Georgia
State
Government
Activating Activity
USE PAGES 153 and 499-501
and WRITE THE QUESTION
1. How many Constitutions has Georgia
had?
- When was the first state Constitution
approved?
- When was the last Georgia constitution
approved?
2. What is the purpose of Georgia’s
constitution?
3. What are the three branches of
government and what are their
responsibilities?
4. What is the largest branch of government
(based on the number of members) and
what organization reigns over it?
SS8CG1a
Georgia’s Constitution
• Georgia adopted its first state
constitution in 1777 just after
the Colonies declared
themselves free from Great
Britain.
• Georgia has had 10 State
Constitutions
• The Current one was created in
1983.
Purpose of the Georgia
Constitution?
• A Constitution is a written plan
for how a government is
supposed to operate or work…it
is a framework for how it is to
conduct its job
• Both the United States and each
individual state has a
constitution…
Separation of Powers
There are Three Main powers of
Government…
-Legislative – Making the Laws
-Executive – Enforcing or Carrying out the
Laws
-Judicial – Interpreting the law and judging
criminals according to it.
It used to be that Kings and other types of
Dictatorships would do all three of these
powers by themselves.
The United States (and Georgia) was one of
the few Societies to start a government with
these powers separated.
Now many nations use this system because
it works.
SS8CG1b
•
•
•
•
Separation of
Powers
• The Legislative Branch is called
the General Assembly.
• It is Bicameral with a…
-State Senate (56) and a
-State House of Representatives
(180).
• Each member has a 2-year term.
• The Legislative branch is the
largest branch of government in
Georgia.
Separation of
Powers
• The Executive Branch is
headed by the Governor who
serves a 4-year term.
• The Judicial Branch is
headed by the Supreme
Court of Georgia and the
justices are appointed by the
governor.
Activating Activity
USE PAGES 180-191 and 507
and WRITE THE QUESTION
1. What are some of the basic rights that
the people of America have thanks to
the Bill of Rights?
2. Which amendment was added last to the
US Constitution? When did this take
place?
3. How can the constitution be amended?
4. In exchange for these basic rights which
duties do citizens have in regards to the
government? Explain why each of these
duties are important.
5. What are the voting requirements in
Georgia?
Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s
SS8CG1c
Government
• Citizens have rights… These Rights are
given to you by the U.S. and State
Constitutions. Among them are…
- Free Speech
- Freedom of Religion
- Freedom of the Press
- Right to keep and bare arms
- Right to a speedy, fair, and public trial.
Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s
SS8CG1c
Government
• The last amendment added to the
constitution was in 1992
• Amendment 27: No law, varying the
compensation for the services of the Senators and
Representatives, shall take effect, until an election
of Representatives shall have intervened
Congress cannot give itself a raise unless a
batch of newly elected members has had a
chance to take office and meet.
Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s
Government
Roles of Citizens under
Georgia’s Government
SS8CG1c
• With Rights comes Responsibilities…
- Voting – Though it is a right, it is also the
responsibility of a free citizen. It is the
responsibility to research every office and
issue you vote for.
-Paying Taxes- It is every citizens Duty to
pay taxes to the Federal, State, and Local
government.
-Jury Duty- For our court systems to be fair,
you may be called to participate on a jury
-Draft- All young men at the age of 18 must
register for the draft for military service
Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s
SS8CG1
Government
• To vote in Georgia, one must
be…
-18 years Old
-A Citizen of the United States
- a Legal resident of the county
in which you reside
• Voters May join a Political Party,
which is a group of voters who
have like-minded ideologies.
Activating Activity
USE PAGES 500-501 and
WRITE THE QUESTION
1. The House can have no fewer than how
many members and the Senate can have
no more than how many members?
2. When does the Georgia General
Assembly meet and for how long?
3. While meeting, the Assembly will
propose, change, or discard bills based
on what four things?
4. The House is responsible for what types
of bills? The Senate is responsible for?
5. How do lobbyists influence legislature?
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
SS8CG2 a
• The General Assembly is
bi-cameral …The House:
with no less than 180
members and The Senate
with no more than 56
members
Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a
• The Assembly must meet at
least once a year.
• According to Georgia’s
constitution, they are to
convene on the second Monday
in January and meet for at least
40 days.
• The Governor can call
emergency sessions of the
Assembly if needed
Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a
• While meeting at the Capital in
Atlanta, the Assembly proposes,
changes, and discards laws
based on:
1. Regulating people’s behavior
2. Providing for local government
3. Allowing the state to raise and
spend money
4. Providing for state services
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
SS8CG2 a
The Georgia General Assembly’s
Responsibilities:
• The House is responsible for
Appropriation Bills which raise
taxes or spend money.
