Georgia State Government. Activating Activity 1.How many Constitutions has Georgia had? - When was the first state Constitution approved? - When was the

Georgia Georgia State State

GovernmGovernmentent

Activating ActivityActivating Activity1.1. How many Constitutions has Georgia How many Constitutions has Georgia

had?had? - When was the first state Constitution - When was the first state Constitution

approved?approved? - When was the last Georgia constitution - When was the last Georgia constitution

approved?approved?2.2. What is the purpose of Georgia’s What is the purpose of Georgia’s

constitution?constitution?3.3. What are the three branches of What are the three branches of

government and what are their government and what are their responsibilities?responsibilities?

4.4. What is the largest branch of government What is the largest branch of government (based on the number of members) and (based on the number of members) and what organization reigns over it?what organization reigns over it?

USE PAGES 153 and 499-501 USE PAGES 153 and 499-501 and WRITE THE QUESTIONand WRITE THE QUESTION

Georgia’s ConstitutionGeorgia’s Constitution

• Georgia adopted its first state Georgia adopted its first state constitution in constitution in 17771777 just after just after the Colonies declared the Colonies declared themselves free from Great themselves free from Great Britain. Britain.

• Georgia has had Georgia has had 10 10 State State ConstitutionsConstitutions

• The Current one was created in The Current one was created in 19831983..

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Purpose of the Georgia Constitution?

• A Constitution is a written plan for A Constitution is a written plan for how a government is supposed to how a government is supposed to operate or work…it operate or work…it is a framework is a framework for how it is to conduct its jobfor how it is to conduct its job

• Both the United States and each Both the United States and each individual state has a individual state has a constitution…constitution…

Separation of PowersSeparation of Powers• There are Three Main powers of There are Three Main powers of

Government…Government…--LegislativeLegislative – Making the Laws – Making the Laws--ExecutiveExecutive – Enforcing or Carrying out the – Enforcing or Carrying out the Laws Laws--JudicialJudicial – Interpreting the law and judging – Interpreting the law and judging criminals according to it. criminals according to it.

• It used to be that Kings and other types of It used to be that Kings and other types of Dictatorships would do all three of these Dictatorships would do all three of these powers by themselves. powers by themselves.

• The United States (and Georgia) was one of The United States (and Georgia) was one of the few Societies to start a government with the few Societies to start a government with these powers separated.these powers separated.

• Now many nations use this system because Now many nations use this system because it works.it works.

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SeparatioSeparation of n of

PowersPowers• The Legislative Branch is called The Legislative Branch is called the the General AssemblyGeneral Assembly. .

• It is Bicameral with a… It is Bicameral with a… -State Senate (56) and a -State Senate (56) and a -State House of Representatives -State House of Representatives (180). (180).

• Each member has a 2-year term.Each member has a 2-year term. • The Legislative branch is the The Legislative branch is the

largest branch of government in largest branch of government in Georgia.Georgia.

SeparatioSeparation of n of

PowersPowers• The Executive Branch is The Executive Branch is headed by the headed by the GovernorGovernor who who serves a 4-year term.serves a 4-year term.

• The Judicial Branch is The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme headed by the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Court of Georgia and the justices are appointed by the justices are appointed by the governor. governor.

Activating ActivityActivating Activity1.1. What are some of the basic rights that What are some of the basic rights that

the people of America have thanks to the people of America have thanks to the Bill of Rights?the Bill of Rights?

2.2. Which amendment was added last to the Which amendment was added last to the US Constitution? When did this take US Constitution? When did this take place?place?

3.3. How can the constitution be amended?How can the constitution be amended?4.4. In exchange for these basic rights which In exchange for these basic rights which

duties do citizens have in regards to the duties do citizens have in regards to the government? Explain why each of these government? Explain why each of these duties are important.duties are important.

5.5. What are the voting requirements in What are the voting requirements in Georgia?Georgia?

USE PAGES 180-191 and 507 USE PAGES 180-191 and 507 and WRITE THE QUESTIONand WRITE THE QUESTION

Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s GovernmentGovernment

• Citizens have rights… These Rights are Citizens have rights… These Rights are given to you by the U.S. and State given to you by the U.S. and State Constitutions. Among them are…Constitutions. Among them are…- Free Speech- Free Speech- Freedom of Religion- Freedom of Religion- Freedom of the Press- Freedom of the Press- Right to keep and bare arms- Right to keep and bare arms- Right to a speedy, fair, and public trial.- Right to a speedy, fair, and public trial.

