1. Warm Up: 10/24/12 Directions: Copy the following on a NEW page in your notebook. Today’s Standard: SS8CG1a Essential Question: What is the basic structure of Georgia’s Constitution and how does it protect the separation of powers? Enduring Understanding: As a society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of the government also increases.

2. Georgia’s Constitution SS8CG1a

3. Main Ideas: Georgia’s Constitution Notes: Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies, became the 4 th state after the American Revolution. Georgia adopted its 1 st constitution in 1777. in 1983, Georgians approved the state’s 10 th constitution. Even though there have been several changes in the text of the various versions, the purpose of all of them have been the same.

4. Georgia’s Constitution Main Ideas: Georgia’s Constitution (cont’d.) Notes: The Preamble (introduction) of the GA constitution declares: “To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice to all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the citizens and of the family, and transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty, we the people of Georgia, relying upon the protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution”

5. Georgia’s Constitution Main Ideas: Georgia’s Constitution (cont’d.) Notes: GA’s Constitution states that any power the government has, is given to it/them by the citizens and is for the good of everyone. People elected to public office in state government work for the people and are accountable to the voters for their actions.

6. Georgia’s Constitution Main Ideas: Georgia’s Constitution (cont’d.) Notes: The Constitution of Georgia also states that Georgia’s government is meant to serve the people, and the constitution allows the people to change the government when it fails to serve their needs. We can do this by voting for state officials. Citizens can also suggest new laws that might improve the way our state is governed.

7. Georgia’s Constitution Main Ideas: Georgia’s Constitution (cont’d.) Notes: There are 11 articles in the 1983 constitution. The first article consists of a Bill of Rights, 28 paragraphs that set out the rights of GA’s citizens. Other articles deal with the 3 branches of government, various boards and commissions, voting and elections, education, taxes, county and local government, and ways to amend (or change) the constitution

8. Georgia’s Constitution 1.How many articles are in Georgia’s state constitution? A.8 B.11 C.13 D.15 2.2. How many rights are included in the Georgia Bill of Rights? A.10 B.15 C.19 D.28

9. Georgia’s Constitution 3. According to GA’s Constitution, all government originates from the_____. A.State’s voters B.General Assembly C.Written constitution D.United States Constitution 4. The purpose of the Georgia Constitution is to ______. A.Ensure freedom, liberty, justice, peace and happiness for all the citizens of GA. B.Administer those rights assigned to the states by the U.S. Constitution. C.Make laws, enforce laws, and collect revenue for GA’s citizens. D.Protect and benefit all the people of Georgia.