State government notes Mr. Rockwell 8th Grade Georgia Studies

1. Georgia’s state government Georgia’s state government has 3 branches: Executive branch= enforces laws Legislative branch= enacts laws Judicial branch= interprets laws

2. Governor Governor Deal and Mr. Rockwell The governor is the chief executive officer of the state. Nathan deal is Georgia’s current governor.

3. Election of a Governor The governor is elected by a majority of the popular vote for a four year term.

4. Serving as governor Governors can serve 2 consecutive terms for a total of 8 years. It is possible for a governor to serve a 3rd term, but to serve a 3rd term, they must wait 4 years before being able to run again.

5. How to be a candidate for governor A candidate who wishes to become governor must: Be At least 30 years of age Be A citizen of the united states for at least 15 years Be a resident of the state for at least 6 years

6. Powers of the Governor Some formal powers of the governor include: managing the states budget, preparing budget bills for consideration by the Georgia house of representatives, and making an annual “State of the state” address to the general assembly.

7. Next in Line If the governor dies or resigns, the lieutenant governor would then become the governor

8. Lieutenant Governor The lieutenant governor must meet the same requirements for office as the governor. However, unlike the governor, the lieutenant governor (Casey Cagle) can serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms.

9. Role of lieutenant Governor The lieutenant governor is the presiding officer of the state senate. In other words, he or she makes sure the senate is being productive.

10. Other elected members of Georgia’s executive branch In addition to the governor and lieutenant governor, other elected members of Georgia’s executive branch include: State attorney general Commissioner of agriculture Secretary of state State school superintendent All of these officials serve 4 year terms of office.

11. More information about Georgia’s Government If the governor and the lieutenant governor die or resign, the speaker of the house of representatives takes. Over. Georgia’s legislature is officially known as the Georgia Assembly. The Georgia assembly is made up of the senate and the house of representatives. There are 180 members of the house of representatives and 56 members of the State senate.

12. More information about Georgia’s Government Members of the legislature are elected by popular vote to two year terms. There is no limit on the number of terms a representative or senator can serve. At the time of their election, members of the senate are required to be at least 25 years old, citizens of the United states, and citizens of Georgia for at least 2 years. Members of the house of representatives must be at least 21 years of age, citizens of the united states and citizens of Georgia for at least 2 years.

13. More information about Georgia’s Government The Georgia general assembly meets each year for a 40 day session. The legislative branch is organized into various committees. The purpose of these committees is to review bills in detail and to decide which should come before the “floor” for discussion.

14. Bill  Law In order for a bill to become a law, a bill must pass both houses of legislature with a majority vote and then must be sent to the governor for approval.

15. Judicial Branch The judicial branch of government consists of the state’s courts. Their role is to interpret the state constitution and protect the legal rights of citizens. Judicial Branch Supreme Court

The Georgia Court System 16. Georgia’s Judicial Branch – Interprets laws The Georgia Court System Supreme Court 7 Justices Court of Appeals 12 Judges ( 4 Divisions) Superior Court 49 Circuits Probate Court 159 Courts Municipal Court 370 Courts Magistrate Court 159 Courts Juvenile Court 159 Courts State Court 72 Courts

17. Georgia’s Supreme Court The Georgia supreme court has 7 justices who are elected to six year terms.

18. The Court’s Job The court’s also protect citizens from each other by handling: civil cases: disputes between 2 or more persons or groups criminal cases: cases involving violations of the law

Crimes are divided into felonies and misdemeanors.

19. The Division of Crimes – Felonies A felony is a serious crime, such as a murder or burglary, punishable by: a year or more in prison a fine of at least $1,000 or both

20. The Division of Crimes – Misdemeanors A misdemeanor is a less serious crime, that is punishable by: Less than a year in prison A fine of $1,000 or less

21. Examples of Misdemeanors Some types of misdemeanors include: A minor in possession of alcohol Traffic offenses Assault and battery Trespassing Shoplifting Resisting arrest Disorderly conduct Prostitution Noise violations Ticket scalping Open alcohol container

Some types of felonies include: 22. Examples of Felonies Some types of felonies include: Terroristic threats Arson Robbery Driving while intoxicated Fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle Motor vehicle theft Rape Weapons violations Counterfeiting money

23. Due Process Due process of the law allows citizens the right to: a speedy public trial the right to have a lawyer present during questioning the right to remain silent.

24. Grand Jury A grand jury in Georgia decides whether or not a person accused of a crime should be charged and stand trial for that crime.

The largest source of Georgia’s revenue comes from income taxes.

26. Superior Court Juveniles who commit specific serious and violent crimes would be placed in the jurisdiction of the superior court.

27. Juveniles-First step The first step when a juvenile is taken into custody is an intake investigation.

28. Facts about GA Government There are 159 counties Every working citizen must pay taxes Must be 18 to vote A juvenile is a person under the age of 17

29. Georgia’s 7 deadly sins Georgia’s 7 deadly sins are crimes committed by juveniles that result in the courts treating the juveniles as an adult.

30. Four steps in the juvenile justice process Intake Detention Formal hearing Sentencing

31. Delinquent Act A delinquent act is an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. ex: Burglary and car theft

32. Status Offense A status offense refers to an act that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult. Ex: running away from home or skipping school

33. US Constitution The US Constitution gives each citizen freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to bear arms, and the right to a speedy and fair trial.

34. A Bill to a Law In order for a bill to become a law in Georgia, it must be introduced by a legislator, receive a majority vote in both houses and finally signed by the governor.

35. Passing a bill If the General Assembly passes a bill and the governor does not veto it, but also does not sign it, after 40 days the bill becomes a law.

36. Juveniles Juveniles in Georgia are guaranteed the right to an attorney, a fair trial, and the right from self-incrimination.

37. Georgia’s First Constitution Georgia’s first state constitution was ratified (passed) in 1777. The constitution has 11 articles.