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• The last amendment added to the The last amendment added to the constitution was in constitution was in 19921992

• Amendment 27: Amendment 27: No law, varying the No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervenedof Representatives shall have intervened

Congress cannot give itself a raise unless a Congress cannot give itself a raise unless a batch of newly elected members has had a batch of newly elected members has had a chance to take office and meet.chance to take office and meet.

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Roles of Citizens under Roles of Citizens under Georgia’s GovernmentGeorgia’s Government

• With Rights comes Responsibilities…With Rights comes Responsibilities…- Voting – Though it is a right, it is also the - Voting – Though it is a right, it is also the responsibility of a free citizen. It is the responsibility of a free citizen. It is the responsibility to research every office and responsibility to research every office and issue you vote for. issue you vote for. -Paying Taxes- It is every citizens Duty to -Paying Taxes- It is every citizens Duty to pay taxes to the Federal, State, and Local pay taxes to the Federal, State, and Local government. government. -Jury Duty- For our court systems to be fair, -Jury Duty- For our court systems to be fair, you may be called to participate on a juryyou may be called to participate on a jury-Draft- All young men at the age of 18 must -Draft- All young men at the age of 18 must register for the draft for military serviceregister for the draft for military service

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• To vote in Georgia, one must To vote in Georgia, one must be…be…-18 years Old-18 years Old-A Citizen of the United States-A Citizen of the United States- a Legal resident of the county - a Legal resident of the county in which you residein which you reside

• Voters May join a Voters May join a Political Party, Political Party, which is a group of voters who which is a group of voters who have like-minded ideologies. have like-minded ideologies.

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Activating ActivityActivating Activity1.1. The House can have no fewer than how The House can have no fewer than how

many members and the Senate can have many members and the Senate can have no more than how many members?no more than how many members?

2.2. When does the Georgia General When does the Georgia General Assembly meet and for how long?Assembly meet and for how long?

3.3. While meeting, the Assembly will While meeting, the Assembly will propose, change, or discard bills based propose, change, or discard bills based on what four things?on what four things?

4.4. The House is responsible for what types The House is responsible for what types of bills? The Senate is responsible for?of bills? The Senate is responsible for?

5.5. How do lobbyists influence legislature?How do lobbyists influence legislature?

USE PAGES 500-501 and USE PAGES 500-501 and WRITE THE QUESTIONWRITE THE QUESTION

Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch

• The General Assembly is The General Assembly is bi-cameral …bi-cameral …The House: The House: with no less than 180 with no less than 180 members and The Senate members and The Senate with no more than 56 with no more than 56 membersmembers

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Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch• The Assembly must meet at The Assembly must meet at

least once a year.least once a year.• According to Georgia’s According to Georgia’s

constitution, constitution, they are to they are to convene on the second Monday convene on the second Monday in January and meet for at least in January and meet for at least 40 days.40 days.

• The Governor can call The Governor can call emergency sessions of the emergency sessions of the Assembly if neededAssembly if needed

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Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch• While meeting at the Capital in While meeting at the Capital in

Atlanta, the Assembly proposes, Atlanta, the Assembly proposes, changes, and discards laws changes, and discards laws based on:based on:

1.1.Regulating people’s behaviorRegulating people’s behavior2.2.Providing for local governmentProviding for local government3.3.Allowing the state to raise and Allowing the state to raise and

spend moneyspend money4.4.Providing for state servicesProviding for state services

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Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch

The Georgia General Assembly’s The Georgia General Assembly’s Responsibilities:Responsibilities:

• The House is responsible for The House is responsible for Appropriation Bills which raise Appropriation Bills which raise taxes or spend money.taxes or spend money.

• The Senate is responsible for The Senate is responsible for confirming the governor’s choices confirming the governor’s choices for appointed positions.for appointed positions.

