Title: Unit 4: Foundations of Government in Georgia
1Unit 4 Foundations of Government in Georgia
- SS8CG1 The student will describe the role of
citizens under Georgias constitution.
2Georgias Constitution
- GA was one of the original 13 colonies and became
a state after the American Revolution. - Georgia adopted its first constitution in 1777.
- In 1983, Georgians approved the states tenth
constitution.
3Georgias constitution states
- 1) Any power the government has is given to it by
the citizens and is for the good of everyone. - 2) Georgias govt is meant to serve people and
the constitution allows the people to change the
govt when it fails to serve their needs.
4GAs constitution continued
- There are 11 articles in the 1983 constitution.
The first article consists of a bill of rights,
twenty-eight paragraphs that set out the rights
of Georgia citizens.
5Separation of Powers
- The Georgia constitution, like the U.S.
constitution, divides the responsibilities of
government among the three branches in what is
known as a separation of powers. - Separating government powers creates a limited
government.
63 Branches of Government
73 branches of govt continued
- The executive branch can veto bills passed by the
legislative branch and can call special sessions
of the legislature. - The legislative branch can impeach officials in
the executive or judicial branches. It can
override a governors veto of bills to make them
into laws. It can propose a constitutional
change. - It must also confirm appointments made by the
governor.
83 branches continued
- The judicial branch determines whether or not
laws are constitutional. - Each branch of government is responsive to the
citizens of Georgia because most officials in
each branch are directly elected by the voters.
9Checks and Balances
- Each branch of government was given some power to
control or prevent some actions of the other two
branches. This process is known as a system of
checks and balances. - The checks and balances ensure that no one branch
becomes too powerful.
10Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
- -Sovereignty- the concept that power and
authority rest with the citizens. - -Federalism- a system where the national, state,
and local governments share authority over the
same land and the same people
11The status of citizenship
- If your parents are U.S. citizens or if you were
born in the United States, then you are a U.S.
citizen. - You are entitled to all of the protections and
rights afforded by the federal and state
constitutions. - These rights include free speech, the right to
bear arms, freedom of religion, and the right to
a speedy and fair trial.
12The status of citizenship continued
- Naturalized citizens are foreign nationals (those
who were born in other countries) who chose to
become American citizens and give up their
citizenship in those other countries.
13The status of citizenship continued
- People who are 18 years of age
- who have lived in this country for at least five
years, - and who entered the country legally can apply
for citizenship
- They must meet certain requirements- an ability
to read and speak English a knowledge and
understanding of U.S. history good moral
character a belief of the principles of the
U.S. Constitution
14Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
- Voting, while a right, is also the most basic
responsibility of citizens, enabling them to
participate in government. - Another responsibility of citizens is to pay
federal, state, and local taxes to fund the
services those governments provide.
15Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens continued
- Another responsibility is upholding the laws of
the nation. - Also, defending the nation against its enemies.
- (All young men are required to register with the
Selective Service Board when they turn eighteen).
16Voting Qualifications
- To register to vote in Georgia, a person must be
at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United
States. - An individual must also be a legal resident of
Georgia and the county in which he or she
registers.
17Elections
- A general election is held in November in at
least every even-numbered year. This is when
major federal and state officials are selected. - Other elections are held as needed to select
public officials.
18Elections continued
- Voters select the most important state officials.
- These officials, in turn, appoint others who work
for and with them.
19Political Parties
- Political Parties are organized groups of people
who share common ideals and who seek to influence
government policies and decisions by electing
members of their party to government offices.
20Political Parties continued..
- Today, America has two major political parties
- The Republican Party and the Democratic Party
- Members of these groups share common beliefs
about governments role in American life
21Political Parties continued..
- People who are not members of these two major
parties are usually referred to as independents.
22The General Assembly
- There are 180 members of the house of
representatives and 56 members of the senate. - Members of the legislature are elected by popular
vote to two-year terms of office. - There is no limit to the number of terms a
representative or senator can serve.
23The General Assembly continued
- Members of the Senate must be
- 25 years of age
- Citizens of the U.S.
- Citizens of Georgia for at least two years
- They must have been legal residents of the
district from which they were elected for at
least one year
- Members of the House must be
- 21 years of age
- Citizens of the U.S.
- Citizens of Georgia for at least two years They
must have been legal residents of the district
from which they were elected for at least one
year
24The General Assembly continued
- The General Assembly is bicameral (has two
houses/chambers). - One is the house of representatives and the
second is the senate. - The lieutenant governor presides over the senate.
- Members of the House elect a speaker.
25- Casey Cagle- GAs lieutenant governor
- The lieutenant governor does not have a vote in
the senate, but the speaker of the house votes
when it is necessary to break a tie.
26Committee System
- Members of the Georgia house and senate are
organized into committees. - All bills must be reviewed by a house or senate
committee before they can be brought to either
the whole house or sent for a vote.
27Committee System continued..
- Some committees are permanent, lasting from one
session to the next. They are called standing
committees.
28Some of the standing committees include
- The Ways and Means Committee which handles bills
involving taxes - The Appropriations Committee which works on the
budget - The Judiciary Committee which deals with bills
concerning the states laws and court system. - (Other committees are organized for a special
task and last only until their work is complete).