The Symbol for Georgia’s government is the State Seal. It includes four key elements that tell us about our states government. First: Three columned structure which symbolizes the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Second: The columns are connected by an arch which represents the Georgia Constitution that unifies the three branches Third: Our state motto “Wisdom, Justice and Moderation” Wisdom- a quality the legislative branch must have to create new laws and amend old ones Justice- describe the legal system of defending and interpreting state laws Moderation- the executive branch, the office of governor, is a moderate, balanced leader, not extreme. Fourth: The soldier represents the Georgia National Guard. He is the defender of the Georgia Constitutions and our state’s commitment to wisdom, justice, and moderation. 1

Georgia’s New State Constitution

Changes over time Since the original state constitution of 1777, Georgia has had TEN other constitutions. Each of these constitutions set the guidelines for those who governed the state and outlined the rights and responsibilities of Georgia’s citizens.

Structure of the Constitution Legislators began writing our current constitution in 1977 and it was approved by Georgia citizens in 1983 The constitution is broken up into 11 articles and is 89 pages long It outlines the rights, rules, regulations, and procedures for both the state’s citizens and the state’s government.

What is a preamble and what is its purpose? An introduction States the ideas, or philosophy, behind a constitution States the purpose of the government and the Constitution

Preamble A short paragraph that gives reasons for the Constitution To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice to all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the citizen 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.

Article I: Bill of Rights Article I: Bill of Rights (aka- The Rights of Citizens) 1.Individual rights 2.Separation of powers/church & state 3.Property rights

Discussion Flashback: 1.What are the U.S. Bill of Rights? 2.Who can list them all?

Amendment 1 Freedom of religion, speech, press, and the right to assemble and petition the government

Amendment 2 Right to bear arms

Amendment 3 Prohibits stations of troops in homes without consent

Amendment 4 Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause for search warrants

Amendment 5 Established grand jury; protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination; guarantees due process and eminent domain.

Amendment 6 Ensures right to speedy trial, to be informed of charges against defendant, to counsel

Amendment 7 Provides trial by jury

Amendment 8 Prohibits excessive bail or fines and prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

9 th Amendment Does not deny people of any right not mentioned in the constitution.

10 th Amendment Gives the states or the people all powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution.

Life, Liberty, and Property –Not without due process Freedom of Conscience –No Religious persecution Banishment and whipping as punishment –Unreasonable punishment Fishing and Hunting –Preserved for people and managed by law and regulation for public good. Georgia’s Bill of Rights

Article II: Voting and Elections 1.Elections must be by secret ballot and law-abiding 2.Steps to take for a run-off election 3.Steps to take if a public official is found guilty of a serious crime

Article III: Legislative Branch Made up of ten sections Outlines the structure and function of the two houses of GA’s General Assembly Explains how bills are passed into laws

Article IV: Constitutional Boards and Commissions Provides for a: Public Service Commission, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, State Personnel Board, State Transportation Board, Veterans Service Board, and Board of Natural Resources

Article V: Executive Branch Sets out the qualifications and terms of office for the governor and lieutenant governor Explains duties and powers of governor Lists other elected positions in GA’s executive branch

Article VI: Judicial Branch Outlines GA’s unified court system Gives purposes and limits of each court –Magistrate –Probate –Juvenile –State –Superior –Court of Appeals –Supreme

Article VII: Taxation and Finance Lists reasons why GA may tax its citizens Explains methods and limits of taxation

Article VIII: Education Explains how GA’s public school system is paid for by taxes Outlines the structure of the school system at state and local levels

Article IX: Counties and Municipal Corporations Outlines roles and functions of county and city governments

Article X: Amendments to the Constitution Explains how changes, or amendments, to the Constitution can be made

Article XI: Miscellaneous Provisions Deal mostly with historical and legal continuity - that is, how GA’s different constitutions have been changed over the years

The End

BEING A GEORGIA CITIZEN

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A GEORGIA CITIZEN  Paying Taxes  Serving on juries  Volunteering  Voting

ELECTION TIME

VOTING QUALIFICATIONS  Must be a citizen of the United States  Must be 18 years old by election day  Must be a legal resident of Georgia and of the COUNTY  Cannot be serving in jail for a felony offense or ruled to be mentally incompetent

REGISTERING TO VOTE  How do citizens register to vote:  City, county and state offices  Libraries  Or you can get an form online and mail it to the Georgia secretary of state office  Citizens are only allowed to vote at the Polling Place in their district (precinct), or via absentee ballot.

GEORGIA ELECTIONS Primary Elections:  Members of the Republican and Democratic party vote for candidates to run for a specific office.  Governor  Lt. Governor  Secretary of state  Held July or August during even number years.  Presidential Elections General Elections  Election where the winners from both parties’ primaries, along with members of third parties and independents compete for political offices.  Held even number years on second Tuesday of November

OTHER ELECTION TERMS  Special election- an election used to present a special issue to voters or to fill a vacancy  Run-off- if a candidate does not receive more than 50% of the vote, then there is a run-off election  Referendum- when voters have the opportunity to vote on a law. (when changes are being made to the state constitution)  Precinct- your district (location of your polling place)  Referendum- when voters have the opportunity to vote on a law.  Incumbent- is the current holder of a political office

ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES  America has a two-party political system meaning that the political system is dominated by two parties.  Since 1860 the two major parties have been the Republican and Democratic.  The role of these parties in the U.S. is for groups of like- minded individuals who share common beliefs and ideas to work together in hopes of electing their members to political offices.

Democratic party Today's Democratic Party takes a different stand. Democrats are sometimes referred to as "the Party of the People," attracting immigrants, blue- collar workers, women, and minorities. Democrats tend to take a more liberal stand on important issues. They believe that the federal government should take a more active role in people's lives, particularly those who are in need. 39

Republican Party aka GOP (Grand Ole Party) What do Republicans stand for today? In general, Republicans tend to take a more conservative stand on issues. They believe that the federal government should not play a big role in people's lives. Most Republicans favor lower taxes and less government spending on social programs. They believe in less government intervention in business and the economy 40

Third Parties Libertarian Green Party Socialist Party 41

Checks and Balances Can veto bills and call emergency sessions of Congress Can impeach the President, override a veto and confirm executive appointments. Can appoint Supreme Court justices and judges Can interpret constitutionality of laws. Can decide if presidential acts are constitutional Can confirm or impeach judicial appointments, such as Supreme Court justices.