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Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch• Lobbyists work for corporationsLobbyists work for corporations• They may not always work for the good of They may not always work for the good of

the people…they work to help their the people…they work to help their corporation…corporation…

• They can influence Congress to pass laws They can influence Congress to pass laws that help or protect their corporation or that help or protect their corporation or industry (ex. Oil companies, tobacco industry (ex. Oil companies, tobacco companies)…NOT the people.companies)…NOT the people.

• Lobbyists can cause Congress to vote or Lobbyists can cause Congress to vote or not vote for a law that would help the not vote for a law that would help the people but hurt the corporation or people but hurt the corporation or industry…industry…

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Why doesn’t Congress pass a law outlawing lobbyists?

Three Branches of Government

LEVEL FEDERAL BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT GEORGIA BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

Age and residency requirements

How long is term of office? How many terms can they serve?

Primary official or group

Leader’s title and name

Role in the impeachment process





Role in the defense of the Nation



How are they chosen?


Role in the appeals process






Age and Residency Requirements




Role in the defense of the State






Legislative Branch

House of Representatives

Senate

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court Justices

Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch• To be in the State House of To be in the State House of

Representatives, you must be Representatives, you must be 21 21 years old, live in Georgia for years old, live in Georgia for 22 years, and live in the district you years, and live in the district you represent.represent.

• To be in the State Senate you must To be in the State Senate you must be be 2525 years old, live in Georgia for years old, live in Georgia for 22 years, and live in the district you years, and live in the district you represent.represent.

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Georgia’s Legislative BranchGeorgia’s Legislative Branch• Both State Senators and Both State Senators and

Representatives serve two-Representatives serve two-year terms.year terms.

• There is no limit to how many terms they can serve.

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• The Georgia Generally The Georgia Generally Assembly’s primary duties are Assembly’s primary duties are to pass laws and to pass the to pass laws and to pass the final version of Georgia’s final version of Georgia’s budget. budget.

• Most of the work done in Most of the work done in Georgia’s General Assembly Georgia’s General Assembly takes place in committees. takes place in committees.

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• The House of Representatives has The House of Representatives has 36 committees.36 committees.

• The leader of the House of The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Representatives is called the Speaker of the HouseSpeaker of the House. .

• The current Speaker of the House The current Speaker of the House is David Ralston.is David Ralston.

• The “Floor Leader” promotes the The “Floor Leader” promotes the causes of the Governor causes of the Governor

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• Georgia’s Senate also is made up of Georgia’s Senate also is made up of Committees, of which, there are 26.Committees, of which, there are 26.

• The Leader of the Senate is called The Leader of the Senate is called the “the “PresidentPresident of the of the SenateSenate” ” -Georgia’s -Georgia’s Lieutenant Lieutenant

GovernorGovernor is President is President of the Senate (Casey Cagle)of the Senate (Casey Cagle)

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Federal Legislative BranchFederal Legislative Branch• To be in the Federal House of To be in the Federal House of

Representatives, you must be Representatives, you must be 25 25 years old, citizen of the country for years old, citizen of the country for 77 years, and live in the state/district years, and live in the state/district you represent.you represent.

• To be in the Federal Senate you To be in the Federal Senate you must be must be 3030 years old, citizen of the years old, citizen of the country for country for 99 years, and live in the years, and live in the district you represent.district you represent.

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Federal Legislative BranchFederal Legislative Branch• House of Representatives House of Representatives

(Congressmen) serve (Congressmen) serve two-year two-year termsterms and the number is based and the number is based on a state’s population. There on a state’s population. There are currently 435 members.are currently 435 members.

• Senators serve Senators serve six-year termssix-year terms and there are only two senators and there are only two senators per state for a total of 100.per state for a total of 100.

• There is no limit to how many terms they can serve.

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• The primary duty of congress is The primary duty of congress is to to enact laws for the nation. enact laws for the nation. Also, they are responsible for Also, they are responsible for declaring war, regulating declaring war, regulating commerce (trade), granting commerce (trade), granting copyrights and patents, and copyrights and patents, and levying taxeslevying taxes. .

• Most of the work done in Most of the work done in Congress takes place in Congress takes place in committees. committees.

