1. SS8H12 The student will explain the importance of significant social, economic, and political developments in Georgia since 1970.
a. Evaluate the consequences of the end of the county unit system and reapportionment.
b. Describe the role of Jimmy Carter in Georgia as state senator, governor, president, and past president.
c. Analyze the impact of the rise of the two-party system in Georgia.
d. Evaluate the effect of the 1996 Olympic Games on Georgia.
e. Evaluate the importance of new immigrant communities to the growth and economy of Georgia.

2. County Unit System
Designed to give voting power to rural areas even though most of the population growth was in urban areas
In April 1962, it was ruled unconstitutional which shifted political power from sparsely populated rural areas to the more populated urban areas allowing black populations equal opportunity in electing representatives

3. Reapportionment One-person, one-vote concept
Wesberry v. Sanders – U.S. Supreme Court ruled that legislative districts should depend on population and not county boundary lines
The Georgia General Assembly had to reapportion (redraw) its Congressional voting districts to ensure that the districts were of equal population sizes

4. Jimmy Carter 1962 – Georgia Senate
1970 – Governor – cut executive agencies from 300 to 25, reformed judge selection process, equalized public school funding, expanded special ed. and vocational ed., pre-school and mental health services
1976 – President – national energy policy, major civil service reform, created Dept. of Education, negotiated the 1978 Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, withdrew America from the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow after Russia invaded Afghanistan

5. Rise of the Two-Party System
Shift during 1980s and 1990s
Georgians started electing more and more Republicans to national offices while still electing Democrats to state offices
Sonny Perdue was the first Republican governor since Reconstruction; however, Democrats maintained control of the Georgia General Assembly

6. Georgia Hosts the Olympics
Summer 1996: Atlanta hosted XXVI Olympiad
10,000 athletes from 197 countries
90,000 volunteers in Atlanta and other Georgia cities and locations
Brought international attention to the city and state
July 29, 1996: Bomb in Olympic Park killed one visitor and injured 117
Traffic problems brought much criticism
Too many street vendors and commercialism were other concerns
“Southern hospitality” and athletic competition were noteworthy
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7. 1996 Olympic Games Four major benefits:
1. Millions of dollars spent on world-class competition facilities (stadium, horse park, etc)
2. International recognition
3. Volunteer, educational, and training programs, as well as, thousands of employment opportunities
4. Brought millions of dollars to Georgia

8. Immigrants
Dalton – Carpet industry attracts many immigrants from Mexico and Latin America countries
Hall Co. (Gainesville) – Poultry Industry
South Georgia – Vidalia Onion industry attracts migrant workers
Many ethnic businesses and churches are operated in these areas