Foundations
What document begins with a Preamble, contains a Bill of Rights, is organized into Articles, and can be changed by Amendments?
The Georgia State Constitution.
Who is the leader of the executive branch of Georgia state government?
The Governor of Georgia.
What is the name of Georgia’s law-making body made up of two houses?
The Georgia General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives)
Which two high courts hear appeals in Georgia (name both)
Georgia Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals of Georgia
Name 3 types of local government in Georgia
city (municipality) , county, or special-purpose
Which comes first if there is a conflict: the United States Constitution or the Georgia State Constitution? Briefly explain why.
The United States Constitution takes precedence (supremacy clause): federal law is supreme over state law.
Name the formal qualifications required to be Governor of Georgia.
must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 15 years, and a Georgia resident for 6 years. cannot be in the military
Give one qualification required to be a member of the Georgia General Assembly (age, residency, etc.)
must be at least 21 for the House, 25 for the Senate, US Citizen, Live in GA for at least 2 years and live in the district you want to represent for at least 1 year
What is one major job of Georgia’s judicial branch?
interpret laws, determine constitutionality, and resolve legal disputes
Give one example of a “special-purpose” local government
school district, water authority, MARTA, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport
Name two rights listed in the Georgia Bill of Rights
Examples: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to trial by jury, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
List 2 jobs that are the head of a state agency that is part of the executive branch
the secretary of state, state attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of labor, commissioner of insurance, and the state school superintendent.
What is the main purpose of committees in the General Assembly
Committees review, amend, and decide whether a bill advances to the full chamber; they provide expertise and streamline the legislative process
Explain one difference between criminal law and civil law.
Criminal law involves offenses against the state with possible penalties like jail; civil law involves disputes between private parties, often resulting in monetary damages
List 2 sources that provide local governments money to operate
Local governments receive funds from property taxes, sales taxes, state and federal grants, and service fees.
Explain in one sentence what “separation of powers” means for Georgia’s state government.
Power is divided among three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) so no one branch has all power
Compare one similarity and one difference between the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor in their roles
Similarity: both are statewide elected officials , have the same qualifications Difference: Governor is chief executive and signs or vetoes bills, while Lieutenant Governor presides over the state Senate and may have legislative duties. Governor has term limits, LT Gov does not
Put these steps in order (1–4) for how a bill becomes a law in Georgia: committee review, governor’s signature, introduction on chamber floor, vote by both houses
Correct order: introduction on chamber floor → committee review → vote by both houses → governor’s signature.
Describe one way judges are selected for the Georgia Supreme Court or Court of Appeals
Judges for these courts may be selected by statewide nonpartisan elections, with vacancies filled by appointment
List 3 services that could be provided by local governments in GA
police and fire protection, local road maintenance, zoning, sanitation, and parks
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag names four principles. List all four.
Wisdom, Justice, Moderation, Courage.
Describe how the Governor can influence state laws after the General Assembly passes a bill.
The Governor can sign a bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without signature;
Describe one major source of state revenue (how Georgia raises money) and one way the state decides how to spend those funds
Major revenue source: state income tax, sales tax, federal funds, fees
Spending decisions made through the state budget process in the General Assembly and governor’s approval.
List the first three steps in the adult criminal justice process starting with arrest
arrest → booking/initial appearance → indictment/charging (or preliminary hearing) → trial
Compare county government and city government by giving one similarity and one difference in their responsibilities.
Similarity: both provide public services and collect taxes; Difference: counties often manage broader regional services (e.g., courts, jails, public health), while cities focus on municipal services within city limits