Georgia’s New State Constitution

The Symbol for Georgia’s government is the State Seal The Symbol for Georgia’s government is the State Seal. It includes four key elements that tell us about our state’s government. 3 COLUMNS: Three columned structure which symbolizes the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. ARCH: The columns are connected by an arch which represents the Georgia Constitution that unifies the three branches MOTTO: Our state motto “Wisdom, Justice and Moderation” Wisdom- a quality the legislative branch must have to create new laws and amend old ones Justice- describe the legal system of defending and interpreting state laws Moderation- the executive branch, the office of governor, is a moderate, balanced leader, not extreme. SOLDIER: The soldier represents the Georgia National Guard. He is the defender of the Georgia Constitution and our state’s commitment to wisdom, justice, and moderation.

Structure of the Constitution Legislators began writing our current Constitution in 1977 and it was approved by Georgia citizens in 1983 Basic Structure includes: Preamble Bill of Rights 11 articles Amendments

Georgia’s Bill of Rights Found in Article I of Georgia’s Constitution. Lists individual liberties and protects those liberties from governmental intrusion. 48 Paragraphs total 28 paragraphs list individual rights 9 deal with the origins of government 3 are devoted to general provisions

11 Articles Article I: Bill of Rights Article II: Voting and Elections Article III: Legislative Branch Article IV: Constitutional Boards and Commissions Article V: Executive Branch Article VI: Judicial Branch Article VII: Taxation and Finance Article VIII: Education Article IX: Counties and Municipal Corporations Article X: Amendments in the Constitution Article XI: Miscellaneous Provisions

How is Georgia’s Constitution similar to the U.S. Constitution? Bill of Rights Separation of Power Legislative Executive Judicial Executive branch appoints officials and veto bills Both allow judicial review (constitutionality)

How do the Constitutions compare? Georgia Constitution U.S. Constitution Georgia’s Constitution is longer in length Georgia voters must approve amendments Georgia’s requires the state to maintain a balanced budget Governor may line item veto (cut a specific item in a spending bill) Georgia elects most of its judges on non-partisan ballots, Georgia’s legislator: Senate (2yrs) Reps (2yrs) Governor does not function with a cabinet Details how local governments should function No equal role for amending the U.S. const. The U.S. has no limitations of federal government The president does not have this power in the U.S. The President nominates judges for Senate approval. U.S. Legislators: Senate (6yrs) Reps(2yrs) President has a cabinet of advisors Does not mention local government

Separation of Powers Same as U.S.: Do you remember? Review Same as U.S.: Do you remember? __________________ makes laws __________________ enforces the laws __________________ interprets the laws Legislative Executive Judicial

Checks and Balances Also the same as the U.S. Who has the power to….. ________________ veto laws ________________ Override a veto ________________ Determine constitutionality of laws Review Executive Legislative Judicial

SEPARATION OF POWER & Checks and Balances Review Can decide if presidential acts are constitutional Can veto bills and call emergency sessions of Congress Can impeach the President, override a veto and confirm executive appointments. Can appoint Supreme Court justices and judges Can interpret constitutionality of laws. Can confirm or impeach judicial appointments, such as Supreme Court justices.

Georgia’s Bill of Rights-Rights of Citizens Life, Liberty, and Property Not without due process Freedom of Conscience No Religious persecution Banishment and Whipping as punishment Unreasonable punishment Fishing and Hunting Preserved for people and managed by law and regulation for public good. Review

Being a Georgia citizen

Your Responsibilities as a Georgia citizen Paying Taxes Serving on juries Volunteering Voting

Election time

Voting Qualifications Must be a citizen of the United States Must be 18 years old by election day Must be a legal resident of Georgia and of the COUNTY Cannot be serving in jail for a felony offense or ruled to be mentally incompetent

Where and how do citizens register to vote: Registering to vote Where and how do citizens register to vote: City, county and state government offices Libraries Or you can get a form online and mail it to the Georgia Secretary of State office Citizens are only allowed to vote at the polling place in their district (precinct), or via absentee ballot.