Federal Legislative BranchFederal Legislative BranchSS8CG2bSS8CG2b

• The House of Representatives has The House of Representatives has 21 committees.21 committees.

• The leader of the House of The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Representatives is called the Speaker of the HouseSpeaker of the House. .

• The current Speaker of the House The current Speaker of the House is John Boehner. He is third in line is John Boehner. He is third in line for the presidencyfor the presidency

Federal Legislative BranchFederal Legislative BranchSS8CGbSS8CGb

• The Senate also is made up of The Senate also is made up of Committees, of which, there are Committees, of which, there are 1616..

• The Leader of the Senate is called The Leader of the Senate is called the “the “PresidentPresident of the of the SenateSenate” ” -The Vice-President -The Vice-President

of the country (Joe Biden)of the country (Joe Biden)is the President of theis the President of theSenate.Senate.

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Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached but were found innocent impeached but were found innocent

by the Senate.by the Senate.

Nixon resigns before the Nixon resigns before the impeachmentimpeachment

process was finalizedprocess was finalized..

The Legislative ProcessThe Legislative Process• A potential law (before it is passed) is called a A potential law (before it is passed) is called a

Bill. Bill. A A Bill Bill goes through several steps before goes through several steps before it becomes a it becomes a law…law…

1.1. DraftingDrafting

2.2. Introduction Introduction

3.3. Committee ConsiderationCommittee Consideration

4.4. Floor Consideration, Then to Floor Consideration, Then to “other house”“other house”

5.5. Governor/President ConsiderationGovernor/President Consideration

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Legislative Branch


Senate

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch


Georgia’s Executive BranchGeorgia’s Executive Branch

• Georgia’s Executive Georgia’s Executive Branch is headed up Branch is headed up by the Governor.by the Governor.

•

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• The second in The second in command is the command is the Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor

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Georgia’s Executive BranchGeorgia’s Executive Branch• To run for either the To run for either the

Governorship or the Governorship or the Lieutenant Lieutenant Governorship one Governorship one must be 30 years old, must be 30 years old, a U.S. Citizen for at a U.S. Citizen for at least 15 years, and a least 15 years, and a resident of Georgia resident of Georgia for at least 6 years.for at least 6 years.

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Georgia’s Executive BranchGeorgia’s Executive Branch• The Governor can be The Governor can be

elected to two-four elected to two-four year terms served year terms served consecutively and consecutively and then one more four-then one more four-year term at another year term at another point for a total of point for a total of three termsthree terms

• The Lt. Governor can The Lt. Governor can serve an unlimited serve an unlimited amount of 4-year amount of 4-year termsterms..

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Role in the Defense of the State

Governor Deal is in charge of the National Guard for Georgia. He can call them to action at a minute’s notice for natural disasters, for public disorders, like riots, and other national/state emergencies.

Federal Executive BranchFederal Executive Branch

• Georgia’s Executive Georgia’s Executive Branch is headed up Branch is headed up by the President.by the President.

•

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Federal Executive BranchFederal Executive Branch

• The second in The second in command is the Vice command is the Vice PresidentPresident

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Federal Executive BranchFederal Executive Branch• To run for either the To run for either the

Presidency or the Presidency or the Vice-Presidency one Vice-Presidency one must be 35 years old, must be 35 years old, be born in the USA be born in the USA and live in the USA for and live in the USA for at least 14 yearsat least 14 years

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Federal Executive BranchFederal Executive Branch• Both the President and Both the President and

VP can be elected to VP can be elected to two-four year terms two-four year terms which can be served which can be served consecutivelyconsecutively

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Role in the Defense of the Country

President Obama is in charge of the Armed Forces and the National Guard. He uses the Armed Forces internationally and the National Guard for domestic issues; however, the Armed Forces can be called in for domestic issues like Katrina.

Activating ActivityActivating Activity1.1. What is the main duty of the Executive What is the main duty of the Executive

Branch?Branch?2.2. What additional powers does the What additional powers does the

governor have?governor have?3.3. Which Executive Officers are elected by Which Executive Officers are elected by

the people?the people?



