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Georgia’s Constitution Break Down:The Amendments in Other Words

Article I – Bill of Rights: Describes the rights of citizens, like the United States Bill of Rights (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)

Article II – Voting and Elections: Describes voter requirements and rules for elections

Article III – Legislative Branch: structure and powers to the General Assembly (remember from a long time ago when we talked about the legislative branch in Georgia… It has a TREMENDOUS amount of power. More power than any other branch, so it’s no wonder it’s listed before the other branches. It was considered the most important.)

Article IV – Constitution Boards and Commissions: Set up government bodies (Public Service Commission, State Transportation, Board of Pardons/Paroles)

Article V – Executive Branch: establishes offices of the governor and lieutenant governor (lieutenant governor is kind of like the Vice President and the governor is like the President)

Article VI – Judicial Branch: establishes the court system and rules for the courts

Article VII – Taxation and Finance: power to tax and purposes/methods of taxing

Article VIII – Education: Establishes public education and Board of Education

Article IX – Counties and Municipalities: powers and structure of county government (local governments)

Amendment X – Amendments to the Constitution: describes the process of amending/fixing/altering the state constitution

Amendment XI – Miscellaneous Provisions: Meaning other random things the government can and cannot do

What’s the Point of Having Our State Constitution? Elected persons work for the people and are accountable for their actions The people of the state to right of regulating their government Gives voters the right to control state government Government is meant to serve the people Can change when it doesn’t serve the people

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Georgia Constitution – Where do I find it?

Directions: For each item found in the Georgia Constitution, identify the article you would find that information.

1. Sets out the qualifications and terms of office for both governor and lieutenant governor

_________________________

2. Provides for a State Personal Board that ensures the rights of people who work for the

state of Georgia. _________________________

3. Explains the duties and powers of the governor. _________________________

4. Explains how changes, or amendments, to the Constitution can be made.

_________________________

5. Separation of church and state _________________________

6. Provides for a Public Service Commission that oversees utilities such as electricity and

water _________________________

7. Property rights _________________________

8. Separation of Powers _________________________

9. Gives the purposes and limits of each of Georgia’s seven types of courts

_________________________

10. Short paragraph that gives reasons for the Constitution _________________________

11. Explains who is allowed to vote in Georgia _________________________

12. Steps to take in case of run-off (tie) election _________________________

13. Individual Rights _________________________

14. Outlines Georgia’s unified court system _________________________

15. Elections must be by secret ballot and law-abiding _________________________

16. Explains how bills are passed into laws _________________________

17. List the reasons why the state of Georgia may tax its citizens _________________________

18. Outlines the roles and functions of county and city governments _________________________

19. Lists other elected positions in Georgia’s executive branch of government

_________________________

20. Outlines the structure of the school system at the state and local levels.

_________________________

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THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT – U.S.

THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT – GEORGIA

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BRANCHES COMPARED

QUESTIONS

1. What do we call the U.S. legislative branch? ___________________________________: The Georgia legislative branch? _______________________________

2. What do we call the chief executive of the U.S.? ____________________________ What do we call the chief executive of Georgia? __________________________

3. What do we call the person who is 2nd in succession to the chief executive in U.S. Federal Government? _________________________________ Georgia? ____________________________________________

4. What does BICAMERAL mean? _________________________________

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Separation of Power (Branches)

Federalism(Levels)

Legislative Branch

Purpose: Make Laws

Executive Branch

Purpose: Enforce

Laws

Judicial Branch

Purpose: Interpret Laws

National/Federal Level

Example: United States

State Level

Example: Georgia

Local Level

Example: Atlanta

Checks and Balances MatchingChecks and Balances: The process in which each branch prevents the others from having too much power by “checking” or reviewing their actions and stopping them from making bad decisions.

Directions: Match the action of one branch with the “check” done by another branch. Answer questions.

1. ______ Congress writes a law. A. Supreme Court finds a law that is being enforced to be unconstitutional.

2. ______ President sends troops to another country.

B. Congress must approve all appointments to the Cabinet.

3. ______ President enforces a law. C. Only Congress can declare war. President can only send out troops for a short period of time on his own.

4. ______ President signs a treaty (peace agreement) with another country.

D. Congress must approve all nominations for the Supreme Court.

5. ______ President can appoint people to his Cabinet (his group of advisers)

E. Congress must approve all treaties.

6. ______ President can appoint Supreme Court justices.

F. President vetoes (turns down) a law.

1. Why are checks and balances so important?

2. What could happen if we didn’t have checks and balances?

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3. Do you think checks and balances work?

