State Constitution and Powers

Structure of the Georgia Constitution Preamble – Articles Sections – Paragraphs

What is a constitution and what is its purpose? A written document that establishes the relationship between a government and its people. GA has had 10 different constitutions, with the most recent being written in 1983.

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

“To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice to all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the citizen and of the family, and transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty, we the people of Georgia, relying upon the protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution.” Georgia’s Preamble

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

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, decides whether or not people are guilty, settles disputes between citizens

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 1.Individual rights 2.Separation of powers/church & state 3.Property rights

Article II: Voting and Elections 1.Elections must be by secret ballot and law-abiding 2.Steps to take for a run-off election 3.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 - Trial – Probate - Trial – Juvenile -Trial – State - Trial – Superior – Trial and Appellate Appellate Jurisdiction only ―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

Examples of Checks & Balances For example, the president may veto a law passed by Congress. Congress can override that veto with a vote of two-thirds of both houses. Another example is that the Supreme Court may check Congress by declaring a law unconstitutional. The power is balanced by the fact that members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president. Those appointments have to be approved by Congress.

The End