Main Duty of the GovernorMain Duty of the Governor

• Enforce the lawsEnforce the laws


Main Powers of the GovernorMain Powers of the Governor• Propose the annual state Propose the annual state

budgetbudget• Veto Legislation and signs Veto Legislation and signs

bills into lawbills into law• Appoints members of the state Appoints members of the state

boardsboards• Represents Georgia to the Represents Georgia to the

federal governmentfederal government


Other Powers of the GovernorOther Powers of the Governor• Has to make a “State of the Has to make a “State of the

State” speech every year.State” speech every year.• Can pardon Criminals. Can pardon Criminals.

More on Georgia’s Executive BranchMore on Georgia’s Executive Branch

Powers of the Lieutenant GovernorPowers of the Lieutenant Governor

• Serves as Governor if the Serves as Governor if the current governor dies or is too current governor dies or is too sick to carry out his duties. sick to carry out his duties.

• As president of the senate, he As president of the senate, he decides committee decides committee memberships and chooses memberships and chooses committee chair-persons.committee chair-persons.

Georgia’s Lt. Georgia’s Lt. GovernorGovernor

Casey Cagle Casey Cagle

More on the Executive Branch!More on the Executive Branch!• The executive branch is The executive branch is

also made up of also made up of executive departments. executive departments.

• Commissioner of Commissioner of Agriculture, Agriculture, Commissioner of Labor, Commissioner of Labor, the State School the State School Superintendent, the Superintendent, the Secretary of State, and Secretary of State, and the Attorney General the Attorney General have officials elected by have officials elected by the people.the people.

Insurance Insurance Commissioner Commissioner John OxendineJohn Oxendine

More on the Executive Branch!More on the Executive Branch!• The The Commissioner of Commissioner of

InsuranceInsurance, the Department , the Department of Corrections, Department of Corrections, Department of Defense, Department of of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Education, Department of Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources, and the Department of Department of Transportation all have Transportation all have officials officials appointed appointed by the by the governor.governor.

http://www.gadnr.org/default.aspx

Executive DepartmentsExecutive Departments• State Attorney GeneralState Attorney General – This person is – This person is

the Chief Lawyer for the state.the Chief Lawyer for the state.• Commissioner of AgricultureCommissioner of Agriculture – This – This

person is Head of the Agriculture person is Head of the Agriculture department. He/she helps maintain department. He/she helps maintain farmer’s markets, attract Farming-farmer’s markets, attract Farming-Related businesses to the state and Related businesses to the state and inspects farms and farming related inspects farms and farming related products. products.

• Commissioner of LaborCommissioner of Labor – This person is – This person is head of the Labor department. They head of the Labor department. They regulate the health and safety of regulate the health and safety of workers and enforce state labor laws.workers and enforce state labor laws.

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Executive DepartmentsExecutive Departments• Commissioner of Insurance – This person

regulates the insurance companies and says which ones can operate in Georgia.

• Public Service Commissioners – These are people who regulate utilities in Georgia, such as phone, cable, electricity and water.

• Secretary of State – This person’s department maintains official records, supervises elections, appoints examining boards, grants corporate charters, and regulates stocks and bonds in Georgia.

• State School Superintendant - this is the head of the schools for our state.

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Legislative Branch


Senate

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch


The Judicial Branch in GeorgiaThe Judicial Branch in Georgia SS8CG4a,b,c,dSS8CG4a,b,c,d

• There is no age requirement to There is no age requirement to be a judge in Georgia; nor, are be a judge in Georgia; nor, are there any residency there any residency requirements.requirements.

• You can serve unlimited terms You can serve unlimited terms but you must be elected by the but you must be elected by the people (inferior courts)people (inferior courts)

• The Georgia Supreme Court The Georgia Supreme Court justices serve for life and are justices serve for life and are appointed by the governor.appointed by the governor.

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• The Georgia Supreme Court hears The Georgia Supreme Court hears all appeals in Georgia, and their all appeals in Georgia, and their decision can be challenged and decision can be challenged and overruled by the Federal Supreme overruled by the Federal Supreme Court.Court.

• There are 7 justices and Carol There are 7 justices and Carol Hunstein is the Chief Justice.Hunstein is the Chief Justice.

