WHAT IS CIVICS / GOVERNMENT?

1. WHAT IS CIVICS / GOVERNMENT?

2. SS8CG1The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution. a. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution. b. Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances. c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens. d. Explain voting qualifications and elections in Georgia. e. Explain the role of political parties in government. Concepts: Governance Distribution of Power

3. USE PAGE 530 and Ch. 14 TO ANSWER THE QUESTION Activating Activity • How many Constitutions has Georgia had? • - When was the first state Constitution approved? • - When was the last Georgia constitution approved? • Name three purposes of GA. constitution? • What are the three branches of government and what are their responsibilities?

4. Georgia’s Constitution -Georgia adopted its first state constitution in 1777 just after the Colonies declared themselves free from Great Britain. -Georgia has had 10State Constitutions -The Current one was created in 1983. Both the United States and each individual state has a constitution… Purpose: rights to the people, protects and serve Legislative, Executive, Judicial Branch

9. What rights do we have under the U.S. and state Constitution?What are our main responsibilities as citizens of the United States?

10. Life, Liberty, and Property • Freedom of Religion • Freedom of Speech and Press • Right to Bear Arms • Right to Assemble and Petition • Right to Trial by Jury • Protection from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

12. POLITICAL PARTIES IN AMERICA

13. Roles of Political Parties • America’s political system is often called a “two party system • Two party system has been the norm since the 1860s • Republican & Democratic • Georgia has primarily been a republican state since the late 20th century • The role of political parties in both Georgia & the US is for groups of like-minded people who share common beliefs & ideas work together in hopes of electing their members to political offices. • GA Democrats and Republicans both hold political offices today. • Parties give voters a choice in deciding which elected official best represents their interests.

14. Five Functions of Political Parties • Recruit candidates*** • Nominate candidates*** • Get out the vote • Facilitate electoral choice • Influence national government***

15. SS8CG1f: Identify wisdom, justice & moderation as the three principles of the Pledge of Allegiance to the GA flag • Adopted on March 28, 1935 by Governor Eugene Talmadge • “I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands – wisdom, justice & moderation • Georgia’s current flag was adopted in 2008; Consisting of 3 stripes of red, white, red, • a blue canton containing a ring of 13 stars encompassing the state's coat of arms in gold. The coat of arms consists of an arch that symbolizes the state constitution & three pillars representing the • legislative, judicial & executive branches. The words “wisdom,” “justice,” & “moderation” are wrapped around the pillars. • Why these 3 words? • Wisdom:reminds the legislature to be wise in creating laws • Justice:appeals to the judicial branch for fair and just decisions • Moderation:urges the executive branch to carry out laws calmly within the boundaries of the law

16. SS8CG2The student will analyze the role of the legislativebranch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of members of the General Assembly. b. Describe the organization of the General Assembly, with emphasis on leadership and the committee system. c. Evaluate how the legislative branch fulfills its role as the lawmaking body for the state of Georgia. Concepts: Governance Distribution of Power

17. Georgia’s General Assembly -Georgia’s legislative body is called the General Assembly -It is bicameral (2 houses) -It is made up of the Georgia Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives. -They hold session at the Georgia capital.

19. Georgia’s Legislative Branch The Assembly must meet at least once a year. According to Georgia’s constitution, they are to convene on the second Monday in January and meet for at least 40 days. The Governor can call emergency sessions of the Assembly if needed( checks and balance) • While meeting at the Capital in Atlanta, the Assembly proposes, changes, and discards laws based on: • Regulating people’s behavior • Providing for local government • Allowing the state to raise and spend money • Providing for state services

20. U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

21. UNITED STATES SENATE

22. Types of Committees Standing Committees: Permanent committees (ex: appropriations, education, etc…) Study Committees:(Ad Hoc) Established to study an issue or complete a specific task (temporary) Conference Committee: When the senate and the house can’t agree on passing an important bill. A conference committee is composed of 3 members from the Senate and 3 members from the House of Representatives. They “conference” and come to a compromise (hopefully). Joint Committees: Joint committees are composed of both House and Senate members. Legislative Services and MARTOC are joint committees

23. HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

25. The Legislative Process • A potential law (before it is passed) is called a Bill. A Bill goes through several steps before it becomes a law… • Drafting • Introduction • Committee Consideration • Floor Consideration, Then to both houses”(House of Rep. then Senate) • Governor/President Consideration (pass it, veto or pocket veto)

