens.
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Ticket Out the Door What is the role of the Judicial System in Georgia? Which court is the highest in the state? Who appoints the seven justices to the Georgia Supreme Court?
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2nd Period Outline chapter pages 498-507
Give 4 points for very section Complete pages 504 numbers 1 and 3 Complete pages 507 number 1 and 3 Complete pages 508 numbers 5-8 Review questions 1-8
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