The Judicial Branch in the USAThe Judicial Branch in the USA SS8CG4a,b,c,dSS8CG4a,b,c,d

• There is no age requirement to There is no age requirement to be a judge in the United States; be a judge in the United States; nor, are there any residency nor, are there any residency requirements.requirements.

• You can serve unlimited terms You can serve unlimited terms but you must be elected by the but you must be elected by the people (inferior courts)people (inferior courts)

• The Federal Supreme Court The Federal Supreme Court justices serve for life and are justices serve for life and are appointed by the president.appointed by the president.


• The Federal The Federal Supreme Court can Supreme Court can pick and choose pick and choose which appeal cases which appeal cases to hear, and they are to hear, and they are usually more usually more interested in cases interested in cases that challenge the that challenge the Constitution and the Constitution and the protection of basic protection of basic rights.rights.


• The Supreme Court has 9 justices The Supreme Court has 9 justices and John Roberts is the Chief and John Roberts is the Chief Justice.Justice.

Activating ActivityActivating Activity

1.1. What is the difference between a civil What is the difference between a civil and criminal case?and criminal case?

2.2. Which courts hears cases dealing with Which courts hears cases dealing with state laws? Courts dealing with civil and state laws? Courts dealing with civil and misdemeanor cases? Courts dealing misdemeanor cases? Courts dealing with children?with children?

3.3. Which courts review other court cases Which courts review other court cases deciding if the decision was fair?deciding if the decision was fair?


Civil and Criminal CasesCivil and Criminal Cases• A A Civil CaseCivil Case is where one person is where one person

sues another for a claim of having sues another for a claim of having done them wrong. done them wrong. -The person suing is the-The person suing is the PlaintiffPlaintiff-The Person getting sued is the-The Person getting sued is the defendantdefendant

• Most Civil Cases are settled out of Most Civil Cases are settled out of court, and those found guilty do court, and those found guilty do not go to jail unless they refuse to not go to jail unless they refuse to pay for damages donepay for damages done

Civil and Criminal CasesCivil and Criminal Cases• The Second kind of case is aThe Second kind of case is a

criminalcriminal casecase..This is where someone accused This is where someone accused of breaking the law is put on of breaking the law is put on trial by the law enforcement trial by the law enforcement agencies. agencies.

• The Government’s lawyer is The Government’s lawyer is called thecalled the prosecutor prosecutor. .

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• There are two types of There are two types of Courts…Courts…-Trial Courts-Trial Courts- Appellate courts- Appellate courts

• A A Trial CourtTrial Court is where a is where a criminal’s action or a lawsuit criminal’s action or a lawsuit may be tried. may be tried.

• An An Appellate Court Appellate Court is where is where a previous case is appealed. a previous case is appealed.


• The Inferior courts are as The Inferior courts are as follows:follows:

• Municipal, Probate, Small Municipal, Probate, Small Claims, Justices of the Peace, Claims, Justices of the Peace, State Courts, Juvenile Courts, State Courts, Juvenile Courts, Superior Courts, and Court of Superior Courts, and Court of Appeals.Appeals.


• Municipal, Probate, Small Municipal, Probate, Small Claims, and Justices of the Claims, and Justices of the Peace handle cases involving: Peace handle cases involving: marriages, divorces, marriages, divorces, guardianship, traffic violations, guardianship, traffic violations, wills, hunting and fishing wills, hunting and fishing licenses, arrest and search licenses, arrest and search warrantswarrants


• Superior Courts Superior Courts hear cases hear cases about state laws (criminal and about state laws (criminal and civil)civil)

• State Courts State Courts hear cases about hear cases about misdemeanors (civil and misdemeanors (civil and criminal)criminal)

• Juvenile Courts Juvenile Courts hear cases hear cases involving childreninvolving children


• Appeals Court Appeals Court hear cases from hear cases from lower courts…reviews the lower courts…reviews the evidence, the proceedings, and evidence, the proceedings, and decides if the case was handled decides if the case was handled fairly. fairly.

