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A B C /E
GA STUDIES SS8CG1
UNIT 4:
Georgia Government

(Insert) Your Name and Period

 CG1A
Explain the basic structure of the Georgia

CG1 CG1 CG1 CG1D

state constitution (preamble, bill of rights,

A
articles, and amendments) as well as its
relationship to the United States

B C
Constitution

/E
 PAGE 1

SS8Cg1A: Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution AND Compare to U.S.
Constitution
A constitution establish the relationship between a government and its people. Georgia’s
Constitution, like the United States Constitution, has a (1) preamble that states the purpose
of the government and the Constitution. Like the U.S. Constitution, Georgia’s constitution also
has a (2) bill of rights that outlines the rights of each individual and (3) sets limits on
government power. Georgia’s constitution also establishes the (4) structure of the state’s
government.

Georgia’s first constitution was a provisional government called the Rules and Regulations.
Georgia’s first permanent constitution was the Constitution of 1777, a form of government that
weakened the executive branch and strengthened the legislature. The current Georgia
constitution was adopted in 1983, and was
intended to be a shorter, more modern constitution for the state.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:

1. What does a constitution establish?

2. What are similar between the Georgia and U.S. Constitution set up? (4 ways)

3. What was the name of Georgia’s first constitution?

4. The Georgia Constitution of 1777 formed what type of government?

5. When did Georgia adopt its current Constitution AND what was the intention in
rewriting the Constitution?
 PAGE 2

SS8Cg1A: Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution AND Compare to U.S.
Constitution
The Basic Structure of the Georgia State Constitution
Preamble: states purpose of the constitution

Article I – Bill of Rights: States specific rights guaranteed by the constitution, such as life,
liberty, and property.

Article II – Voting and Elections: Sets qualifications for voting and rules for elections.

Article III – Legislative Branch: Describes structure of and powers given to the General
Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives)

Article IV – Constitutional Boards and Commissions: Sets up government bodies such as

the Public Service Commission, State Transportation Board, and Board of Pardons and
Paroles

Article V – Executive Branch: Establishes offices and powers of Governor and Lieutenant
governor

Article VI – Judicial Branch: Establishes state court system

Article VII – Taxation and Finance: Authorizes power to tax, and purposes and methods of
taxation.

Article VIII – Education: Establishes public education system supported by taxes, and
Board of Education to over see it.

Article IX - Counties and Municipal Corporations: Describes powers and structure of

county government

Article X – Amendments to the constitution: Describes process to amend the constitution.

Article XI – Miscellaneous Provisions.

 PAGE 3

SS8Cg1A: Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution AND Compare to U.S.
Constitution
The Basic Structure of the Georgia State Constitution
Answer all questions with sentences. *Restate the question* USING THE TEXTBOX.
1. What is the purpose of the preamble?

2. What article number AND what is the name of the article that states specific rights guaranteed
by the constitution, such as life, liberty, and property?

3. What article number AND what is the name of the article that establishes offices and powers of
Governor and Lieutenant governor?

4. What article number AND what is the name of the article that establishes public education
system supported by taxes, and Board of Education to over see it?

5. What article number AND what is the name of the article that describes process to amend
the constitution?

6. What article number AND what is the name of the article that sets qualifications for voting and
rules for elections?

7. What article number AND what is the name of the article that sets up government bodies such
as the Public Service Commission, State Transportation Board, and Board of Pardons and
Paroles?

8. What article number AND what is the name of the article that authorizes power to tax, and
purposes and methods of taxation?
 PAGE 4

SS8Cg1A: Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution AND Compare to U.S.
Constitution
Directions: Using the DRAG and DROP items, fill in the main detail about each part of the Georgia
Constitution.

Georgia
Constitution Preamble:

Article I –

Article II –

Article III –

Article IV –

Article V –

Article VI –

Article VII –

Article VIII –

Article IX -

Article X –

Article XI –
 PAGE 5

SS8Cg1A: Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution AND Compare to U.S.
Constitution
Directions: Read the descriptions on the side panel, and drag and drop it
to the correct term it is describing.
2. Article 8
1. Article 1

3. Article 3 4. Article 5

5. Article 10

6. Which part of the Georgia Constitution is the introduction and identifies the purpose of the state
constitution?
A. Preamble
B. Bill of Rights
C. Amendments
D. Articles

7. Which part of the Georgia Constitution lists the rights and freedoms of citizens?
A. Jews
B. Highland Scots
C. Salzburgers
D. Malcontents

8. Which part of the Georgia Constitution is the largest part listing the rights, rules, and procedures for
citizens and the state government?
A. Salzburgers
B. Jews
C. Malcontents
D. Highland Scots 7

©Rachel Wells
 CG1B
Explain separation of powers

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A
and
checks and balances among

B C
Georgia’s three branches of
government.

