Georgia Studies Unit 8 – Executive Branch in Georgia Lesson 3 – Executive Branch in Georgia Study Presentation

Lesson 3 - Executive Branch in Georgia ESSENTIAL QUESTION How does the governor and the agencies of the executive branch protect the citizens of the state? This is an essential question for this section of the chapter.

Federal System In a Federal system of government powers are shared between the national and state governments. The Federal government is divided into three branches – Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The State government of Georgia is also divided into three branches – Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The United States Executive Branch is led by the President and Vice President. GA’s Executive Branch is led by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Qualifications – Both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Georgia must be at least 30 years old and citizens of the US for at least 15 years. Also, both must have been residents of Georgia for at least 6 years. Term – The term of office for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor is 4 years. The Governor may run for and serve a second term. For the Lieutenant Governor there is no limit on the number of terms.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Election – Both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected by the citizens of Georgia. Unlike the President and Vice President of the United States the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Georgia do not run on the same ticket or need to be in the same party.

Duties of the Governor Head of state and leader of the Executive Branch. Commander-in-chief of Georgia’s military. Can veto legislation from the General Assembly. Appoints people to lead many executive offices. Addresses the GA legislature in a State of the State speech. Director of the state budget – Gives a report to the GA legislature with suggestions as to where and how state money is to be spent.

Duties of the Lieutenant Governor Serves as Governor if current Governor dies or gets too sick to work. Serves as President of the state Senate – Decides committee memberships and chooses committee chairs.

Organization of the Executive Branch Made up of many different offices, or departments. Leaders of the departments are either chosen directly by Georgia voters or are appointed by the Governor. Examples of Departments with Elected Commissioners: Office Purpose Department of Agriculture Helps farmers; informs public about matters related to food and animals Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Oversees programs related to health, safety, and life insurance Department of Labor Offers services related to jobs, taxes, and wages.

Organization of the Executive Branch Examples of Departments with Appointed Commissioners: Office Purpose Department of Corrections Runs the state’s prisons; supervises people on probation Department of Defense Oversees the Georgia National Guard and State Defense Force Department of Education Oversees GA’s public schools Department of Natural Resources Runs programs to protect GA beaches, mountains, forests, and natural resources Department of Transportation Oversees work on bridges, roads, and provides traffic and transportation information; issues drivers licenses