Georgia State Government

Question: What is a Constitution? Answer: A Constitution is a written plan for how a government is supposed to operate or work… Both the United States and Each Individual States have a constitution…

Georgia’s Constitution SS8CG1a Georgia adopted its first state constitution in 1777 just after the Colonies declared themselves free from Great Britain. Georgia has had 10 State Constitutions The Current one was created in 1983.

Georgia’s Constitution The Preamble to the State Constitution reads… “To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice for all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the Citizens and of the family, and to transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty, we the people of Georgia, relying on the protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution”

Georgia’s Constitution SS8CG1a Georgia’s Constitution states that “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.”

Georgia’s Constitution This means that the Government is founded by Permission of the people, and those officials in government are accountable to serve us and our needs as state citizens. This concept is called “popular sovereignty.” - The fact that true governmental power is derived from the people…

Separation of Powers SS8CG1b There are Three Main powers of Government… -Legislative – Making the Laws -Executive – Enforcing or Carrying out the Laws -Judicial – Interpreting the law and judging criminals according to it. It used to be that Kings and other types of Dictatorships would do all three of these powers by themselves.

Now many nations use this system because it works. Separation of Powers SS8CG1b The United States (and Georgia) was one of the few Societies in history to start a government with these powers separated. Now many nations use this system because it works. Separation of Powers helps governments from infringing on the people’s rights.

United States Government

Separation of Powers Georgia’s State Government Works similar to the Federal/National Government (Remember the powers of government are split between the federal, state and local governments, powers not given to the national government are given to the state and local governments.)

Separation of Powers The Legislative Branch is called the General Assembly. It is Bicameral with a… -State Senate (56 members) and a -State House of Representatives (180 members). Each member has a 2 year term. The Executive Branch is headed by the Governor who serves a 4 year term. The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Georgia, Justices are elected.

Members of Branch Head of Government Bicameral Legislature Highest Court in Georgia Members of Branch

Checks and Balances SS8CG1b In Both the state and federal governments, there is a concept of “Checks and Balances” This means that each branch of government has some power over another branch of government too keep each branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances For Example… (In the Georgia State Government) SS8CG1b For Example… (In the Georgia State Government) The Executive Branch can Veto bills sent to it by the Legislative branch. It can also appoint court justices when they resign or die. -The Legislative branch Can Impeach members of executive and judicial branches, It can override a veto with a 2/3 majority vote, it can confirm those people appointed to office by the governor, and it can propose constitutional changes. The Judicial branch can rule actions of the governor or Laws made by the general Assembly Unconstitutional

Closing How many Constitutions has Georgia had? - When was the first state Constitution approved? - When was the last Georgia constitution approved? What is the purpose of Georgia government? What is the largest branch of State government and who is the head of it?