GCU - The Executive Branch in Georgia’s Government (Lesson)

The Executive Branch in Georgia’s Government

Introduction

The Executive Branch in Georgia’s Government Icon 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 Executive Branch

Governor of Georgia: The governor of the state is the chief executive. To be a governor one must be at least 30 years old, a US citizen for 15 years, and a Georgia resident for 6 years. Just like the President of the United States, the governor serves 4-year terms with two consecutive terms allowed.

Governor Duties: The governor has the responsibility of proposing the state budget, appointing members to state boards, calling special sessions to the legislature, and signing or vetoing laws proposed by the legislative branch.

Lieutenant Governor: Unlike the Vice President of the United States, the lieutenant governor does not have to be of the same political party as the governor; this can cause for some tension in the executive branch. The lieutenant governor is the second highest elected official in the state. Qualifications for office are the same as being governor. The term is four years, but there is no limit to how many consecutive terms they can be elected.

Lieutenant Governor Duties: The main role is to preside over the Senate in the General Assembly. The other key role is that they will take over the governorship until the next election should the governor die in office.

 

Other Key Positions in the Executive Branch

  • Attorney General: Department of Law head and gives legal advice to state official. Also represents Georgia in certain judicial cases.
  • Secretary of State: Handles all administrative duties such as chartering new businesses and supervising elections.
  • State School Superintendent: Head of the Department of Education and is tasked with certifying all teachers and regulating funds.
  • Agriculture Commissioner: Regulates all agriculture industry including food production and livestock safety.
  • Insurance Commissioner: has the role to regulate insurance of all businesses to protect consumers.
  • Labor Commissioner: Investigates labor safety and oversees unemployment insurance.

 

Review

Review what you've learned by completing the activity below.

 

 

Think About This

 

 

The Executive Branch consists of a variety offices tasked with a heavy workload. The governor represents our states and proposes legislative agendas for the General Assembly to consider. The lieutenant governor actively serves as the President of the Senate. The other elected positions in the executive office make sure the day to day tasks of our state is managed and that citizen interests are protected. With each of these executive positions being on the election ballot separately, there is no guarantee that they will all be of the same political party. 

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