1. Constitution and Citizenship

2. How comfortable are you with the understanding of citizen roles in government?
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) Not at all
B.) Somewhat
C.) Very
D.)
E.)

3. Standard: SS8CG1
The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution.
Explain the basic structure of Georgia’s state constitution
Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances
Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
Explain voting requirements and elections in GA
Explain the role of political parties in government

4. GA’s constitutional Structure
Constitutions specify how governments are run
GA’s government operates similarly to the U.S. government in three branches
Legislative Branch = General Assembly (bi-cameral)
Executive Branch = Governor & Lt. Governor
Judicial Branch = Supreme Court and other court systems

5. Separation of powers and checks and balances
In order to prevent any one person (or group of people) from having too much power our government is based upon the separation of powers
Each branch has a specific responsibility
Executive-carries out the laws
Legislative-makes the laws
Judicial-interprets the laws

6. Separation of powers and checks and balances
These branches also have ways to “check up” on each other and balance each other out
Executive can veto or approve laws
Legislative can override the governor’s veto
Judicial determines if the laws made by the legislature are constitutional

7. Rights and responsibilities of citizens
Georgia’s constitution states:
“All government, of right, originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted for the good of the whole. Public officers are the trustees and servants of the people and are at all times amenable to them.”

8. Rights and responsibilities of citizens
As a citizen you have rights/responsibilities
Participation in government
Participation in elections
Upholding laws
Defending our nation (all young men are required to register with the selective service when they turn 18)
Serving on a jury
Assisting within your community through service

9. Voting requirements and elections
To register to vote in Georgia:
At least 18 years old
Citizen of the United States
Legal resident of GA
Legal resident of the county in which you register to vote

10. Voting requirements and elections
The chief election official in our state is the secretary of state
Schedules elections
Verifies candidates
Prints ballots
Provide election materials to each county
Verifies results of elections
General Elections are held in November in at least each even numbered year

11. Role of political parties in government
Political Parties are organized groups of people who share common ideals and seek to influence government policies and decisions by electing members of their party to government offices.

12. Role of political parties in government
The two main parties in Georgia are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party (G.O.P.)
People who are not members of these two parties are generally referred to as independents
Other minor political parties exist in our country and state
These parties generally do not have enough influence to win major elections, but the can impact the democratic process

13. How do the branches of government balance each other out?
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) Checks and Temperances
B.) Checks and Complaints
C.) Checks and Balances
D.)
E.)

14. Which of the following is NOT a right or responsibility of being a citizen?
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) Serving on a jury
B.) Upholding laws
C.) Participation in government
D.) Must join any service at age 18
E.)

15. True or False: The only two political parties allowed in Georgia are the Republicans and the Democrats.
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) True
B.) False
C.)
D.)
E.)

16. To register to vote in Georgia you must be how old?
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) 21
B.) 16
C.) 18
D.) 13
E.)

17. Which branch carries out the laws?
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) Executive
B.) Legislative
C.) Judicial
D.)
E.)

18. Who makes up the judicial branch of Georgia government?
iRespond Question F
Multiple Choice
A.) Governor and Lt. Governor
B.) Court systems and Supreme Court
C.) Lawmakers in the General Assembly
D.)
E.)