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CITIZENS AND THE GOVERNMENT

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RIGHTS

Bill of Rights

RESPONSIBILITIES

Vote

Pay Taxes

Obey Laws

Serve on Jury

Selective Service

VOTINGQUALIFICATIONS

18 years old

U.S. citizen

Resident of The County You Vote In

Cannot vote if you have a felony

convication or if you are declared mentally

incompetent by a judge

ELECTIONS

President & Vice President

2 US Senators13 US

Representatives

Governor & Lieutenant Governor

56 State Senators & 180 State

Representatives

County officials (Mayor, School Board, Sheriff)

Debrief – Rights and Responsibilities

1. Why is it important that you vote?

2. What do you think would happen if everyone says, “My vote doesn’t matter, anyway. I’m just one person”?

3. What do taxes pay for? Why is it important that citizens pay taxes?

4. Why do we have laws? What would happen if we didn’t have laws?

5. The 6th amendment says you have the right to an “impartial jury of your peers.” Why is this important to having a fair trial?

6. What is the “selective service”?

7. What is a “selective service draft”?

8. Do you think it’s a fair trade to get the rights spelled out in the Bill of Rights in exchange for the responsibilities outlined? Why?

9. Do you think the voting age is appropriate? Do you think it should be older? Younger? Explain.

10. Why do you think people that have been accused of a felony cannot vote?

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Political Party: an organized group of people who control or seek to control a government

What do they do? o Recruit and nominate candidateso Education the people about campaign issueso Help candidates win electionso Monitor actions of elected officials

Democrats (Liberal) Believes in a larger role of the federal government in people’s daily lives Supports higher taxes to promote social programs and more money going to the federal

government to oversee and control the economy

Republicans (Conservative) Believes in a more limited role of the federal government in people’s daily lives Supports lower taxes and more money staying with the people to spend and keep the

economy working rather than the government

Independents (http://www.usiap.org/Beliefs/Platform.html) Believes in the maintaining of the original Constitution and its beliefs; minimizing the role

of the federal government in daily lives (privatization) Supports ridding the country of debt through necessary taxing and budget-cutting Focuses on democratic participation and voting Beliefs on typical major issues changes with each candidate; there is no consistent beliefs

for each independent candidate

** There are many people who have both Liberal and Conservative views

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DEMOCRAT INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

180 MEMBERS

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

GEORGIA SENATE

56 MEMBERS

• MUST BE 21 YEARS OLD• GEORGIA RESIDENT FOR 2

YEARS• MUST LIVE IN DISTRICT

QUALIFICATIONS• MUST BE 25 YEARS OLD

• GEORGIA RESIDENT FOR 2 YEARS

• MUST LIVE IN DISTRICT

• SERVE 2 YEAR TERMS• NO TERM LIMITS

TERM • SERVE 2 YEAR TERMS• NO TERM LIMITS

• 180 DIFFERENT HOUSE DISTRICTS

• VOTE DURING GENERAL ELECTION EVERY EVEN

NUMBERED YEARS

ELECTION• 56 DIFFERENT SENATE

DISTRICTS• VOTE DURING GENERAL

ELECTION EVERY EVEN NUMBERED YEARS

• PROPOSING (MAKING) LAWS• PASSING GEORGIA’S BUDGET

• AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

DUTIES• PROPOSING (MAKING) LAWS• PASSING GEORGIA’S BUDGET

• AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

• SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE (3RD

IN LINE TO SUCCEED THE GOVERNOR)

• MAJORITY PARTY LEADER • MINORITY PARTY LEADER

• FLOOR LEADER (works with Governor)

LEADERSHIP• LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (2ND

IN LINE TO SUCCEED THE GOVERNOR)

• MAJORITY PARTY LEADER = PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

• MINORITY PARTY LEADER

• 36 COMMITTEES (groups of representatives who meet to

pass bills / laws)

COMMITTEESYSTEM

• 26 COMMITTEES

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COMPARE AND CONTRAST GEORGIA’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Directions: For each of the categories above, place the information in the below Venn diagram.

1. Which chamber, do you think is more prestigious or important? Why? Give at least 2 reasons.

2. Which chamber, do you think, better represents the beliefs of the people? Why?

3. Why is it important that the legislative branch is the only one that is responsible for making the laws (and not either of the other branches)?

