1. Government in Georgia

2. Rights & Responsibilities of Citizens
Freedoms
Religion
Speech
The Press
The Republican and Democratic parties have dominated America’s political system since the 1860s.
Political parties exist to bring like-minded individuals who share common beliefs and ideas together with a common goal of electing their members to political office.

3. Voting in Georgia Voters must be: A citizen of the United States
18 years old by election day
Legal residents of Georgia and the county that they plan to vote
Voters cannot be:
Currently serving time in jail for a felony offense
Ruled to be mentally incompetent
Where Georgians can vote:
Polling place only in their district or precinct
Absentee ballot

4. Voting in Georgia Three Major Types of GA Elections Primary elections
Held in July or August of even-numbered years
Multiple candidates run to become THE candidate for their party
General elections
Held in even-numbered years and take place on the second Tuesday of November
Can be for local and/or national elections
Special elections
An election that is held if a need arises for citizens to vote on a special issue or to fill a vacancy
Example: A special election will be held in a few weeks to fill the Senate Seat of Tom Price (R-GA) who took a position as the Secretary of Health and Human Services in President Trump’s cabinet

5. Structure of Georgia’s Current Constitution
Outlines the rights, rules, regulations and procedures for the state government & Georgia’s citizens.
Georgia’s State Motto:
WISDOM, JUSTICE, AND MODERATION

7. Georgia’s Balance of Power
Legislative Branch
House of Representatives must have at least 180 members
Senate must have at least 56 members
2 year terms with no term limits
At least 21 to serve in the House
At least 25 to serve in the Senate
US Citizen and citizen of GA for at least 2 years
Legal resident of their House or Senate district
Speaker of the House leads the House of Representatives
Lieutenant Governor leads the Senate
Duties and Powers
Makes Laws
Debates and passes laws
If the same version of a bill passes both houses, it goes to the Governor for signature
If governor vetoes, bill goes back to the General Assembly and is reconsidered
2/3 of each house must vote in favor of the bill to override the veto

8. Georgia’s Balance of Power
Executive Branch
Largest branch of Georgia’s Government
Headed by the Governor
Serves a 4-year term, limited to 2 terms
Must be at least 30 years old
A citizen of the USA for at least 15 years
A Georgia resident for at least 6 years
Duties and Powers
Enforces civil and criminal laws
Appoints state officials and justices
Signs bills into laws
Veto Power
Reporting “State of the State” to legislature
May call special legislative sessions
Serves as Commander in Chief to Georgia’s National Guard

9. Georgia’s Balance of Power
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Highest court in the State
Made up of 7 Justices (judges)
Justices are elected to serve 6 years
In the event of death or resignation, the Governor appoints an interim justice
Elect one among themselves to serve as Chief Justice
Is an appellate court, hears cases on appeal from lower courts
Hears cases related to constitutionality (not trials)
Decisions are usually binding
Court of Appeals
2nd highest state court
12 judges sit on court
Justices serve 6 years
Elect one among themselves to serve as chief judge
Is an appellate court (does not hear first time trials)
Trial Courts
Try first time cases
Comprised of
180 Superior courts
70 State courts
150 probate courts
159 Juvenile courts
159 Magistrate courts
Over 400 city and special courts