26. Georgia Lawmaking Process • It is a complex and lengthy process for the legislative branch to fulfill its role as the lawmaking body for the state. The 15 step process is outlined below • 1) A legislator introduces an idea for a law (this could be based on the needs of his or her constituents, suggestions made by the Governor or Floor Leader, or his or her own ideas or beliefs) • 2) The legislator goes to the Office of Legal Council to determine and remedy any legal issues that the bill may face. • 3) The legislator files the bill with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of Senate • 4) The bill is formally introduced (1st Reading) • 5) The bill is assigned to a standing committee • 6) The bill receives a 2nd reading (process differs in House and Senate) • 7) The bill is considered by committee (bill can be engrossed, killed or amended) • 8) The bill is reported favorably by the committee and returned to the Clerk or Secretary • 9) The bill is placed on a general calendar • 10) The rules committee meets and prepares a rules calendar • 11) The presiding officer calls up bills for calendar • 12) The bill receives a 3rd reading (bill is now up for debate and voting) • 13) If bill is approved, it is sent to the other house • 14) If bill is passed by second house, it is returned. If bill is not accepted it is either killed or brought before a conference committee. • 15) If accepted by both houses, the bill is sent to the Governor for approval. • **The Governor may sign bill or do nothing (it becomes law). Governor may veto bill (Assembly can override with veto with 2/3 vote).

27. SS8CG3The student will analyze the role of the executivebranch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of the governor and lieutenant governor. b. Describe the organization of the executive branch, with emphasis on major policy areas of state programs; include education, human resources, public safety, transportation, economic development, and natural resources. c. Evaluate how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws. Concepts: Governance Distribution of Power

28. Executive Branch • Largest branch of state government • Responsibilities; • To ensure that the state’s laws are carried out • To manage the day-to-day operations of the state

30. Powers of the Governor Formal Powers Executive: * Appoint state officials Legislative: • Sending messages to the General Assembly thru the Floor leader • Signing and vetoing bills • Calling special sessions Judicial: • Pardoning criminals • Appoint State Justices Informal Powers • Communicate to the public about issues • Act as honorary head of political party • Honoring individuals, holidays, events • Adding new state symbols with legislatures approval • Represent Georgia in meetings with other states • Work with legislature to get laws passed • Guide state agencies

31. ORGANIZATION of the EXECUTIVE BRANCH STATE DEPARTMENTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OFECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

32. SS8CG4The student will analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government. a. Explain the structure of the court system in Georgia including trial and appellate procedures and how judges are selected. b. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law. c. Describe the adult justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and steps in the criminal justice process. d. Describe ways to avoid trouble and settle disputes peacefully. e. Evaluate how the judicial branch fulfills its role in interpreting the laws of Georgia and ensuring justice in our legal system. Concepts: Governance Distribution of Power

33. What is a law? Why do we have laws? What would our society be like without laws? Judicial Branch-interpret laws

34. COURT TERMINOLOGY • MISDEMEANOR = CRIME THAT RECEIVES LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF PUNISHMENT or FINE OF LESS THAN $1,000 • FELONY = CRIME THAT RECEIVES MORE THAN ONE YEAR OF PUNISHMENT or FINE OF MORE THAN $1,000 • APPELLATE = HIGHER COURT WHERE PEOPLE APPEAL THEIR CONVICTION TO GET IT CHANGED • PROSECUTOR = GOVERNMENT TRIAL LAWYER WHO TRIES TO PROVE A SUSPECTED CRIMINAL IS GUILTY • DEFENDANT = A PERSON CHARGED WITH A CRIME • PLAINTIFF = A PERSON WHO SUES OR HAS A COMPLAINT AGAINST ANOTHER PERSON • JURY = CITIZENS WHO SIT IN ON A TRIAL AND DETERMINE IF SOMEONE IS GUILTY OR INNOCENT • JURISDICTION = GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AND THE TYPES OF CASES A CERTAIN COURT IS ABLE TO HOLD

35. CRIMINAL LAW Misdemeanors (less than one year in jail) and Felonies (more than one year in jail) The national, state, or local government (Prosecutor) claims a person (the Defendant) committed a crime. If found guilty by a judge or jury the Defendant is sentenced to either jail, probation, community service, and/or a fine CIVIL LAW A person or group that has a complaint against another person or group Plaintiff sues a Defendant and a judge must determine guilt based on facts, evidence, and testimony If Plaintiff wins the case the Defendant must pay money (damages) or stop doing what they were charged with The defendant never goes to jail if found guilty in a Civil case WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRIMINAL LAW AND CIVIL LAW?

36. Name That Crime Criminal or Civil? Why? Arson Divorce Mr. Jones’ tree falls on Mr. White’s house Kidnapping Failure to pay income tax Noisy dog Car theft Drug dealing Violation of a business contract Murder

37. Judicial Branch • What is the difference between a criminal case and civil case? Give an example of each • What are the two types of criminal cases?

39. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRIAL COURTS IN GEORGIA?

40. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRIAL COURTS IN GEORGIA? • JUDGES ALL CHILDREN UNDER 18 YRS OLD WHO ARE DEPRIVED OR NEGLECTED • JUDGES UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIORS OF CHILDREN UNDER 17 YEAR OLDS • JUDGES ARE APPOINTED, NO JURY • WILLS, INHERITANCES, MARRIAGE, AND FIREARM LICENSES • ONE JUDGE PER COUNTY ELECTED BY POLITICAL PARTY (PARTISAN) • JURY TRIAL ONLY IN COUNTIES WITH 96,000+ PEOPLE • SMALL CLAIMS COURT • ISSUE ARREST & SEARCH WARRANTS • SMALL CIVIL CASES UNDER $15,000 • JUDGE ONLY (MAGISTRATE), NO JURY • JURY TRIAL THAT HANDLES MANY CIVIL AND MISDEMEANOR CASES, HANDLE FELONIES INCLUDING VIOLENT FELONIES BY JUVENILES • NONPARTISAN JUDGES SERVE 4 YR TERMS • JURY TRIAL THAT HANDLES MISDEMEANORS, CIVIL CASES, AND TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS • NONPARTISAN ELECTION JUDGES SERVE 4 YR TERM

41. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPELLATE COURTS IN GEORGIA? • GEORGIA’S HIGHEST COURT • REVIEWS CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES IN TRIAL COURTS AND COURT OF APPEALS • HANDLES ALL CASES INVOLVING THE DEATH PENALTY • MAKES SURE ELECTIONS ARE FAIR • 7 JUSTICES (JUDGES) ARE ELECTED TO SIX YEAR TERMS • THE CHIEF JUSTICE IS CHOSEN BY THE OTHER JUDGES • NO WITNESSES OR JURIES • HANDLES APPEALS INVOLVING CIVIL AND TRIAL CASES FROM THE SUPERIOR, STATE, AND JUVENILE COURTS • JUDGES ELECTED FOR SIX YEARS • NO JURIES

43. WHAT ARE WAYS TO SOLVE DISPUTES PEACEFULLY WITHOUT GOING TO COURT?

44. Question(s) of the Day • How are trial courts and appeal courts different? • Name the five trial courts • Probate, state, magistrate, superior, juvenile • Name the two appellate courts • Court of Appeals and Supreme

45. Steps in the Criminal Process • Step One-Arraignment • Between 24 and 48 hours after an arrest, a suspect has his first court appearance. • Step Two-Bail • Bail is set for non-violent crimes and a suspect is not likely to run away • Step Three-Commitment Hearing • Defendant can plead guilty or not guilty when asked by a judge • Step Four-Preparing for Trial • This is the process when both sides gather evidence for or against the defendant • Step Five-Plea Bargaining • Defendant pleads guilty for a lesser punishment or goes to trial • Step 6-Trial • The prosecution and the defense argue their cases

46. Tree Branch Assignment Students will create a tree on one of the three branches of government in Georgia Assignment Create a colorful tree with a minimum of 20 facts on branches (1 fact per branch) Have the list from the branches written or typed-back of the paper Three paragraph paper explaining the importance of your branch and how they affect the citizens in Georgia Choose one of the following A-Skit-Create a skit on your branch (5 characters minimum) on a problem or issue that would involve your branch and a solution to the problem. Must have at least 5 questions for the class to answer based on your skit. B-PowerPoint presentation-create a PowerPoint with at least 10 slides with the following: -Cover page -Must be informative and accurate on the branch you chose -Transitions and pictures on each slide -10 questions at the end of the slide for the class to answer

47. Judicial Review-Gives the court system the power to declare laws by the legislative and executive branch unconstitutional • What is the difference between criminal and civil law? • How are misdemeanors and felony cases different? • What is the main job of the Judicial Branch? • What two courts in Georgia can a person appeal their conviction? • Name three types of trial courts in Georgia.

48. SS8CG6 The student will explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders. a. Explain the difference between delinquent behavior and unruly behavior and the consequences of each b. Describe the rights of juveniles when taken into custody. c. Describe the juvenile justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and steps in the juvenile justice process. d. Explain the seven delinquent behaviors that can subject juvenile offenders to the adult criminal process, how the decision to transfer to adult court is made, and the possible consequences. Concepts: Governance Distribution of Power

50. Juvenile Justice • What is the difference between unruly behavior and delinquent behavior?