Executive Branch

 Largest branch of state government

 Chief executive officer of the state ◦ Elected by majority of popular vote ◦ Elected to a four year term ◦ Can serve two consecutive terms Governor Nathan Deal

 Must be 30 years old when taking office  Must be a citizen of the United States for 15 years  Must be a resident of Georgia for 6 years

 Divided into two types – Formal and Informal  Formal Powers – Powers listed in the constitution of Georgia  Informal Powers – Powers not written in the constitution of Georgia, but are a result of tradition and custom

 Executive Powers: ◦ Appoint state officials ◦ Make sure criminal and civil laws are enforced  Legislative Powers: ◦ Sending requests and messages to the legislature ◦ Signing bills into law ◦ Being able to veto a bill ◦ Calling special sessions of the legislature  Judicial Powers: ◦ Ability to pardon persons convicted of crimes ◦ Appoint state justices to fill unexpired terms

 Communicating personal positions on issues related to Georgia  Honorary head of his/her political party for Georgia  Issuing proclamations to honor individuals, holidays or special events, adding new state symbols (with legislative approval)  Representing the state in meetings with dignitaries  Guiding state agencies

 Second in charge to the Governor  Elected by a majority of popular vote  Elected to a four year term  Can serve an unlimited number of terms Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle

 Must be 30 years old when taking office  Must be a citizen of the United States for 15 years  Must be a resident of Georgia for 6 years

 In this position he makes Senate committee appointments  He also assigns bills to committees  He also is responsible for recognizing members of the Senate who wish to speak

 State Attorney General: ◦ Chief legal officer; head of Department of Law  Commissioner of Agriculture: ◦ Head of the state Agriculture Department  Commissioner of Labor: ◦ Head of the Labor Department for the State  Commissioner of Insurance: ◦ Regulates insurance carriers in the state of Georgia  Secretary of State: ◦ Maintains the state’s official records  State School Superintendent: ◦ Head of the Department of Education

 This is another elected position  There are five elected members of the Public Service Commission  They are elected to Six Year terms

 Founded in 1870  Responsible for overseeing all facets of public education in the state  The head of the department is the state superintendent of schools. ◦ State’s board of education is made of 14 members (based on congressional districts)

 Created in 1937  Responsible for protecting Georgia’s citizens and their property  Made up of several departments including Georgia Highway Patrol, the Capitol Police, and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division

 Plays a role in all four of the major transportation systems in the state  The GDOT is responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining Georgia’s roads and highways.

 This department is responsible for bringing economic development to the state.  It “markets Georgia to the world by encouraging investment and trade and attracting tourist to Georgia”

 This department was created to administer and enforce the laws passed by the General Assembly that relate to Georgia’s natural resources; primarily rivers and lakes.  Also operates state parks and preserves state historical sites  Enforces hunting, fishing and boating laws

 Top Three Areas of Expenditure:  57% Education  25% Health Care  9% Public Safety