/E
 PAGE 6

SS8CG1B Explain separation of powers and checks and balances

Like the government of the United States, Georgia’s government is divided into three
parts/branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each has a different role to play. Each
shares power with the others. Giving different branches of government different roles is called
separation of powers. Separation of powers makes sure that government does not become
too powerful.

The legislative branch is made up of state representatives and senators. These legislators
make the rules, or laws, that people must obey. The executive branch is headed by the
governor. The executive branch enforces the laws. If someone has been accused of breaking
the law, the judicial branch decides whether they are guilty or not guilty. The courts also
interprets the laws and settles civil disputes. The branch also acts as a go-between in cases of
disagreement.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items in sentences:
1. How does Georgia’s government and government of the U.S. divide power AND what is each
part called?

2. What is it called giving different branches of government different roles/powers?

3. The separation of powers is used to stop what from happening?

4. What is the legislative branch made up of AND what do they make?

5. Who is the head of the executive branch AND what does the executive branch do?

6. If accused of breaking the law, what branch decides guilt or innocence AND interprets the
laws?
 PAGE 7

SS8CG1B Explain separation of powers and checks and balances

The three branches of government put limits or checks, on each other. If one branch makes an
error, another branch, it is hoped, will set it right, or balance it. This system of limiting the roles
of each branch, and setting right another branch’s error, is called checks and balances. For
example, a law passed by the legislative branch can be vetoed, or turned down, by the
executive branch. The members of the legislative branch can then try to keep the law alive
by overriding the veto with a vote. In addition, the judicial branch may decide that a law
goes against the state constitution and rule that the law is unconstitutional.

Legislative: General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) The branch Create Laws.
Executive: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State
Treasurer. The branch Enforces Laws.
Judicial: Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, Municipal Courts. The branch
Interpret Laws.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items in sentences:
1. What did the government put on each branch?

2. What is the name of the system of limiting the roles of each branch and a branch having the
power to limit the power of another?

3. What can the executive branch do to CHECK a law passed by the legislative branch?

4. How can the legislative branch CHECK the executive branch after a law has been vetoed?

5. How can the judicial branch can CHECK the legislative branch when a law is passed?

6. If accused of breaking the law, what branch decides guilt or innocence AND interprets the
laws?
 PAGE 8

SS8CG1B Explain separation of powers and checks and balances

Georgia Legislative Branch

Georgia’s Branches of

Georgia Executive Branch

Government

Georgia Judicial Branch

11
 PAGE 9

SS8CG1B Explain separation of powers and checks and balances

Executive
Branch

Legislative Judicial
Branch Branch

12

©Rachel Wells
 PAGE 10

SS8CG1B Explain separation of powers and checks and balances

Directions: Read the descriptions on the side panel, and drag and drop it
to the correct term it is describing.
2. Judicial Branch
1. Legislative Branch

3. Executive Branch 4. Separation of Powers

5. Checks and Balance

6. ______ Which is correct concerning the structure of the Georgia State Constitution?
A. It is unique because there is no bill of rights in it.
B. All parts of the constitution are written under one long section.
C. After the preamble, each piece of the government, including a bill of rights, is explained in its
own section.
D. It is a short document that consists only of a preamble, a bill of rights, and a brief description
of the three branches of government.

7. ______Dividing the government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches is MOST
related to the concept of
E. separation of powers.
F. segregation of schools.
G. the county unit system.
H. weak mayor councils.

8. ______ A law passed by the legislative branch can be vetoed, or turned down, by the
executive branch.
I. True 13
J. False
©Rachel Wells
 CG1C
Describe the rights and

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A
responsibilities of citizens
according to the Georgia

B C
Constitution.

/E
 PAGE 11

SS8cg1C: Rights and Responsibilities in the GA Constitution

The rights of citizens are written in the United States Constitution and all states are required to
follow and protect them. Furthermore, Georgia’s Bill of Rights describe rights of citizens at the
state level. Rights are standards that keep institutions from harming people’s freedoms. Such
institutions may be governments, police forces, businesses, or other groups. The Bill of Rights in
Georgia’s Constitution lists the rights of the citizens. Along with these rights come certain
responsibilities. Responsibility involves knowing that actions have consequences. People and
institutions must control their actions, as their actions might harm other people. For example, the
Constitution grants the right to freedom of religion. People cannot be denied jobs because of their
religion. The practice of religion, however, must obey the laws of the state. Worship should not be
immoral or harm the peace or well-being of anyone.