• The Senate is responsible for
confirming the governor’s choices
for appointed positions.
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
SS8CG2 a
• Lobbyists work for corporations
• They may not always work for the good
of the people…they work to help their
corporation…
• They can influence Congress to pass
laws that help or protect their
corporation or industry (ex. Oil
companies, tobacco companies)…NOT
the people.
• Lobbyists can cause Congress to vote
or not vote for a law that would help the
people but hurt the corporation or
industry…
Why doesn’t Congress pass
a law outlawing lobbyists?
Three Branches of Government
LEVEL
FEDERAL BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
GEORGIA BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
impeachment
process
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
impeachment
process
Executive
Branch
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
defense of
the Nation
Age and
Residency
Requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
defense of
the State
Judicial
Branch
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
How
are
they
chosen?
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
appeals
process
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
How
are
they
chosen?
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
appeals
process
Legislative
Branch
House of
Representatives
Senate
Supreme Court
Justices
Georgia’s Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a
• To be in the State House of
Representatives, you must be 21
years old, live in Georgia for 2
years, and live in the district you
represent.
• To be in the State Senate you must
be 25 years old, live in Georgia for
2 years, and live in the district you
represent.
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
SS8CG2 a
• Both State Senators and
Representatives serve twoyear terms.
• There is no limit to how many
terms they can serve.
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
• The Georgia Generally
Assembly’s primary duties are
to pass laws and to pass the
final version of Georgia’s
budget.
• Most of the work done in
Georgia’s General Assembly
takes place in committees.
SS8CG2b
SS8CGb
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
• The House of Representatives has
36 committees.
• The leader of the House of
Representatives is called the
Speaker of the House.
• The current Speaker of the House
is David Ralston.
• The “Floor Leader” promotes the
causes of the Governor
SS8CGb
Georgia’s Legislative Branch
• Georgia’s Senate also is made up of
Committees, of which, there are 26.
• The Leader of the Senate is called
the “President of the Senate”
-Georgia’s Lieutenant
Governor is President
of the Senate (Casey Cagle)
Federal Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a
• To be in the Federal House of
Representatives, you must be 25
years old, citizen of the country for
7 years, and live in the state/district
you represent.
• To be in the Federal Senate you
must be 30 years old, citizen of the
country for 9 years, and live in the
district you represent.
Federal Legislative Branch SS8CG2 a
• House of Representatives
(Congressmen) serve two-year
terms and the number is based
on a state’s population. There
are currently 435 members.
• Senators serve six-year terms
and there are only two senators
per state for a total of 100.
• There is no limit to how many
terms they can serve.
SS8CG2b
Federal Legislative Branch
• The primary duty of congress is
to enact laws for the nation.
Also, they are responsible for
declaring war, regulating
commerce (trade), granting
copyrights and patents, and
levying taxes.
• Most of the work done in
Congress takes place in
committees.
SS8CGb
Federal Legislative Branch
• The House of Representatives has
21 committees.
• The leader of the House of
Representatives is called the
Speaker of the House.
• The current Speaker of the House
is John Boehner. He is third in line
for the presidency
SS8CGb
Federal Legislative Branch
• The Senate also is made up of
Committees, of which, there are 16.
• The Leader of the Senate is called
the “President of the Senate”
-The Vice-President
of the country (Joe Biden)
is the President of the
Senate.
Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were
impeached but were found innocent
by the Senate.
Nixon resigns before the
impeachment
process was finalized.
•
The Legislative Process
SS8CG2 c
A potential law (before it is passed) is called
Bill. A Bill goes through several steps befor
it becomes a law…
1. Drafting
2. Introduction
3. Committee Consideration
4. Floor Consideration, Then to
“other house”
5. Governor/President Consideration
LEVEL
FEDERAL BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
GEORGIA BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
impeachment
process
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
impeachment
process
Executive
Branch
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
defense of
the Nation
Age and
Residency
Requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
defense of
the State
Judicial
Branch
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
How
are
they
chosen?
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
appeals
process
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
How
are
they
chosen?
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
appeals
process
Legislative
Branch
House of
Representatives
Senate
Supreme Court
Justices
Georgia’s Executive Branch
• Georgia’s Executive
Branch is headed up
by the Governor.
•
SS8CG3 a
Georgia’s Executive Branch
• The second in
command is the
Lieutenant Governor
SS8CG3 a
Georgia’s Executive Branch
• To run for either the
Governorship or the
Lieutenant
Governorship one
must be 30 years old,
a U.S. Citizen for at
least 15 years, and a
resident of Georgia
for at least 6 years.
SS8CG3 a
Georgia’s Executive Branch
• The Governor can be
elected to two-four
year terms served
consecutively and
then one more fouryear term at another
point for a total of
three terms
• The Lt. Governor can
serve an unlimited
amount of 4-year
terms
.
