Unit 4 – the Executive Branch Georgia Studies

Executive Branch in Georgia SS8CG3 The student will analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of the governor and lieutenant governor. b. Describe the organization of the executive branch, with emphasis on major policy areas of state programs; include education, human resources, public safety, transportation, economic development, and natural resources. c. Evaluate how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws. ESSENTIAL QUESTION –How does the governor and the agencies of the executive branch protect the citizens of the state?

Federal System The Federal government is divided into three branches – Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The State government of Georgia is also divided into three branches – Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The United States Executive Branch is led by the President and Vice President. GA’s Executive Branch is led by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Qualifications – 30 years old U.S. citizen for fifteen years Citizen of Georgia for six years Term – The term of office for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor is 4 years. The Governor may run for and serve a second term. For the Lieutenant Governor there is no limit on the number of terms.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Election – Both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected by the citizens of Georgia. Unlike the President and Vice President of the United States the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Georgia do not run on the same ticket or need to be in the same party.

Duties of the Governor Elected by a popular vote of all eligible Georgia voters Serves four-year terms May propose new programs or laws Is limited to two consecutive terms May call special legislative sessions or veto bills May propose and direct the state budget May appoint members of state boards

Governor Nathan Deal – Republican that took office in 2011

Duties of the Lieutenant Governor If the office of governor becomes vacant, the Lt. Governor takes over until the next election…THEREFORE… The qualifications for office are identical to the Governor’s Unlike the Governor, the Lt. Governor has no terms limits

Duties of the Lieutenant Governor Unlike President and Vice President of the U.S., the Governor and Lt. Governor do not run on the same ticket. It is possible, then, for them to be in different political parties!!! The Lt. Governor is President of the Senate and is, therefore, the only officer who is a member of two branches of government!!!

Lieutenant Governor In 2006, Casey Cagle became the first Republican to ever hold that office.

Other Members of the Executive Branch According to the Georgia Constitution, there are six other elected members of the Executive Branch: 1. Attorney General – serves as the state’s attorney in court 2. Secretary of State – handles all administrative duties in the state, including recordkeeping, chartering new businesses, supervising elections, and regulating the sale of corporate stocks and bonds

Other Members of the Executive Branch 3. State School Superintendent – heads the Department of Education; certifies teachers, approves textbooks and distributes educational funds; this department has the largest budget of all state agencies 4. Agriculture Commissioner – oversees and regulates the state’s agriculture industry, including food production, consumer safety, and livestock (decisions made by this office are critical to the economy, since agriculture is a major industry in GA)

Other Members of the Executive Branch 5. Insurance Commissioner – regulates insurance businesses and protects consumers 6. Labor Commissioner – investigates labor complaints, works to protect the health and safety of industrial workers, and handles unemployment insurance

What do you remember? ___ 1. Represents GA in a murder caseA. Attorney General ___ 2. Investigates new company sellingB. Secretary of State life insurance in GeorgiaC. State School Superintendant ___ 3. Sets salaries for state teachersD. Agricultural Commissioner ___ 4. Calls for volunteers to help at E. Insurance Commissioner Polling places on election dayF. Labor Commissioner ___ 5. Promotes 4-H programs to Interest young people in agriculture ___ 6. Investigates charges of unsafe work conditions in a chemical plant

Organization of the Executive Branch Made up of many different offices, or departments. Leaders of the departments are either chosen directly by Georgia voters or are appointed by the Governor. Examples of Departments with Elected Commissioners: OfficePurpose Department of AgricultureHelps farmers; informs public about matters related to food and animals Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Oversees programs related to health, safety, and life insurance Department of LaborOffers services related to jobs, taxes, and wages.

Organization of the Executive Branch Examples of Departments with Appointed Commissioners: OfficePurpose Department of CorrectionsRuns the state’s prisons; supervises people on probation Department of DefenseOversees the Georgia National Guard and State Defense Force Department of EducationOversees GA’s public schools Department of Natural Resources Runs programs to protect GA beaches, mountains, forests, and natural resources Department of Transportation Oversees work on bridges, roads, and provides traffic and transportation information; issues drivers licenses