Other rights include the right to keep and bear arms, and the right to freedom of speech. People must
obey the laws that deal with owning and carrying guns. People must know that if their words hurt
another person, the hurt person might take legal action. People might also be called to account for
the truth or the falsity of what they say or write.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:

1. What are written in the U.S. Constitution and all states are required to follow and protect?

2. What describes the rights of citizens at the state level?

3. What are standards that keep institutions from harming people’s freedoms?

4. What comes along with these rights AND what does it involve?

5. Who must control their actions, as their actions might harm other people?

6. What freedom does the Constitution grant AND what are the limitations?

7. What two rights are mentioned in the passage that are guaranteed in the Constitution AND
are there limitation to the rights?
 PAGE 12

SS8cg1C: Rights and Responsibilities in the GA Constitution

In addition, the Constitution says that all citizens are equally protected by the laws of the state.
It is the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens no matter who they are. People have the right to
life, liberty and property. But if a person is found guilty of breaking certain laws, these rights
may be taken away.

To make sure that the state does not abuse its power, the Constitution grants other rights. All
people have the right to the courts, and a (1) right to trial by jury. People also have the (2) right to
a lawyer. People may also gather together to get their voices heard by the government, but this
must be done in a peaceful manner.

Georgia’s Bill of Rights also protects the citizens of Georgia against unreasonable searches and
seizures. This makes sure that people are safe from the government, unless there is evidence that
they have broken the law.
Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:
1. What does the Constitution say about all citizens AND What do people have the rights to? (3
things)

2. How can a person lose their rights?

3. What does the Constitution do to make sure that the state does not abuse its power?

4. In addition to all people having the right to the courts, what else do they have the right to? (2
Things)

5. When people gather together to get their voices heard by the government, what is the
condition of this right to gather?

6. What does Georgia’s Bill of Rights also protects the citizens from?
 PAGE 13

SS8cg1C: Rights and Responsibilities in the GA Constitution

Directions: DRAG AND DROP the mages of rights, responsibilities and duties of
citizens and SORT them into the correct box.
Rights: Something citizens possess that government can only take away in special
circumstances.
Responsibilities: Something citizens should do, but are not required to.
Duty: An obligation of citizens, something citizens are required to do by law.
RIGHTS

RESPONSIBILITIES

DUTIES
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SS8cg1C: Rights and Responsibilities in the GA Constitution

In addition, the Constitution says that all citizens are equally protected by the laws of the state.
It is the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens no matter who they are. People have the right to
life, liberty and property. But if a person is found guilty of breaking certain laws, these rights
may be taken away.

To make sure that the state does not abuse its power, the Constitution grants other rights. All
people have the right to the courts, and a (1) right to trial by jury. People also have the (2) right to
a lawyer. People may also gather together to get their voices heard by the government, but this
must be done in a peaceful manner.

Georgia’s Bill of Rights also protects the citizens of Georgia against unreasonable searches and
seizures. This makes sure that people are safe from the government, unless there is evidence that
they have broken the law.
Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:
1. What does the Constitution say about all citizens AND What do people have the rights to? (3
things)

2. How can a person lose their rights?

3. What does the Constitution do to make sure that the state does not abuse its power?

4. In addition to all people having the right to the courts, what else do they have the right to? (2
Things)

5. When people gather together to get their voices heard by the government, what is the
condition of this right to gather?

6. What does Georgia’s Bill of Rights also protects the citizens from?
 CG1D
List voting qualifications for

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A
elections in Georgia.

B C /E
CG1E
Identify wisdom, justice, and
moderation as the three principles in
the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Georgia Flag.
 PAGE 15

SS8cg1D: List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia.

Article II of Georgia’s Constitution lists voting requirements. To register to vote in Georgia, a
citizen must be at least 17 and a half years old. To vote,(1) a person must be 18 years old or older
before or on election day, (2) be a citizen of the United States, and (3) live in the county of
Georgia where he or she wishes to vote.

(1) People who have been convicted of certain crimes may not vote while they are serving their
sentence of punishment. Once their sentence is over, though, they may register to vote. Also, (2) if
a judge decides that a person has certain mental disabilities, that person cannot vote.

Georgia’s citizens register to vote on a county-by-county basis. It is the responsibility of citizens

to notify their counties whenever they move. Every four years, Georgians vote for officers in
their county government. In addition, people living in cities and towns vote for members of their
city council. They may or may not vote for their mayor, depending on the form of their local
government.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:

1. What article of the Georgia Constitution lists the voting requirements?

2. How old must you be to register to vote?

3. What are the 3 requirements to vote?

4. What two reasons can you lose the ability to right?

5. Whose responsibility is it to notify the county if they move?

6. What do citizens vote for every four years?

7. Depending on the local government, a citizen may or may not have the ability to vote on what
local position?
 PAGE 16

SS8cg1D: List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia.