SS8CG3 a
Role in the
Defense of
the State
Governor Deal is in
charge of the
National Guard for
Georgia. He can
call them to action
at a minute’s
notice for natural
disasters, for
public disorders,
like riots, and other
national/state
emergencies.
Federal Executive Branch
• Georgia’s Executive
Branch is headed up
by the President.
•
SS8CG3 a
Federal Executive Branch
• The second in
command is the Vice
President
SS8CG3 a
Federal Executive Branch
• To run for either the
Presidency or the
Vice-Presidency one
must be 35 years old,
be born in the USA
and live in the USA for
at least 14 years
SS8CG3 a
Federal Executive Branch
• Both the President and
VP can be elected to
two-four year terms
which can be served
consecutively
SS8CG3 a
Role in the Defense of the
Country
President Obama is in
charge of the Armed
Forces and the
National Guard. He
uses the Armed
Forces internationally
and the National
Guard for domestic
issues; however, the
Armed Forces can be
called in for domestic
issues like Katrina.
Activating Activity
USE PAGES 500-501 and
WRITE THE QUESTION
1. What is the main duty of the Executive
Branch?
2. What additional powers does the
governor have?
3. Which Executive Officers are elected by
the people?
Georgia’s Executive Branch
Main Duty of the Governor
• Enforce the laws
Georgia’s Executive Branch
Main Powers of the Governor
• Propose the annual state
budget
• Veto Legislation and signs
bills into law
• Appoints members of the state
boards
• Represents Georgia to the
federal government
Georgia’s Executive Branch
Other Powers of the Governor
• Has to make a “State of the
State” speech every year.
• Can pardon Criminals.
More on Georgia’s Executive Branch
Powers of the Lieutenant Governor
• Serves as Governor if the
current governor dies or is too
sick to carry out his duties.
• As president of the senate, he
decides committee
memberships and chooses
committee chair-persons.
Georgia’s Lt.
Governor
Casey Cagle
More on the Executive Branch!
• The executive branch is
also made up of
executive departments.
• Commissioner of
Agriculture,
Commissioner of Labor,
the State School
Superintendent, the
Insurance
Secretary of State, and
Commissioner
John Oxendine
the Attorney General
have officials elected by
the people.
More on the Executive Branch!
• The Commissioner of
Insurance, the Department
of Corrections, Department
of Defense, Department of
Education, Department of
Natural Resources, and the
Department of
Transportation all have
officials appointed by the
governor.
SS8CG3b,c
Executive Departments
• State Attorney General – This person is
the Chief Lawyer for the state.
• Commissioner of Agriculture – This
person is Head of the Agriculture
department. He/she helps maintain
farmer’s markets, attract FarmingRelated businesses to the state and
inspects farms and farming related
products.
• Commissioner of Labor – This person is
head of the Labor department. They
regulate the health and safety of
workers and enforce state labor laws.
SS8CG3b,c
Executive Departments
• Commissioner of Insurance – This person
regulates the insurance companies and
says which ones can operate in Georgia.
• Public Service Commissioners – These are
people who regulate utilities in Georgia,
such as phone, cable, electricity and water.
• Secretary of State – This person’s
department maintains official records,
supervises elections, appoints examining
boards, grants corporate charters, and
regulates stocks and bonds in Georgia.
• State School Superintendant - this is the
head of the schools for our state.
LEVEL
FEDERAL BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
GEORGIA BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
impeachment
process
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
impeachment
process
Executive
Branch
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
defense of
the Nation
Age and
Residency
Requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
Primary
official
or
group
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
defense of
the State
Judicial
Branch
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
How
are
they
chosen?
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
appeals
process
Age and
residency
requirements
How long is
term of
office?
How many
terms can
they serve?
How
are
they
chosen?
Leader’s
title and
name
Role in the
appeals
process
Legislative
Branch
House of
Representatives
Senate
Supreme Court
Justices
The Judicial Branch in Georgia
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• There is no age requirement to
be a judge in Georgia; nor, are
there any residency
requirements.
• You can serve unlimited terms
but you must be elected by the
people (inferior courts)
• The Georgia Supreme Court
justices serve for life and are
appointed by the governor.
The Judicial Branch in Georgia
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• The Georgia Supreme Court hears
all appeals in Georgia, and their
decision can be challenged and
overruled by the Federal Supreme
Court.
• There are 7 justices and Carol
Hunstein is the Chief Justice.
The Judicial Branch in the USA
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• There is no age requirement to
be a judge in the United States;
nor, are there any residency
requirements.
• You can serve unlimited terms
but you must be elected by the
people (inferior courts)
• The Federal Supreme Court
justices serve for life and are
appointed by the president.
