Exam on Georgia Constitution and Legislative Branch (SS8CG1, CG2, and SS8E4)
Name: _________________________________
November 20, 2009
1. According to the system of checks and balances, the executive branch checks the
legislative branch
A. by interpreting the law.
B. through impeachment.
C. through the use of the veto.
D. by proposing constitutional changes.
2. What explanation BEST justifies the inclusion of the separation of powers doctrine in
the constitution?
A. It keeps one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
B. It makes a distinction among the branches of government.
C. It makes government run more smoothly.
D. It streamlines government.
3. How old must a person be to vote in Georgia today?
A. 16
B. 18
C. 21
D. 25
4. What are the dominant political parties in Georgia today?
A. Independents and Democrats
B. Federalists and Anti-Federalists
C. Republicans and Independents
D. Democrats and Republicans
5. Which requirement is NOT necessary to vote in Georgia?
A. a resident of Georgia and the county in which you are voting.
B. a registered member of a political party.
C. 18 years of age before the election.
D. a citizen of the United States.
6. Most of Georgia’s revenue comes from which type of tax?
A. income taxes
B. motor fuel taxes
C. property taxes
7. Most of Georgia’s budget is spent on
A. health care.
B. police and fire.
C. public roads.
D. sales taxes
D. public education.
8. The legislative branch of Georgia’s state government is officially named
A. the Law-makers.
B. Congress.
C. General Assembly.
D. Parliament.
9. How long is a regular session of the Georgia General Assembly?
A. 30 days
B. 35 days
C. 40 days
D. 45 days
10. How long is the term (years they serve) of a member of the Georgia General Assembly?
A. 2 years
B. 4 years
C. 6 years
D. 8 years
11. What are the two parts of Georgia’s legislative branch?
A. governor and General Assembly
B. secretary of state and senate
C. senate and house of representatives
D. supreme court and governor
12. How many people serve in Georgia’s House of Representatives?
A. 100
B. 145
C. 180
D. 200
13. How many people serve in the Georgia’s state senate?
A. 56
B. 60
C. 66
D. 70
14. The main purpose of a legislative committee is to
A. Review bills before they come to the floor of House or Senate for discussion.
B. Draft bills that have the best chance to become law.
C. Propose bills to be considered by the governor.
D. Decide which bills to send to the president.
15. Who presides over (directs) the Georgia state senate?
A. Governor
B. Lieutenant Governor C. Speaker of the House D. oldest member
16. Who presides over (directs) the Georgia House of Representatives?
A. Governor
B. Lieutenant Governor
C. Speaker of the House D. oldest member
17. How can a Georgia governor stop a bill from becoming a law after it has been approved by the
legislature?
A. veto the bill
B. advise the press C. appeal to the courts D. dismiss the legislature
18. If the governor vetoes a bill, the legislature can override the veto by a
A. ¾ vote of the house
B. 2/3 vote of both houses
C. 2/3 vote of one house
D. majority vote of both houses
19. Which is an example of a permanent legislative committee?
A. conference
B. interim
C. joint
D. standing
20. What happens to Georgia’s state budget when a recession occurs?
A. Revenues and spending increase
B. Revenues and spending decrease
B. Revenues increase but spending decreases D. Revenues decrease but spending increases
21. In a system of checks and balances, how does the legislative checks the executive branch?
A. Declares laws unconstitutional
B. Appoints Supreme Court judges
C. Makes treaties with other countries
C. Confirms executive appointments
Place these steps on how a bill becomes a law in their proper sequence (order)
22. ____________
23. ___________
24. ____________
A. The Bill is sent to the governor.
B. The bill is “voted out” of a house or senate committee.
C. The bill is assigned to a house or senate committee.
D. The full house or senate approves the bill on majority vote.
25. ___________