Georgia’s Government

Do Now – Monday 10/19/15 Complete the chart that was given to you. Do what you can. It’s okay to leave some things blank. National Government Georgia’s Government Executive Branch Job: Leaders: Tasks: Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

National Government Georgia’s Government Executive Branch Job: Leaders: Tasks: Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

Standards: SS8CG1 A: Explain the basic structure of Georgia’s constitution B: Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances

Georgia’s Constitution Edition 10 – written in 1983 1777 – weak executive branch, strong legislative branch 1983 – Stronger executive branch, checks and balances 3 branches 11 Articles; 1st article is the Bill of Rights

Georgia’s Constitution Edition 10 – written in 1983 “All government, of right, originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted for the good of the whole. Public officers are the trustees and servants of the people and are at all times amenable to them.” Main ideas:

Georgia’s Constitution Edition 10 – written in 1983 “The people of this state have the inherent right of regulating their internal government. Government is instated for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and at all times they have the right to alter or reform the same whenever the public good may require it.” Main ideas:

Georgia’s Constitution Edition 10 – written in 1983 Separation of powers: each branch has separate, distinct powers that cannot be taken away by other branches Checks and balances: each branch checks the power of the other two, making it so that no branch becomes too powerful

Do Now – Tuesday 10/20 The legislative branch ______ laws. In Georgia, this branch is called the _______________________________. The executive branch __________ laws. The highest elected official in Georgia is the _____________, followed by the _____________________________________. The judicial branch ___________ laws. The level of courts is as follows: Supreme court, ___________ court, and ____________ court.

Standards: 1. Explain how federalism and sovereignty play a role in the American government structure. 2. SS8CG1 c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens d. Explain voting qualifications and elections in Georgia.

American Ideals Federalism Sovereignty Allows national, state, and local governments to all rule over the same lands Sovereignty The concept that power and authority rest in the people

Rights and Responsibilities Those granted to you in the Bill of Rights Freedom of speech, religion, bear arms, press Responsibilities Voting Paying taxes Jury duty Following the law Draft Participating in government

Voting Qualifications & Elections 18 years old Citizen of the United States Legal resident of Georgia and the county in which he/she registers Elections are held the first Tuesday in November They are run by the Secretary of State.

Closing Summary What do sovereignty and federalism mean? How do rights differ from responsibilities? What qualifications must you meet to vote in Georgia?

Do Now – Wednesday 10/21 Explain separation of powers and checks and balances Once you are finished with your Do Now, take out a blank sheet of paper and put your name and date on it.

Standards: Open Notes Standards: Today’s Lesson Standards: SS8CG1B: Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances SS8CG1c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens Today’s Lesson Standards: SS8CG1e: Explain the role of political parties in government

Open Notes Review Write the following two questions… Explain the relationship between “separation of powers” and “checks and balances” as they apply to the three branches of government. Explain the differences between rights and responsibilities.

Modern Political Parties Let’s create a definition for political parties: ______________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________

Modern Political Parties Recruit and nominate candidates Educate the electorate about campaign issues Help candidates win elections Monitor actions of office holders

Modern Political Parties Two major parties: Republicans and Democrats Minor Parties: give people a better way to express their ideas Independents: those who don’t identify with a specific party

Closing Task How did the first political parties emerge? What role do political parties play in today’s government?

Do Now – Thursday 10/22 ***Complete today’s Do Now in your notes! Look at the three terms on the state seal. What does each term mean in terms of government?