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House of Representatives Senate

EXECUTIVE BRANCHGOVERNOR EXECUTIVE

BRANCHLIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

• MUST BE 30 YEARS OLD• CITIZEN OF U.S. FOR 15 YEARS

• RESIDENT OF STATE FOR 6 YEARS

QUALIFICATIONS

• MUST BE 30 YEARS OLD• CITIZEN OF U.S. FOR 15 YEARS

• RESIDENT OF STATE FOR 6 YEARS

• SERVE 4 YEAR TERMS• CAN RUN FOR A SECOND TERM

TERM • SERVE 4 YEAR TERMS• NO TERM LIMITS

• MUST WIN THE PARTY PRIMARY

• ELECTED BY CITIZENS - POPULAR VOTE DURING

GENERAL ELECTION

ELECTION• ELECTED BY CITIZENS

• DOES NOT HAVE TO BE FROM THE SAME PARTY AS THE

GOVERNOR

• CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER• COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF

MILITARY• CAN VETO (REJECT) LAWS• CAN SIGN BILLS INTO LAW

• APPOINTS PEOPLE TO OFFICES• HELPS DIRECT THE STATE

BUDGET

DUTIES• PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

• DECIDES WHO SERVES ON THE DIFFERENT SENATE

COMMITTEES• 1ST PERSON TO SUCCEED

(REPLACE) THE GOVERNOR

1. What do you think is most important qualification to run for governor? Why?

2. The Lieutenant Governor does not have to be the same political party as the Governor. Do you think that is a positive or a negative? Explain.

3. Why do you think we have term limits?

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4. Do you think the governor has too much power/the right amount/too little? Why?

Which of the state departments, do you think, is most important for the state of Georgia? Why?

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JUDICIAL BRANCH

VOCABULARYMISDEMEANOR CRIME THAT RECEIVES LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF PUNISHMENT or FINE OF

LESS THAN $1,000FELONY CRIME THAT RECEIVES MORE THAN ONE YEAR OF PUNISHMENT or FINE

OF MORE THAN $1,000APPELLATE HIGHER COURT WHERE PEOPLE APPEAL THEIR CONVICTION TO GET IT

CHANGEDPROSECUTOR GOVERNMENT TRIAL LAWYER WHO TRIES TO PROVE A SUSPECTED

CRIMINAL IS GUILTYDEFENDANT A PERSON CHARGED WITH A CRIMEPLAINTIFF A PERSON WHO SUES OR HAS A COMPLAINT AGAINST ANOTHER PERSONJURY CITIZENS WHO SIT IN ON A TRIAL AND DETERMINE IF SOMEONE IS GUILTY

OR INNOCENTJURISDICTION GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AND THE TYPES OF CASES A CERTAIN COURT IS

ABLE TO HOLD

Directions: Match each term with the situation that describes it.

Misdemeanor Felony Appellate ProsecutorDefendant Plaintiff Jury Jurisdiction

Term Situation

Everyone citizen is expected to serve on one of these if requested by the government, to make sure other citizens receive a fair trial. Ms. Rodgers felt that she was tried unfairly and that she was truly innocent of her crimes. She went to this court to challenge the decision.Since Mrs. Jones was tried for a crime, she was considered this person in the courtroom.Jane was caught stealing a candy bar, so she was charged with this type of crime. Mrs. Keeling sued Mrs. Arnold for the cost of her pencil sharpener after Mrs. Arnold borrowed it and returned it broken. Mrs. Hobbs would be considered this person in the courtroom.Mr. Cruz was proven guilty by this person that represented the state in the courtroom.Mr. Pinholster stole three luxury automobiles, so he was charged with this type of crime. The police investigated Mr. Hight’s crime because he was accused of committed the crime within their ___________________________.

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Short Story

Directions: Using the vocabulary terms on the previous page, write a short story that makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the meaning of each term. Underline the words as you use them.

Use all 8 words correctly = 100 Points Use 6 or more words correctly = 80-90 points Use 5 words correctly = 70 points Use 4 words or fewer correctly = 60 points

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CRIMINAL OR CIVIL?

Directions: Read the scenario and decide whether it is describing a criminal or civil case and write it in the first column. Next, explain how you know and if it is a criminal case identify whether it is a misdemeanor (minor case) or a felony (major/more severe case).

SITUATION TYPE OF CASE (Criminal/Civil

)

EXPLANATION (WHY?)

(IF IT’S A CRIMINAL CASE, IS IT A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR ?)

