1. State Constitution and Powers

2. What is a constitution and what is its purpose?
Unwritten traditions or a written document that establishes the relationship between a government and its people.

3. 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

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

5. What is a bill of rights?
A section where individual rights and government limits are written

6. What are the three branches of government?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

7. 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 and decides whether or not people are guilty

8. What is separation of powers and why is it important in our government?
It makes sure that the government does not become too powerful

9. 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

10. Preamble
A short paragraph that gives reasons for the Constitution

11. Article I: Bill of Rights
Individual rights
Separation of powers/church & state
Property rights

12. Article II: Voting and Elections
Elections must be by secret ballot and law-abiding
Steps to take for a run-off election
Steps to take if a public official is found guilty of a serious crime

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Article VI: Judicial Branch
Outlines GA’s unified court system
Gives purposes and limits of each court
Magistrate
Probate
Juvenile
State
Superior
Court of Appeals
Supreme

17. Article VII: Taxation and Finance
Lists reasons why GA may tax its citizens
Explains methods and limits of taxation

18. 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

19. Article IX: Counties and Municipal Corporations
Outlines roles and functions of county and city governments

20. Article X: Amendments to the Constitution
Explains how changes, or amendments, to the Constitution can be made

21. Article XI: Miscellaneous Provisions
Deal mostly with historical and legal continuity - that is, how GA’s different constitutions have been changed over the years

22. The End