Unit 1 Government Review Game

43a: How many Constitutions has GA had in its history? When did the last revision occur?

43a: GA has had 10 state Constitutions throughout its history. The last revision occurred in 1983.

43a: Name and describe the different sections of the GA Constitution:

43a: Preamble: Introduction to the document outlining guiding principles and structure of the GA state govt. and promises to protect citizens basic rights. Bill of Rights: Found in Article I; est. citizens basic rights Articles: 11 articles that outline the rights, rules, regulations and procedures for citizens and the state govt. Amendments: Changes to the state Constitution.

43a: Provide some similarities between the GA Constitution and the U.S. Constitution:

43a: Similarities: Both contain a bill of rights separation of powers same 3 branches of government Bicameral legislature (HR & Senate) Power of Judicial Review for the Supreme Court

43a: Provide some differences between the GA Constitution and the U.S. Constitution:

43a: Differences: GA Const. is longer GA voters must approve amendments GA must maintain a balanced budget GA state judges are elected rather than appointed GA state Senators serve 2 year terms; US Senators serve 6 year terms The Governor doesn’t have a Cabinet to advise him/her like the President does GA const. sets up for local governments

44a: What are the qualifications to be a Senator in the Georgia General Assembly?

44a: 25 years old U.S. citizen Reside in the state of GA for 2 years Reside in district you represent for 1 year

44a: What are the qualifications to be a Representative in the Georgia General Assembly?

44a: 21 years old U.S. citizen Reside in the state of GA for 2 years Reside in district you represent for 1 year

44a: What is the term limit for legislatures in the General Assembly? Why is it set to this amount?

44a: There is no term limit (2 year terms) Why??? If they are representing their constituents well, they deserve to keep getting reelected

44a: What are the main duties of legislatures in the General Assembly?

44a: Passing legislation Redistricting Serving on standing committees Pass the state budget

44a: How many members make up the House of Representatives in the GA General Assembly?

44a: 180 members

44a: Who presides over the House of Representatives? How does he/she get elected?

44a: The Speaker of the House Elected by members of the house of representatives

44a: How many members make up the Senate in the GA General Assembly?

44a: 56 members

44a: Who presides over the Senate?

44a: The Lieutenant Governor

44b: What is the purpose of the committee system? How do they help pass legislation?

44b: Committee members are experts on a particular topic and they work together in small groups to research and vote on bills More efficient system to have a small group to research a bill instead of a large group

44b: Accurately describe the four types of committee systems used in the General Assembly: Standing Committee

44b: Standing Committee: Permanent Committees that are made up of members from only one house Each house of the General Assembly has their own standing committees

44b: Accurately describe the four types of committee systems used in the General Assembly: Interim (Ad Hoc) Committee

44b: Interim (Ad Hoc) Committee: Temporarily formed committees to respond to emergency situations when the General Assembly is out of session.

44b: Accurately describe the four types of committee systems used in the General Assembly: Joint Committee

44b: Joint Committee: - Committees that are comprised of members from both houses

44b: Accurately describe the four types of committee systems used in the General Assembly: Conference Committee

44b: Conference Committee: - Committees that are made up of members from both houses that are formed when the House and Senate have different versions of a bill and need to draft one final version

44c: Describe the process of how a bill becomes a law:

44c: a person comes up with an idea a legislator writes a bill bill gets submitted to the clerk bill gets assigned to a committee in the house it originated in committee researches the bill and votes on it (if gets a simple majority it goes to the entire originating house) entire house debates and votes on the bill (if gets a simple majority it goes to the other house) Same exact process in the new house Bill goes to Governor for his signature (if signed, bill becomes a law or veto to kill the bill)

44c: What vote is needed for a bill to pass both houses of the General Assembly?

44c: A simple majority vote (51% or more)

44c: What happens if the Governor refuses to sign or veto a bill?

44c: The bill becomes a law at the end of the legislative session

44d: What are the three main sources of revenue in the state of Georgia?

44d: Taxes Fees Fines

44d: Define sales tax? What % is sales tax in GA? Which level of government receives the revenue?

44d: A consumption flat tax placed on products sold in Georgia 6% State receives 4% & Gwinnett County receives 2%

44d: Define property tax? Which level of government receives the revenue?

44d: A graduated tax based on the value of your property (ad valorem tax) Generally paid on your home and vehicles Local government receives most of its revenue from property taxes

44d: Define income tax? Which level of government receives the revenue?

44d: A graduated tax based on all earnings of an individual in a given year (The more money you make, higher amount you pay) State government receives all of the revenue from state income taxes

44d: Which tax is the largest source of revenue for Georgia?

44d: Individual Income tax is the largest revenue source for state government (roughly 45%)

44d: Which tax is the largest source of revenue for local governments in Georgia?

44d: Property taxes are the largest revenue source for local governments

45a: What are the qualifications to be the governor in the state of Georgia?

45a: At least 30 years old A U.S. citizen for at least 15 years A resident of Georgia for the last 6 years

45a: How many consecutive terms can a governor serve in Georgia?

45a: 2 consecutive terms (4 years each) or 8 consecutive years

45a: What are the formal powers given to the governor?

45a: manage state budget making annual “state of the state” address preparing budget bills for consideration by the GA house of rep. serves as commander-in-chief over state national guard chief law enforcement officer

45a: What are the informal powers given to the governor?

45a: Serves as a figurehead of the state Communicates to public on govt. issues Meets with business leaders to encourage growth and development of businesses in the state Working with members of the legislature to get laws passed

45a: What are the qualifications to be the lieutenant governor in the state of Georgia?

45a: At least 30 years old A U.S. citizen for at least 15 years A resident of Georgia for the last 6 years Same requirements as the governor in case they have to assume the position of the governor

45a: How many consecutive terms can a lieutenant governor serve in Georgia?

45a: Unlimited terms

45a: What are the main duties of the lieutenant governor?

45a: Chief Executive when the governor is out of state President of the Senate Take the position of governor if the governor dies

45b: What purpose do executive agencies serve?

45b: Executive Agencies help the Governor to enforce laws and administer state programs. EX: The Department of Transportation maintains roads and bridges.

45b: Which branch is made up of the most people in Georgia?

45b: Executive Branch make up 99% of the employees in the state government

48a: Describe the origin and purpose of city governments:

48a: Origin: In order to form a city in GA you must apply for a municipal charter; the General Assembly must approve the charter. There are over 500 cities in GA. Purpose: To provide its citizens with basic services such as police and fire protection, libraries, public parks, sanitation, water, etc.

48a: Describe the origin and purpose of county governments:

48a: Origin: Due to GA’s rural history, it is the oldest and most important form of local government. GA has 159 counties, the 2nd most counties for any state in the country. Purpose: To provide its citizens with basic services such as police and fire protection, libraries, public parks, sanitation, water, etc.

48a: Describe the origin and purpose of special-purpose governments:

48a: Origin: Formed to provide oversight and funding for a specific function for the state or local community. Purpose: The purpose of a special purpose district is to benefit the well-being of the people. Some examples of special purpose districts include the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), The Georgia Ports Authority, local school systems, local housing authorities and the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

48b: What are three major ways in which special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) funds can be used:

48b: Educational Improvements Transportation Improvements Infrastructure Improvements