GCU - Government and Civic Understandings Module Overview

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Government and Civic Understandings

Introduction

The state of Georgia has a three-branch government modeled after the United States Government. Our state wrote a Constitution that allows the establishment of three separate branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. This separation of powers allows for a system of checks and balances to decide on laws for the state. The state receives the majority of its funding from individual and corporate income taxes along with sales taxes. Local governments are also established to decide on local city and county issues within the state. 

 

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Georgia's Constitution: Georgia's constitution is the highest body of laws in the state. Georgians adopted their first state constitution in 1777 and ratified their current constitution in 1983. It is the state's tenth constitution overall and is based on many of the same principles as the United States Constitution.

The Legislative Branch in Georgia: The legislative branch of Georgia state government consists of the Georgia General Assembly. It formed in 1777, shortly after the start of the American Revolution; it consisted of a single House. In 1789, it became bicameral, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate and remains so today. 

The Executive Branch in Georgia: The Georgia Constitution creates a complicated system of shared power. Article V addresses the executive branch and says that the governor shares control over the administration of the government with a variety of constitutionally mandated officials. The constitution requires that the people elect these officials separately, although they do not need to be members of the same party or share the same political philosophy as the governor.

The Judicial Branch in Georgia: Article VI of the Georgia State Constitution outlines the following classes of courts: magistrate, probate, juvenile, state, superior, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court. Jurisdiction in these courts begins with simple traffic or ordinance violations and progresses all the way through to complex civil and criminal appeals.

Local Governments in Georgia: Georgia consists of two specific types of local government authorities. The county system and the city system. Counties were created by the state legislature to serve districts for carrying out state laws and programs. A charter from the state legislature establishes cities because people living in that area want certain services that the county does not provide.

Juveniles in Georgia's Justice System: Juveniles carry the same expectation as adults to obey the law, but have additional regulations on them such as attending school until at least age 16. The Juvenile Court System establishes a law system that fits the needs of juveniles. The Department of Juvenile Justice was established in 1992 with the purpose of protecting our communities, holding youth offenders accountable for their actions and to provide for children who have been removed from their homes. 

 

Key Terms

  • Democracy - government of, by and for the people
  • Appropriate - set aside
  • General Assembly - Georgia state legislature
  • Government - a social institution created to hold society together
  • Bicameral - two-house legislature
  • Municipal - incorporated city or town
  • Charter - a plan approved by state legislators for a city or town
  • Revenue - money the government receives
  • Fiscal year - 12-month period of time that covers the state budget
  • Judicial Review - reviewing rules or laws to determine if they are valid
  • Original jurisdiction - the court in which a lawsuit originates
  • Due Process - rights and procedures by which we obtain fair treatment under the law
  • Amendment - additions or changes
  • Levy - impose a tax, fee, or fine
  • Popular Sovereignty - the people are the power in government

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