1. Role and Rights of Citizens under the NEW GA Constitution

2. CG1 The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s Constitution.
Citizens should be informed about issues relating to government
Register to vote
Vote at all elections
Join a political party
Run for an office if you are interested or concerned about how things are being done

3. Differentiate the rights and responsibilities of citizens
Rights of Citizens
Nominating candidates to run for public office
Voting for candidates who are nominated
Holding public office at the local, state or national level
Directing or organizing community affairs
Volunteering in the community

4. Responsibilities of Citizens
The most important responsibility citizens have is to vote. By voting, the people have a voice in the government. The people decide who will represent them in the government. Officials can be voted in or out of office. Every person’s vote counts the same as another person’s vote.
The government may call upon citizens to serve on a jury. If an individual is chosen for jury duty, he or she must stop work and attend the trial as long as he or she is needed. The members of the jury need to decide the case in as fair a way as they can.
Men can be asked to serve in the armed forces. During times of war, any man who is physically able can be called upon to fight for the U.S. In peaceful times, there can be a draft or men and voluntarily. women can enlist.

5. Explain voting qualifications and elections in Georgia.
A Citizen of United States
Legal Resident of Georgia and of the County in which you reside
At least 18 years of age (by election day)
Also, you may not register to vote if you are currently:
Serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony
Judicially determined to be mentally incompetent

6. All citizens are protected under Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Guarantees citizens a voice in government and prevented development of a monarchy
Prevents too much power from being held by a single group
Government roles are divided into the three branches of the government
No one branch is given all the power

7. Roles of Each Branch (pg 522)
Executive- Enforce the Laws. The President and his cabinet utilizes the FBI, C IA, etc., appoint judges to Supreme Court, veto bills, and enter into treaties with the approval of Congress (*In GA, this is the Governor)
Judicial- Rules the law, interprets the Constitution and laws (*There is also a supreme court of GA)
Legislative- Creates laws; Expressed Powers- powers specifically given to Congress; Implied Powers- not specifically stated in Constitution but are necessary to carry out expressed powers; Elastic Clause- (stretches the powers of Congress) Statement which derives from the right of Congress to make laws to carry out its powers; Can also override Presidential Veto with 2/3 vote in both houses. (*In GA, this is called the General Assembly)

8. Checks and Balances
Ensures the branches of government work together fairly
Each branch has “checks” or “controls” over the other branches
The branches are separate, but work together to perform the work of the government

10. Explain the role of political parties in government.
Allows citizens to participate in political process with like-minded people.
Combine the efforts of the group to influence politics
Party takes a certain side on some issues
Work together to pass laws
Nominate candidates to run for office
Political parties are not a part of the government, but must obey state and federal laws to prevent unfair tactics
Currently, the 2 largest parties are the Democratic and Republican

11. Explain the basic structure of the NEW Georgia state constitution.
The structure protects the separation of powers.
Preamble
Article I – Bill of Rights
Article II – Voting and Elections
Article III – Legislative Branch
Article IV – Constitutional Boards and Commissions
Article V – Executive Branch
Article VI – Judicial Branch
Article VII – Taxation and Finance
Article VIII – Education
Article IX – Counties and Municipal Corporations
Article X – Amendments to the Constitution
Article XI – Miscellaneous Provisions

12. Other Info for Friday’s Test
The GA Constitution has been completely rewritten 10 times!
The reps at the Constitutional Convention choose to create the Electoral College to select the nation’s President because they were not sure the people had the knowledge to make the best choice!