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SS8CG1: The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution
SS8CG1a:
Basic structure of GAs
constitution
How many articles? 11
Purpose? Outlines the rights, rules,
regulations & procedures for both
citizens & state’s government
1: Bill of Rights: States specific rights
guaranteed by the constitution such as
life, liberty, and property
2: Voting & Elections: Sets qualifications
and rules for elections
3: Legislature: Describes the structure
and powers of the General Assembly
4: Constitutional Branch & Commissions:
Sets up government bodies such as
transportation and Public Service
5: Executive: Establishes offices and
powers of Governor and Lieutenant
Governor
6: Judicial: Establishes the state court
system
7: Taxation & Finance: Authorizes power
to tax
8: Education: Establishes public
education system which is supported by
taxes and the Board of Education
oversees it
9: Counties & Municipal Corps: Describes
the structure and powers of county
government
10: Amendments: Describes the process
for amending the constitution
11: Miscellaneous
SS8CG1b:
Separation of Powers
Checks & Balances
What does separation of powers mean? dividing the
responsibilities of the government among three
different branches
Legislature? (Georgia General Assembly) makes laws
Executive? (headed by Governor) carries out &
enforces laws
Judicial? (Georgia Supreme Court) determines
constitutionality of laws
What does checks and balances mean? ensuring that
no single branch has more power than another
SS8CG1c:
Rights & Responsibilities of
Citizens
Similarities of US and GA Constitutions?
Freedoms of religion, press & trial by jury
Differences? No denial of life, liberty &
property; Each person has the right of
conscience; No banishment or whipping;
Fishing & hunting allowed
What are GA citizens EXPECTED to do? Pay
taxes, serve on juries, volunteer, vote, take
care of themselves, respect others rights,
obey laws & rules
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Class ID:
SS8CG1d:
Voting
Elections
Voting qualifications?
1. US citizen
2. 18 years old
3. Legal GA and county resident
4. No felon
How do I get to vote?
1. download registration form
2. mail to secretary of states office
3. vote at a polling place
3 types of elections:
1. primary: Reps & Democrats select
members to run for office
2. general: winners of primary compete
with 3rd parties & independents for office
3. special: presents special law to voters
or fills a vacancy
What is a run-off election? When a
candidate does not receive more than
50% of the vote
What is a referendum? When voters
vote on a law
Pg #
SS8CG1e:
Political
Parties
What are the 2 primary political parties? Republican &
Democrat
What is the purpose of political parties? To give voters
the choice in deciding which elected officials best
represent their interests
SS8CG1f:
Wisdom, Justice &
Moderation
What is the GAs pledge of allegiance? “I pledge allegiance
to the GA flag and to the principles for which it stands –
wisdom, justice & moderation
What does that mean to you?