• Supreme Court Supreme Court hears appeal cases hears appeal cases (Georgia hears them all), reviews (Georgia hears them all), reviews all death penalty cases, and hears all death penalty cases, and hears cases involving the interpretation cases involving the interpretation of laws and election issuesof laws and election issues

Adult Justice SystemAdult Justice System• Persons accused of a crime must go Persons accused of a crime must go

through these steps…through these steps…• ArrestedArrested• Arraignment - The Police bring the Arraignment - The Police bring the

accused before the judge to tell why accused before the judge to tell why he/she has been arrestedhe/she has been arrested

• Grand JuryGrand Jury – This is a group of people – This is a group of people who determines if there is enough who determines if there is enough evidence for the accused to stand trial.evidence for the accused to stand trial.

• Jury trialJury trial• Sentencing Sentencing

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The Juvenile Justice SystemThe Juvenile Justice System• On any given day, 2,500 children On any given day, 2,500 children

are locked up in Georgia because are locked up in Georgia because of Criminal Activity. of Criminal Activity.

• Juveniles are Citizens under the Juveniles are Citizens under the age of 17age of 17

• Juveniles have to follow all other Juveniles have to follow all other Federal, State and Local Laws, but Federal, State and Local Laws, but have a special status under the have a special status under the law. law.

• A Juvenile’s Status can mean more A Juvenile’s Status can mean more lenient sentencing, but it also lenient sentencing, but it also means that you have to obey some means that you have to obey some laws that adults don’t. laws that adults don’t.

Juvenile CourtsJuvenile Courts• Juvenile Courts exist in every Juvenile Courts exist in every

county and have three purposes…county and have three purposes… 1.1. To help protect the well being of To help protect the well being of

ChildrenChildren2.2. To make sure that any child To make sure that any child

coming under the jurisdiction of coming under the jurisdiction of the court receive the care, the court receive the care, protection and control that they protection and control that they need.need.

3.3. To provide for children that are To provide for children that are removed from their homes. removed from their homes.

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Types of OffensesTypes of Offenses • There are two types of offenses…There are two types of offenses…1.1. A A Unruly BehaviorUnruly Behavior is one where the is one where the

Juvenile commits a nuisance offense Juvenile commits a nuisance offense that is only an offense for a Juvenile.that is only an offense for a Juvenile.Ex: Truancy, Disobeys Caregivers, Ex: Truancy, Disobeys Caregivers, Curfew Violations etc..Curfew Violations etc..

2.2. A A Delinquent ActDelinquent Act is a crime is a crime committed by a child that would also committed by a child that would also be a crime if an adult did the same be a crime if an adult did the same thing… Ex: Rape, Murder, Drugs etc.thing… Ex: Rape, Murder, Drugs etc.

• Children can be tried as an adult for Children can be tried as an adult for serious crimes. serious crimes.

Steps in the Juvenile Justice ProcessSteps in the Juvenile Justice Process1.1. IntakeIntake – A juvenile is turned over to – A juvenile is turned over to

an Intake Officer.an Intake Officer.2.2. DetentionDetention – When a Juvenile is – When a Juvenile is

detained, a probable cause hearing detained, a probable cause hearing must be held within 72 hours. must be held within 72 hours.

3.3. Formal HearingFormal Hearing – has two parts – has two parts1) Adjudicatory Hearing – Actual 1) Adjudicatory Hearing – Actual TrialTrial2) Dispositional Hearing – 2) Dispositional Hearing – Sentencing Phase Sentencing Phase

4.4. Sentencing Sentencing 5.5. AppealsAppeals

Deadly Sins in GeorgiaDeadly Sins in GeorgiaJuvenile is trialed as an adult crimes

•aggravated child molestation (physical harm+ the act itself)

•aggravated battery (attack with a weapon, hate crimes, hurting police officers or vulnerable people; such as, children or the elderly)

•murder (planned and with malice)

•rape

•voluntary manslaughter (crime of passion and intense rage, not planned)…arson could be considered this as well

•armed robbery ***assault is intending to cause harm or threatening to cause harm, battery is actually doing it, so battery is more punishable than assault

City GovernmentsCity Governments

Strong MayorStrong Mayor

Weak Mayor Verses Strong MayorWeak Mayor Verses Strong Mayor

Council Manager PlanCouncil Manager Plan

Documents

Georgia State Government. Activating Activity 1.How many Constitutions has Georgia had? - When was the first state Constitution approved? - When was the