SS8CG1 The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution.A. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution.
Ga Constitution
• Broken into 11 Articles (Parts)
• Article 1 – Bill of Rights
• Article 2 – Voting and Election Procedures
• Article 3 – Legislative Branch
• Article 4 – Constitutional Boards and Commissions
• Article 5 – Executive Branch
• Article 6 – Judicial Branch
• Article 7 – Taxation and Finance
• Article 8 – Education
• Article 9 – Counties and Municipal Corporations
• Article 10 – Amendments to the Constitution
• Article 11 – Miscellaneous Provisions
b. Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Separation of Powers
• In establishing our country and creating a government, many people remembered the absolute control that a ruler could have over the land. The founding fathers did not want a dictator who could rule without question or consequences for their actions
• Therefore they created 3 separate branches of government and each had different areas to oversee and control
– Executive Branch – made up of the President and his officials who oversee the implementation of new laws and day to day business
– Legislative Branch – made up of elected representatives who create new laws
– Judicial Branch – made up of Judges who make sure the new laws are fair, just, and applied equally to all citizens
• The founding fathers felt that by keeping these powers separate, it would keep one person from having too much or total control of the country.
Checks and Balances
• This concept directly ties in with the Separation of Powers.
• Each of the 3 Branches created can override or cancel out something the other branch does if it feels that it is unjust or unfair. The founding fathers set in place certain steps to be taken to again ensure that no one branch became too powerful.
• The best way to explain is by example:
• Congress (legislative branch) passes a bill (an idea for a law) and sends it to the President (executive branch) to sign and make into law. The President does not agree with the bill and refuses to sign it (This is called a Veto.). Congress gets it back and gets enough votes on it to override the veto. Congress passes it into law without the Presidents signature. (Very hard to do this) It becomes a law and goes out to the people. Someone breaks this law and questions the Constitutionality of the law and it goes to court. The Supreme Court hears the case and decides the person is right. The Law is Unconstitutional and declares the Law illegal.
• In this manner each branch can oversee or check and balance the power of the other branches
c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Citizen Rights and Responsibilities
• Rights are those things guaranteed to you by the Constitution
– Freedom of Speech , Religion, Gun Ownership,
– In this context, Vote, Non Discrimination
• Responsibilities are those things that you should do as a citizen
– Many people have the right to vote but do not participate. As a citizen, you have a responsibility to participate. No one can force you.
– You can run for office,
– vote people out of office,
– Protest unjust or unfair laws
– try to make the government better
– Defend your country
– Uphold the law of the country
d. Explain voting requirements and elections in Georgia
Voting Requirements and Elections
• Voting Requirements
• In order to vote in Ga You must be
– 18 years of age or older
• a Legal citizen of the United States
– A Legal resident of the State and County in which you are voting
• Elections
– Take place according to Ga Election Codes
– General Elections are held in November of every even numbered year. This is when major federal officials and state officials are chosen.
– Other elections are held as needed to select other public officials
e. Explain the role of political parties in government
Political Parties
• There are two main political parties in Ga –Democrats and Republicans
• These two parties represent opposing views in how the state should be run.
• Their purpose is to offer counterpoints and ides of how to spend money, raise money, and care for the people of the State.
• They support candidates for office and run campaigns for the office.
• Each party has it own platform or fundamental beliefs upon which they stand.
