Presentation Transcript

1. Georgia State GovernmentCRCT Prep BookCH 12

   Georgia’s Constitution, Executive & Judicial Branch, County & City Government, Spending & Revenue
2. Georgia State Constitution Georgia’s Highest Body of Laws. Georgia’s First Constitution was in 1777. Has been rewritten 10 times. Most recent 1983.
3. 4 Principles of GA Constitution Limited Government: Government has limited power Popular Sovereignty: The power of the government rests on the will of the people. Separation of Powers: Each branch of government has their own job. Checks and Balances: Each branch of government has a “check” on the other branches.
4. Separation of Powers The framers wanted to strengthen the government but prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a small group. Created 3 Branches Legislative- Makes Laws Executive- Enforces Laws Judicial- Interprets the Laws and makes judgments in legal disputes.
5. Checks and Balances One branch has the ability to prevent the other branch from becoming to powerful. Example: The executive branch can veto a bill from the legislative branch.
6. Preamble of the GA Constitution Explains why the document was written.
7. Reasons for the Constitution To Perpetuate the principles of free government Insure justice for all Preserve Peace Promote the interest and happiness of the citizens and of the family Transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty
8. Articles of the Constitution 11 Total Articles They address the different branches of government & duties of the government. Article I is the GA Bill of Rights. Article X tells how the Constitution can be changed or amended.
9. Two Ways to Change the GA Constitution First: through proposals by the General Assembly A lawmaker must introduce the amendment. 2/3 of lawmakers must approve it. Voters have to vote to ratify the amendment. Second: Constitutional Convention Delegates to the convention will meet to discuss and vote on possible changes to the constitution. Voters have to vote to ratify the amendment.
10. "I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands: Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation." Pledge of Allegiance - GA State flag: Approved March 28, 1935.
11. The Legislative Branch Made up by the General Assembly. 2 Houses – Senate and House of Representatives. 236 Members General Assembly members meet for a 40 day session beginning on the second Monday in January. 2 year term in office
12. The Legislative Branch Responsible for making laws for the state of Georgia. Responsible for appropriating funds for the State to spend. Leadership: -- Speaker of the House (Majority party) -- President of Senate (Lt. Gov.)
13. The Legislative Branch Committee System in the General Assembly A Standing committee is a group of legislators organized by subject area that continues from session to session. Each committee is organized into two or more subcommittees to allow greater specialization of expertise.
14. The Legislative Process – How a Bill Becomes a Law Bill is introduced Committee recommends Bill The Bill Goes to the Entire House to Vote The Bill Goes to the Senate Bill Goes to the Governor
15. The Executive Qualifications: US Citizen for 15 years GA Citizen for 6 years 30 Years Old Term In Office: 4 Years Elected In: November General Election Takes Office In: January Governor: Nathan Deal Lieutenant Governor: Casey Cagle
16. Formal Powers of the Governor Managing the state’s budget. Direct the Attorney General to represent the state in legal matters. ‘State of the State’ address. Prepare budget bills for the House of Reps. Commander in Chief of GA National Guard. Heading states civil defense units.
17. Informal Powers of the Governor Communicating their position on key issues. Honorary head of the party that got him elected. Honor individuals, add new state symbols. Represent GA domestically and internationally Bring business to GA
18. Executive Branch There are other elected officials in the Executive Branch: State Attorney General Commissioner of Agriculture Commissioner of Labor Commissioner of Insurance Secretary of State State School Superintendant
19. The Executive Branch - Agencies Government Agency: A unit of government such as a department, board, commission or office. They are a part of the executive branch. All executive branch activities fit into seven major policy categories: Education, Human Services, Public Safety, Transportation, General Government, Economic Development, and Natural Resources.

20. Judicial Branch

    Courts of Georgia
21. Appellate jurisdiction Exclusive in cases involving constitutional issues, contested elections, capital felonies, titles to land, wills, and divorces. Appellate jurisdiction in cases not reserved to the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Appellate Court
22. General jurisdiction Exclusive in cases of felonies, divorces, titles to land. Appellate jurisdiction: over probate, magistrate, and municipal courts. Limited jurisdiction Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and most civil cases. Superior Court Trial Courts 159 Courts (49 circuits) State Court 70 Courts
23. Limited Jurisdiction: Criminal: pretrial proceedings, warrants, and bail. County ordinance, traffic, and bad check violations. Civil Claims under $5,000. Limited jurisdiction Traffic violations, ordinance violations, and criminal preliminaries (such as warrants). Magistrate Court 159 Courts Municipal “City” Court approximately 400 Courts
24. Local Governments – Three Types Counties Cities Special Districts
25. County Government The governing body of a county is its county commission, whose members are elected by the county voters. County commissioners can pass ordinances (law about property & affairs) and resolutions (informal statement on the commission's opinion). A County Seat is the center of a county’s government. Canton is Cherokee County’s central seat of government.
26. Services Counties provide
27. City Government
28. Special Districts A unit set up by the legislature or by a city or county ordinance for a special purpose.
29. The Big 8 Local Government Services
30. How Does the government get money? Revenue is money that the government gets to pay for expenditures. Expenditure is the amount of money the government spends on something.
31. Local Government Revenue
32. County & City Revenue The COUNTY gets the most revenue from Property Taxes. The COUNTY gets the least revenue from licenses and permits. The CITY gets the most revenue from Public Utilities. The CITY gets the least revenue from licenses and permits.
33. How Does the State government get money? Other Taxes Fuel Tax Income Tax Sales Tax