Georgia Constitutional History Review

Courts

100

What resolves civil cases involving disputes between citizens?

State Court

200

What reviews decisions made by other courts in civil and criminal cases

Supreme Court

300

What handles matters related to wills, estates, and guardianships?

Probate Courts

400

What deals with cases involving minors?

Juvenile Courts

500

Not a method of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution

By a majority vote of the Supreme Court

By a majority vote of the state governors

Branches

100

What Regulates utilities in Georgia?

The Public Service Commissioners branch

200

What is responsible for proposing and passing laws?

Legislative Branch

300

What includes the Governor of Georgia, and who has the power to veto bills?

Executive Branch

400

What interprets and applies the law in Georgia?

Judicial Branch

500

Which branch of Georgia's government is responsible for regulating utilities, such as transportation companies and electric companies?

The Public Service Commissioners branch is responsible for regulating utilities in Georgia.

General Assembly

100

What is The role of the Georgia General Assembly

Proposal and passage of laws

200

What is Not the role of the Georgia General Assembly?

Enforcement of laws

300

What is not another role of the Georgia General Assembly?

Interpretation of laws

400

What is the role of the Public Service Commissioners branch?

Regulation of utilities

500

What is the purpose of the Georgia General Assembly?

The Georgia General Assembly has the power to propose and pass laws.

Leads to the creation of the Georgia Colony

100

Georgia became the last of the colonies that would make up the 13 original colonies

King George II of England signed the Charter of Georgia on April 12, 1732

200

Georgia’s creation served multiple purposes, including consolidated the southern frontier defense for Britain

James Oglethorpe and a small group of prominent Englishmen persuaded the king to grant them as trustees for the new colony

300

Georgia's creation provided employment opportunities for those in overcrowded England

Oglethorpe saw the colony as an economic and political refuge for those who had faced religious persecution

400

The creation of Georgia aimed to secure necessary resources for Britain

The colony promised the supply of silk, wine, and other items that were normally difficult to obtain

500

One method of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution

By a vote of 2/3rds of the members of both Houses of Congress

Types of Questions

100

What are the differences in the 1789 and 1945 Georgia Constitutions?

• 1789 Georgia Constitution:
• This constitution was a significant step in Georgia's governance, designed to mirror the structure of the newly formed United States Constitution. It established a bicameral legislature, which means the state government had two houses (like Congress), and provided for a more extensive state government. 
• 1945 Georgia Constitution:
• This constitution was a more streamlined version of the document, with significant changes mainly in organization. It largely preserved the provisions of the 1877 constitution, which had been in effect for many years. Key changes in 1945 included: 
• Lieutenant Governor: The office of lieutenant governor was created to provide for a smooth succession in case of a vacancy in the governorship. 
• State Board of Corrections: A new agency was created to manage corrections facilities in the state. 
• Other Changes: The 1945 constitution also made changes related to women's jury service and increased the number of justices on the state supreme court to seven. 

200

Which Georgia constitutions were not created during a active war time? Why?

• 1798:
• This constitution was drafted during a time of relative peace and stability after the Revolutionary War and the establishment of the federal government. 
• 1877:
• Following the end of Reconstruction, this constitution was created in a period of relative calm, with the focus on restructuring the state government after the Civil War. 
• 1983:
• This is the current constitution and was adopted during a period of relative political peace and stability after a period of significant amendment and change. 

300

Explain the process of how a bill becomes a law in the state of Georgia.

In Georgia, the process of how a bill becomes a law starts with the proposal of a bill in the Georgia General Assembly. The bill goes through several stages, including committee review, debate, and voting in both the House and the Senate. If the bill passes both chambers with a majority vote, it is then sent to the Governor for approval. The Governor has the power to either sign the bill into law or veto it. If the Governor signs the bill, it becomes law and is implemented in the state of Georgia.

400

Explain at least 5 differences between the Georgia Constitution and the United States Constitution.

1. Length and Specificity:

The Georgia Constitution is significantly longer and more detailed than the US Constitution. It includes provisions for local governments, specific policies like the lottery, and details about the state's judicial system, which are not found in the national document. The US Constitution, by contrast, is shorter and more general, focusing on the fundamental principles of government. 

2. Amendment Process:

Georgia requires voter approval for any amendments to the state constitution, while the US Constitution's amendment process is outlined in Article V and does not necessarily involve voter approval. 

3. Powers Reserved to the State:

The US Constitution reserves powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government to the states. Georgia's constitution further defines these reserved powers, including "police powers" related to public health, safety, and welfare, and details about local governments. 

4. Governor's Line-Item Veto:

The Georgia Governor has the power to veto specific items within a spending bill, known as a line-item veto, while the US President does not have this authority. 

5. Judicial Elections:

In Georgia, almost all judges are elected in non-partisan elections, whereas the US President nominates judges to the federal judiciary, subject to Senate confirmation

500

In the Georgia court system, where do civil cases involving disputes between citizens go to for resolution?

Civil cases go to State Courts for resolution in the Georgia court system.