Constitution and Citizenship

How comfortable are you with the understanding of citizen roles in government? iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) Not at all B.) Somewhat C.) Very D.) E.)

Standard: SS8CG1 The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution. Explain the basic structure of Georgia’s state constitution Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens Explain voting requirements and elections in GA Explain the role of political parties in government

GA’s constitutional Structure Constitutions specify how governments are run GA’s government operates similarly to the U.S. government in three branches Legislative Branch = General Assembly (bi-cameral) Executive Branch = Governor & Lt. Governor Judicial Branch = Supreme Court and other court systems

Separation of powers and checks and balances In order to prevent any one person (or group of people) from having too much power our government is based upon the separation of powers Each branch has a specific responsibility Executive-carries out the laws Legislative-makes the laws Judicial-interprets the laws

Separation of powers and checks and balances These branches also have ways to “check up” on each other and balance each other out Executive can veto or approve laws Legislative can override the governor’s veto Judicial determines if the laws made by the legislature are constitutional

Rights and responsibilities of citizens Georgia’s constitution states: “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.”

Rights and responsibilities of citizens As a citizen you have rights/responsibilities Participation in government Participation in elections Upholding laws Defending our nation (all young men are required to register with the selective service when they turn 18) Serving on a jury Assisting within your community through service

Voting requirements and elections To register to vote in Georgia: At least 18 years old Citizen of the United States Legal resident of GA Legal resident of the county in which you register to vote

Voting requirements and elections The chief election official in our state is the secretary of state Schedules elections Verifies candidates Prints ballots Provide election materials to each county Verifies results of elections General Elections are held in November in at least each even numbered year

Role of political parties in government Political Parties are organized groups of people who share common ideals and seek to influence government policies and decisions by electing members of their party to government offices.

Role of political parties in government The two main parties in Georgia are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party (G.O.P.) People who are not members of these two parties are generally referred to as independents Other minor political parties exist in our country and state These parties generally do not have enough influence to win major elections, but the can impact the democratic process

How do the branches of government balance each other out? iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) Checks and Temperances B.) Checks and Complaints C.) Checks and Balances D.) E.)

Which of the following is NOT a right or responsibility of being a citizen? iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) Serving on a jury B.) Upholding laws C.) Participation in government D.) Must join any service at age 18 E.)

True or False: The only two political parties allowed in Georgia are the Republicans and the Democrats. iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) True B.) False C.) D.) E.)

To register to vote in Georgia you must be how old? iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) 21 B.) 16 C.) 18 D.) 13 E.)

Which branch carries out the laws? iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) Executive B.) Legislative C.) Judicial D.) E.)

Who makes up the judicial branch of Georgia government? iRespond Question F Multiple Choice A.) Governor and Lt. Governor B.) Court systems and Supreme Court C.) Lawmakers in the General Assembly D.) E.)