Constitution and Citizenship

How comfortable are you with the understanding of citizen

roles in government?A.) Not at allB.) SomewhatC.) Very

STANDARD: SS8CG1 The student will describe the role of

citizens under Georgia’s constitution. Explain the basic structure of Georgia’s

state constitution Explain the concepts of separation of

powers and checks and balances Describe the rights and responsibilities of

citizens Explain voting requirements and elections

in GA Explain the role of political parties in

government

GA’S CONSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE Constitutions specify how governments

are run GA’s government operates similarly to the

U.S. government in three branches Legislative Branch = General Assembly (bi-

cameral) Executive Branch = Governor & Lt. Governor Judicial Branch = Supreme Court and other

court systems

SEPARATION OF POWERS AND CHECKS AND BALANCES

In order to prevent any one person (or group of people) from having too much power our government is based upon the separation of powers Each branch has a specific responsibility

Executive-carries out the laws Legislative-makes the laws Judicial-interprets the laws

SEPARATION OF POWERS AND CHECKS AND BALANCES

These branches also have ways to “check up” on each other and balance each other out Executive can veto or approve laws Legislative can override the governor’s

veto Judicial determines if the laws made by the

legislature are constitutional

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENS

Georgia’s constitution states:“All government, of right, originates with

the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted for the good of the whole. Public officers are the trustees and servants of the people and are at all times amenable to them.”

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENS

As a citizen you have rights/responsibilities Participation in government Participation in elections Upholding laws Defending our nation (all young men are

required to register with the selective service when they turn 18)

Serving on a jury Assisting within your community through

service

VOTING REQUIREMENTS AND ELECTIONSTo register to vote in Georgia: At least 18 years old Citizen of the United States Legal resident of GA Legal resident of the county in which

you register to vote

VOTING REQUIREMENTS AND ELECTIONSThe chief election official in our state is the

secretary of state Schedules elections Verifies candidates Prints ballots Provide election materials to each county Verifies results of electionsGeneral Elections are held in November in at

least each even numbered year

ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN GOVERNMENT

Political Parties are organized groups of people who share common ideals and seek to influence government policies and decisions by electing members of their party to government offices.

ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN GOVERNMENT

The two main parties in Georgia are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party (G.O.P.) People who are not members of these two

parties are generally referred to as independents

Other minor political parties exist in our country and state

These parties generally do not have enough influence to win major elections, but the can impact the democratic process

How do the branches of government balance each

other out?A.) Checks and TemperancesB.) Checks and ComplaintsC.) Checks and Balances

Which of the following is NOT a right or responsibility of

being a citizen?A.) Serving on a juryB.) Upholding lawsC.) Participation in governmentD.) Must join any service at age 18

True or False: The only two political parties allowed in

Georgia are the Republicans and the Democrats.

A.) TrueB.) False

To register to vote in Georgia you must be how old?

A.) 21B.) 16C.) 18D.) 13

Which branch carries out the laws?

A.) ExecutiveB.) LegislativeC.) Judicial

Who makes up the judicial branch of Georgia

government?

A.) Governor and Lt. GovernorB.) Court systems and Supreme CourtC.) Lawmakers in the General Assembly