1. Comparing Governments: United States and Georgia

2. When the U.S. Constitution was sent around to the 13 states for ratification (approval), there were demands for some amendments.
What are amendments?
Additions or changes
Can you think of a school rule or a state law that needs to be amended?

3. The 10th amendment in the Bill of Rights is an important one:
These demands resulted in 10 amendments, popularly known as the Bill of Rights.
The 10th amendment in the Bill of Rights is an important one:
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
What does this mean??

4. Here are some of the things states do under their “reserved” powers:
This statement means that the states can make and enforce laws on subjects not mentioned in the Constitution.
Here are some of the things states do under their “reserved” powers:
Create local governments
Regulate marriage and divorce
Operate public schools and colleges
Conduct elections
Protect persons and property
Regulate traffic on public roads

5. Over the past 200 years, it has been amended fewer than 30 times!
The U.S. Constitution includes a process for making changes to that document, but it is a very difficult process.
Over the past 200 years, it has been amended fewer than 30 times!
Two-thirds of each house of Congress must propose an amendment and three-fourths of the states must then ratify the proposed amendment for it to become effective.

6. Georgia already had a state government operating under a constitution written in 1777 when the U.S. Constitution was ratified.
This Constitution was short and sketchy and provided for a small government run completely by a one-house legislature.
In 1789, Georgia wrote a new state constitution which was more in line with the new national constitution. It was longer, more detailed, and provided for a larger state government and a bicameral legislature. It also had true sharing of powers among the three branches.

7. Georgia has had 10 constitutions!
Georgia’s constitution eventually became outdated, but the U.S. Constitution did not. Most state constitutions have had to be amended thousands of times and have been replaced in many states several times.
Georgia has had 10 constitutions!
Georgia’s last constitution from 1983 is very similar to the U.S. Constitution and includes a preamble and a Bill of Rights. It is much longer, however, and has more details on the powers of government and limits on power.

8. Comparing Governments: United States and Georgia Worksheet Review

9. Executive, Legislative, and Judicial
The United States and Georgia have three branches of government. Name them.
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial

10. 2) What is the name of the legislative body in the national government?
Congress

11. What is the name of the legislative body in Georgia’s government?
General Assembly

12. Senate and House of Representatives
3) The United States and Georgia have two houses in their legislative bodies. Name them.
Senate and House of Representatives

13. 4) What are the terms of office for U.S. Senators?
6 years
For Georgia Senators?
2 years

14. How long is the term of office for the president and for the governor?
4 years

15. The president and the governor are a part of which branch of government?
Executive

16. Which official is the highest ranking after the president?
Vice-President
Which official is the highest ranking after the governor?
Lt. Governor

17. Which level of government has a branch that is not elected?
U.S., National, or Federal
(All mean the same)
What branch is it?
Judicial
How are officials chosen to serve in that branch?
Supreme Court justices are appointed for life-time terms by the President.

18. Who selects the governor?
The voters

19. Appointments are confirmed by the Senate
Who has to approve appointments made by the president to the judicial branch and within the executive branch?
Appointments are confirmed by the Senate