SS8CG1 Vocabulary Terms
Separation of Powers: the constitutional principle that limits the powers vested in one
person or branch of government
Checks and Balances: a political system that allows one branch of government to veto or
amend the acts of another to prevent one branch from having too much power
Rights of citizens: government protected rights found in the U.S. Bill of Rights and the
Georgia Bill of Rights
Responsibilities of citizens: duties that all citizens have; some are mandatory, such as
paying taxes and serving on juries; others are voluntary, such as voting
Georgia General Assembly: bicameral legislature of Georgia, consisting of the State
Senate and House of Representatives
Governor: elected head of state, serves 4 years and limited to 2 consecutive terms in
office
Georgia Supreme Court: highest judicial authority in the state of Georgia, panel of 7
justices elected by citizens of Georgia to 6 year terms
Georgia State Constitution: the document that outlines the rights, rules, regulations,
and procedures for Georgia's citizens and government
Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments of the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions, containing
a list of individual rights and freedoms
Veto: the power held by the executive branch to reject a law, vetoes can be overturned
Unconstitutional: not allowed by a state or countries constitution
Taxes: money paid by citizens to support the function of local, state, and/or federal
government
Jury: a group of people who are members of the public and are chosen to make a decision
in a legal case
Volunteering: when someone offers a service out of their own free will without the benefit
of payment
Felony: a serious crime that can be punishable by no less than one year in prison
Voting: a way in which citizens choose candidates for political office
Political party: a group of like-minded individuals who share common beliefs and ideas that
work together in hopes of electing their members to political office
Runoff election: an election between candidates that did not receive 50% +1 of the vote
Voting qualifications: required criteria a person must have in order to vote; these include
being 18 years of age and being a citizen of the United States
Polling place: location where people are assigned to vote based on their residence
Precinct: a voting district
Primary election: an election where members of the two major political parties vote for
candidates to represent them in the general elections; however, one does not have to be a
member of a party to vote in a primary
General election: An election where the winning candidates of each party’s primary, along
with third party candidates & independents, run for political office
Special election: an election that is used to present issues to voters or to fill a vacancy
Referendum: a direct vote by the people
Nonpartisan: Not supporting or controlled by any political party
Executive Branch: the branch of government in charge of executing and carrying out the
laws
Legislative Branch: the branch of government that makes the laws
Judicial Branch: the branch of government that interprets the law and administers justice