State Constitution and Powers

What is a constitution and what is its purpose? Unwritten traditions or a written document that establishes the relationship between a government and its people.

What is a preamble and what is its purpose? An introduction States the ideas, or philosophy, behind a constitution States the purpose of the government and the Constitution

What two things does a constitution do? It lists the peoples’ rights It limits the government’s power

What is a bill of rights? A section where individual rights and government limits are written

What are the three branches of government? Legislative Executive Judicial

What is the function of each branch of government? Legislative - makes the rules, or laws, that people must obey Executive - is the head, or leader, of the government that enforces the laws Judicial - Interprets the laws and decides whether or not people are guilty

What is separation of powers and why is it important in our government? It makes sure that the government does not become too powerful

What is our checks and balances system and why is it important? The system of limiting the roles of each branch, and setting right another branch’s error

Preamble A short paragraph that gives reasons for the Constitution

Article I: Bill of Rights Individual rights Separation of powers/church & state Property rights

Article II: Voting and Elections Elections must be by secret ballot and law-abiding Steps to take for a run-off election Steps to take if a public official is found guilty of a serious crime

Article III: Legislative Branch Made up of ten sections Outlines the structure and function of the two houses of GA’s General Assembly Explains how bills are passed into laws

Article IV: Constitutional Boards and Commissions Provides for a: Public Service Commission, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, State Personnel Board, State Transportation Board, Veterans Service Board, and Board of Natural Resources

Article V: Executive Branch Sets out the qualifications and terms of office for the governor and lieutenant governor Explains duties and powers of governor Lists other elected positions in GA’s executive branch

Article VI: Judicial Branch Outlines GA’s unified court system Gives purposes and limits of each court Magistrate Probate Juvenile State Superior Court of Appeals Supreme

Article VII: Taxation and Finance Lists reasons why GA may tax its citizens Explains methods and limits of taxation

Article VIII: Education Explains how GA’s public school system is paid for by taxes Outlines the structure of the school system at state and local levels

Article IX: Counties and Municipal Corporations Outlines roles and functions of county and city governments

Article X: Amendments to the Constitution Explains how changes, or amendments, to the Constitution can be made

Article XI: Miscellaneous Provisions Deal mostly with historical and legal continuity - that is, how GA’s different constitutions have been changed over the years

The End