Every two years, Georgians vote for members of the state’s General Assembly. Depending on
where they live, Georgians elect state senators from 56 senate districts. Georgians also vote for the 180
members of the House of Representatives. These legislators represent 180 House districts in Georgia.
Except for the Atlanta metro area, most districts are made up of more than one county. Each of these
districts represents the same number of constituents, or citizens. Districts are based on population to
ensure equal representation.

Furthermore, every four years, there are elections to choose the governor and lieutenant governor of
the state. In this election, Georgia’s voters also select other state executive officers, such as the
secretary of state and the attorney general.

At the national level, voters registered in Georgia vote for the president and the vice president.
They also vote for members of the United States Congress. The people of Georgia elect 14 people to
the House of Representatives and two people to the Senate.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:

1. What do Georgians vote for every two years?

2. What are districts for representatives based on?

3. How often are the governor and lieutenant governor elections held?

4. Who else is voted for in the election of the governor and lieutenant governor?

5. At the national level, who do voters registered in Georgia vote for?

6. How many people are elected to the House of Representatives and how many people are
elected to the Senate?
 PAGE 17

SS8cg1D: List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia.

Directions: Read the descriptions on the side panel, and drag and drop it
to the correct qualification for vote.

Requirements
Voter
 PAGE 18

SS8cg1E: The 3 principles in the Pledge of Allegiance GA Flag

In the mid-eighteenth century, Georgia became a royal colony with a royal government and governors.
Colonial Georgia was comprised of mostly farmers, many whom received their land through land grants.
As a royal colony, Georgia added to the British economy with its exports of rice, indigo, deerskins, lumber,
beef, and pork. Unlike the trustees, the royal colony period allowed slavery in Georgia.

Even before Georgia became a royal colony, colonist did not share James Oglethorpe’s vision. They wanted
land ownership laws changed. They wanted women to be able to inherit land. Alcohol, was previously
banned in the colony but the ban was lifted in the colony in 1742. The ban on slavery ended in 1750 and
slavery began in Georgia the following year.

Georgia officially became a Royal colony when the Trustee period ended in 1752. This meant that the
Crown of England oversaw the control of Georgia. Parliament had to pass a charter in order for Georgia to
become an official royal colony. This process began in 1752, after Parliament dismissed the trustees. It took
two years for the charter to go through Parliament. Georgia did not get its first official governor until
1754.

Directions: Use the textbox below to answer the following items:

1. What did Georgia become in the mid-eighteenth century AND what was the occupation of
most of the settlers of Georgia?

2. What exports were brought to the British from their colony in Georgia?

3. What did the Royal colony allow that the Trustee period did not?

4. What other changes occured from the original Charter of 1732 to the Royal colony?

5. When did Georgia officially become a Royal colony?

6. How long did it take for the charter to go through for the Royal colony AND what year did
Georgia get their first official governor?
 PAGE 19

SS8cg1E: The 3 principles in the Pledge of Allegiance GA Flag

Directions: Read the descriptions on the side panel,

and drag and drop it to the correct part of the pledge
for the GA Flag. THEN. insert an image to represent
the part of the Pledge of Georgia.

Wisdo
m
Georgia’s

Justic
e
Seal

Moderati
on
 PAGE 20

SS8cg1D/E: List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia/ The 3 principles in the
Pledge of Allegiance GA Flag
Directions: Read the descriptions on the side panel, and drag and drop it
to the correct term it is describing.
2. Justice
1. Wisdom

3. Moderation

4. Which principle in the Pledge to the Georgia Flag means to be knowledgeable and according
to historians refers to the legislative branch?
A. Justice
B. Indivisibility
C. Wisdom
D. Moderation

5. Which of the following is NOT a voting qualification for elections in Georgia?

E. You must be a citizen of the United States.
F. You must be a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which you wish to vote.
G. You must be 21 years old.
H. You must not be serving a sentence for a felony.
I. A judge can not determine you to be mentally incompetent.

6. ______Sharon was born in Georgia and is 20 years old. She currently lives in Alabama, but
plans on moving back to Georgia soon. She has never committed a crime. If she tries to
register to vote for an upcoming election in Georgia, what will be the outcome?
J. She will be approved because she meets all of the qualifications.
K. She will be denied because she is not a United State’s citizen.
L. She will be denied because she is not old enough to vote in Georgia.
M. She will be denied because she is not currently living in Georgia.

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©Rachel Wells