Government

Georgia State Constitution Has been rewritten 10 times. Most recent It includes a Preamble, Bill of Rights, 3 Branches of Government and ability to amend the constitution. It is longer than the Federal Const. includes: Taxes, Spending, Public Schools and Colleges, and Local Government.

Separation of Power The framers wanted to strengthen the government but prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a small group. Created 3 Branches – Legislative- Makes Laws – Executive- Enforces Laws – Judicial- Interprets the Laws and make judgments in legal disputes.

Checks and Balances One branch has the ability to prevent the other branch from becoming to powerful. Example: The executive branch can veto a bill from the legislative branch.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens Voting for public officials Voting on referendums Pay taxes so government can function.

Voting Requirements in GA. Must be at least 18 years old. Citizen of the US. Must be a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which

What is a Primary? A state wide election held by a political party to choose its candidates for the general election. GA is an open primary state- A person is able to participate in a primary of another party.

GA’s 2008 Primary Results

Why would GA need a runoff election? In GA, a candidate needs to win a majority of the votes. When no candidate receives a majority, then the top two vote getters compete in a two person runoff.

What is the difference between a general and special election? General: The election for nation, state, and local offices held in November of even numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday. Special: Can be held at almost anytime to fill elective positions that become vacant when an incumbent resigns or dies.

Rep. Scott Brown won a special election to replace Dem. Ted Kennedy.

What are the roles of a political party? Political parties are organized groups of people who share common ideals. – Try to influence government by electing members of their party to government offices. The 2 main parties in the US are Republican and Democrats. – Those who are not apart of either are considered independent.

Information about the General Assembly. House of Representatives: 180 members Senate: 56 Members – Both are elected to two year terms. There is no term limit. Members must be at least 25 senate or 21 for the House, citizen of the United States, and a resident of Georgia for at least two years (live in the district they represent for one year).

Duties of the General Assembly GA meets for 40 days. Starts in the second week of Jan and usually ends in mid-march. Both houses can introduce and pass bills. If the other house approves it, then it goes to the governor. Only the House can write appropriations (spending bills), only the senate can confirm the governors appointments to offices.

Leadership in the General Assembly The Lt. Governor is the leader of the senate. Members of the house of representatives elect a speaker to be in charge. They both have the ability to determine the order of business, control debate, rule out proposed amendments or bills, enforce rules, control meeting times.

Casey Cagle David Ralston

What is the committee system? A few members of the house and senate are organized into various committees. – The committee studies the bill closely and then either recommends it or it is revised or discarded. – General Assembly members can belong to more than one committee. – Most of the real work of the legislature happens in committee.

How does a bill (proposed law) become a law? 1.A proposal is written and turned into the clerk’s office. 2.Copies are made for members of the house. The bill is assigned to a committee. 3.Committee can hold public meetings and then discuss the pros and cons of the bill. 4.Committee options: hold on to the bill, vote on bill and pass it, recommend that it is not passed, make changes to bill then vote, “kill” the bill by not voting it out of committee.

How does a bill (proposed law) become a law? 5.Bill is sent to the house and voted on. Needs majority to pass. 6.If passes then it moves to the senate. 7.Same process as the house. 8.Bill is sent to the governor. 9.Gov can do 3 things: Sign it into law, Take no action which would make it a law, Veto (which can be overturned with a two thirds vote.

Governor Chief executive officer of the state Can be elected for two consecutive four year terms (8 years), then must take 1 term off and then can run for another two terms. Must be at least 30, US resident for 15 years, and GA resident for 6 years.

Lieutenant Governor Replaces the governor if he/she can no longer perform their duties. Same qualifications as a governor. – The only difference is that there are no term limits on how many years a Lt. Governor can serve.

Formal Powers of the Governor Managing the state’s budget. Direct the Attorney General to represent the state in legal matters. ‘State of the State’ address. Prepare budget bills for the House of Reps. Commander in Chief of GA National Guard. Heading states civil defense units.

Informal Powers of the Governor Communicating their position on key issues. Honorary head of the party that got him elected. Honor individuals, add new state symbols. Represent GA domestically and internationally Bring business to GA

Executive Branch There are other elected officials in the Executive Branch: – State Attorney General – Commissioner of Agriculture – Commissioner of Labor – Commissioner of Insurance – Secretary of State – State School Superintendant

State Agencies Agencies help the executive branch carry out their job. 90% of state budget goes to agencies in the executive branch.

Where is the money spent? 1.Education 54% 2.Human Services22% 3.Public Safety 8% 4.Debt Repayment 5% 5.Transportation 4% 6.General Resources 4% 7.Economic Development1.4% 8.Legislative-Judicial1.3% 9.Natural Resources1.1%