The Judicial Branch in the USA
• The Federal
Supreme Court can
pick and choose
which appeal cases
to hear, and they are
usually more
interested in cases
that challenge the
Constitution and the
protection of basic
rights.
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
The Judicial Branch in the USA
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• The Supreme Court has 9 justices
and John Roberts is the Chief
Justice.
Activating Activity
USE PAGES 501-503 and
WRITE THE QUESTION
1. What is the difference between a civil
and criminal case?
2. Which courts hears cases dealing with
state laws? Courts dealing with civil and
misdemeanor cases? Courts dealing
with children?
3. Which courts review other court cases
deciding if the decision was fair?
Civil and Criminal Cases
• A Civil Case is where one person
sues another for a claim of having
done them wrong.
-The person suing is the Plaintiff
-The Person getting sued is the
defendant
• Most Civil Cases are settled out of
court, and those found guilty do
not go to jail unless they refuse to
pay for damages done
Civil and Criminal Cases
• The Second kind of case is a
criminal case.
This is where someone accused
of breaking the law is put on
trial by the law enforcement
agencies.
• The Government’s lawyer is
called the prosecutor.
The Judicial Branch
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• There are two types of
Courts…
-Trial Courts
- Appellate courts
• A Trial Court is where a
criminal’s action or a lawsuit
may be tried.
• An Appellate Court is where
a previous case is appealed.
The Judicial Branch
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• The Inferior courts are as
follows:
• Municipal, Probate, Small
Claims, Justices of the Peace,
State Courts, Juvenile Courts,
Superior Courts, and Court of
Appeals.
The Judicial Branch
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• Municipal, Probate, Small
Claims, and Justices of the
Peace handle cases involving:
marriages, divorces,
guardianship, traffic violations,
wills, hunting and fishing
licenses, arrest and search
warrants
The Judicial Branch
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• Superior Courts hear cases
about state laws (criminal and
civil)
• State Courts hear cases about
misdemeanors (civil and
criminal)
• Juvenile Courts hear cases
involving children
The Judicial Branch
SS8CG4a,b,c,d
• Appeals Court hear cases from
lower courts…reviews the
evidence, the proceedings, and
decides if the case was handled
fairly.
• Supreme Court hears appeal cases
(Georgia hears them all), reviews
all death penalty cases, and hears
cases involving the interpretation
of laws and election issues
Adult Justice System
SS8CG4c
• Persons accused of a crime must go
through these steps…
• Arrested
• Arraignment - The Police bring the
accused before the judge to tell why
he/she has been arrested
• Grand Jury – This is a group of people
who determines if there is enough
evidence for the accused to stand trial.
• Jury trial
• Sentencing
•
•
•
•
The Juvenile Justice System
On any given day, 2,500 children
are locked up in Georgia because
of Criminal Activity.
Juveniles are Citizens under the
age of 17
Juveniles have to follow all other
Federal, State and Local Laws, but
have a special status under the
law.
A Juvenile’s Status can mean more
lenient sentencing, but it also
means that you have to obey some
laws that adults don’t.
•
1.
2.
3.
Juvenile Courts SS8CG6 a,b,c,d
Juvenile Courts exist in every
county and have three purposes…
To help protect the well being of
Children
To make sure that any child
coming under the jurisdiction of
the court receive the care,
protection and control that they
need.
To provide for children that are
removed from their homes.
Types of Offenses
• There are two types of offenses…
1. A Unruly Behavior is one where the
Juvenile commits a nuisance offense
that is only an offense for a Juvenile.
Ex: Truancy, Disobeys Caregivers,
Curfew Violations etc..
2. A Delinquent Act is a crime
committed by a child that would also
be a crime if an adult did the same
thing… Ex: Rape, Murder, Drugs etc.
• Children can be tried as an adult for
serious crimes.
Steps in the Juvenile Justice Process
1. Intake – A juvenile is turned over to
an Intake Officer.
2. Detention – When a Juvenile is
detained, a probable cause hearing
must be held within 72 hours.
3. Formal Hearing – has two parts
1) Adjudicatory Hearing – Actual
Trial
2) Dispositional Hearing –
Sentencing Phase
4. Sentencing
5. Appeals
Deadly Sins in Georgia
Juvenile is trialed as an adult crimes
• aggravated child molestation (physical harm+ the act
itself)
• aggravated battery (attack with a weapon, hate crimes,
hurting police officers or vulnerable people; such as,
children or the elderly)
• murder (planned and with malice)
• rape
• voluntary manslaughter (crime of passion and intense
rage, not planned)…arson could be considered this as
well
• armed robbery
***assault is intending to cause harm or threatening to cause harm,
battery is actually doing it, so battery is more punishable than assault
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