In December of 2001, actress Winona Ryder was seen taking tags off of clothes in a department store, and trying to sneak them out. She was charged, and ultimately convicted of shoplifting. On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson & Ron Goldman were murdered. Former football player O.J. Simpson was charged with the murder, but was ultimately found not guilty. In 2004, Jay Z and R Kelly signed a contract & agreed to go on tour together. However, Jay Z said that R Kelly was rude and disruptive during rehearsals and on tour. Jay Z kicked R Kelly off of his tour. In response, R. Kelly sued Jay Z, saying that he broke the contract that they both signed. After O.J. Simpson was found not guilty in his murder trial, Ron Goldman’s family filed a “wrongful death” suit against

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Use the information above to complete the next activity

Simpson. The jury found Simpson liable and ordered him to pay $33.5 million to the Goldman family. President Clinton was accused of committing perjury while answering questions under oath. He was was subsequently impeached and ultimately acquitted.

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What Trial Courtroom Is That?

Directions: For each scenario, identify the type of trial court.

1. _______________________ Mrs. Hobb’s went to get a marriage license before her wedding.

2. _______________________ Mr. Colvin got a speeding ticket that he wanted to challenge.

3. _______________________ Mrs. Abraham sued Ms. Davis for $15 (small claim) for breaking her pencil sharpener.

4. _______________________ Joey Smith, age 8, stole a candy bar from the corner store.

5. _______________________ Ted Bundy’s was on trial for murder.

6. _______________________ The police went to this court to get a warrant to search Mrs. Wexler’s house for evidence while investigating a crime.

7. _______________________ The police discovered that Ms. Myers had gone to this court to get a gun license.

8. _______________________ 10 students from River Trail Middle School were arrested at Atlantic Station for unruly behavior and taken to this court.

9. _______________________ Little Chuckie, age 13, was arrested for killing two of his classmates. He was taken to this court as result of the severity of his crime.

10. ______________________ Mrs. Sutton got a parking ticket outside of the courthouse.

Appellate Courts

1. What is another word for “challenging a decision”?

2. What does “supreme” mean?

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3. How do you know whether your case is going to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court?

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Juvenile Justice True or False

Directions: For each scenario, write true if the statement describes how the system is supposed to work in the juvenile justice process, or write false if the statement falsely describes the process. If the statement is false, write what would make the statement true in the space. Assume each of these people described are under the age of 18.

1. ____________________ Kylie is arrested for robbing a gas station.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________ Cole decided to remain silent instead of answering questions by police.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________ Vincent was denied a lawyer because his case was considered too minor to require counsel.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________ Jada was not allowed to have witnesses in her defense.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. ____________________ Nina was sent to jail after being found guilty for her crime.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ____________________ In Jessie’s case, there was not jury; just a judge.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Juvenile or Adult Court?

Directions: For each of the scenarios, identify whether the case would be handled in juvenile or adult court.

1. __________________ Allie is 14 years old and is accused of shooting her sister Kate.

2. __________________ MacKenzie is 16 years old and is accused of stealing.

3. __________________ Caden, Kyle, Vincent, and Nick are 10 years old and are accused of bullying another student (Jack).

4. __________________ Renee is 15 years old and is accused of skipping school intentionally for 30 days.

5. __________________ Kami is 16 years old and is accused of using a fake ID to get into a club.

6. __________________ Gwyn is 13 years old and is accused of using a gun to hold up a convenience store.

7. __________________ Sasha is 16 years old and is accused of accidentally killing the passenger in his car in a car accident because he was recklessly driving.

8. __________________ Sarah is 9 years old and is accused of taking her dad’s gun and accidentally shooting her friend, Gerard.

9. __________________ Three 15-year-old boys on the local high school lacrosse team are accused of fatally stabbing one of the school’s cheerleaders.

10. __________________ Ally is 14 years old and is accused of driving without a driver’s license.

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Follow-Up Questions

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Directions: Answer the following questions using the information on the previous page.

1. How many counties are there in Georgia?

2. What are the powers of county governments?

3. Who makes decisions about these issues at the county level?

4. How are these people chosen?

5. Let’s say you want to form your own town. What are the requirements you would have to fulfill in order to form your town?

6. What does the government of a city have the power to do?

7. In a “Strong Mayor Plan” for a city government, who has the most power?

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8. What does that person have the power to do?

9. In a “Weak Mayor Plan” for a city government, who makes policy decisions?

10. Who elects Head of City Departments?

11. In a “Council Management Plan” for a city government, who writes/passes laws?

12. Who appoints city officials?

13. Which system always allows voters to directly elect the mayor?

14. If the mayor is not directly elected, who appoints the mayor in the other systems?

15. Which plan do you think is the best? Explain.

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