The Georgia Constitution of 1777

The Georgia Constitution of 1777

• During the American revolution, Georgia’s government was called the Provincial Congress.

• In 1777, Georgia’s first Constitution was written.• This Constitution created a government with 3

branches.– Executive– Legislative– Judicial

• This is called the Separation of Powers.

Separation of Powers

• The legislative branch makes the laws.• The executive branch carries out the laws.• The judicial branch interprets the laws and

settles legal arguments.

Problems with the Constitution of 1777

• The legislative branch had most of the power.– The legislature was unicameral, or a one-house

legislature. – This meant that there was no one to protect the

people against certain laws being passed.– The legislature also had the authority to appoint

officials in the executive and judicial branches.

Problems Continued

• The Constitution of 1777 weakened the power of executive branch.– The executive branch could not veto legislation,

instead legislation could veto the executive branch.

– Being the governor was just a title under this constitution.

National Government

• Articles of Confederation

The Articles of the Confederation

• In November 1777, the Articles of the Confederation was developed.

• A confederation is a form of government where the states have more authority than the federal government.

• The document was sent to each state for approval and was completed March 1, 1781.

• For the Nation, not just GA!!!!!

Problems with the Articles of Confederation

• There was no executive branch because many Americans feared a strong central government.

• No judicial branch.• The Articles also had unicameral legislation that did

not have many powers.• Could not impose taxes or regulate trade between

states.• The states were a higher authority than the federal

government under the Articles of the Confederation.

Solving the Problem

• This form of government did not work so a new constitution needed to be written.