Georgia's Executive Branch DT #6 Remediation Lesson

Georgia's Executive Branch

DT #6 Re-Performance Lesson

Executive Branch

The executive branch is the largest branch and is responsible for enforcing Georgia’s laws. The governor is the chief executive officer of the state and heads the executive branch.

Governor Qualifications

In order to become governor, a candidate must:

- Be at least 30 yrs old

- Be a US citizen for at least 15 yrs

- Be a Georgia resident for at least 6 yrs

Governor Duties

The Georgia Constitution outlines the governor’s formal powers and duties. They include enforcing laws, appointing people to state offices, signing bills into laws, suggesting new state programs and laws, and proposing and directing the state budget. He (or she) also has the power to call special sessions of the legislature and can veto legislation. The governor is also the commander-in-chief of Georgia’s military.

Lt. Governor

The lieutenant governor serves as the state’s second highest ranking executive officer and is first in line to take the governor’s place. Candidates must meet the same qualifications as governor. The lieutenant governor is also elected by popular vote, but does not run on the same ticket as the governor. He (or she) also serves a four-year term, but there is no limit on the number of terms.

Multiple Choice

Who is the chief law enforcement officer of the state and proposes the annual budget of the state?

• the Governor

• the Speaker of the House

• the Secretary of State

• the Mayor

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the 3 qualifications to be Governor of Georgia?

• 30 years old

• U.S Citizen

• Resident of Georgia at least 6 years

• Live in the district you represent for at least 1 year

Multiple Choice

How many years is the term of office for the Governor and Lt. Governor of Georgia?

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

State Agencies

Georgians also elect other public officials who serve as part of the executive branch. These officers are elected at the same time and serve the same term as the governor.

They include: the secretary of state, state attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of labor, commissioner of insurance, and the state school superintendent.

State Agencies

These agencies oversee departments by developing policies and providing feedback to the governor so that state programs run smoothly and laws are enforced.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an elected official (Department Head) of the Executive Branch?

• Secretary of State

• Fire Department Chief

• Attorney General

• State School Superintendent

Departments

The executive branch also includes a large number of state programs and departments that focus on major policy areas. The governor appoints the leaders of the following departments.

1. Department of Education (DOE): Oversees Georgia’s public school system and how it is funded; certifies teachers, approves textbooks, and distributes funds.

Departments

2. Department of Human Resources (DHR): One of the largest state agencies; services include assisting the elderly, family and children’s services, and mental health.

3. Department of Public Safety (DPS): Responds to natural and manmade disasters, helps public safety agencies reduce crime, and enforces traffic laws.

Departments

4. Department of Transportation (DOT): Oversees work and construction on roads and bridges, provides transportation information, issues drivers licenses.

5. Department of Economic Development (DED): Supports the economy through local and international business expansion, technology development, tourism, film, and music.

Departments

6. Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Helps protect and conserve resources by managing historic sites, state parks, and fishing and wildlife areas; runs programs to keep Georgia’s air and water clean.

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7. Department of Agriculture: Regulate businesses such as convenience stores, food processing, and state farmers’ markets

Multiple Choice

Which department in the Executive Branch of Georgia was created to regulate businesses such as convenience stores, food processing, and state farmers’ markets?

• Department of Human Affairs

• Department of Education

• Department of Agriculture

• Department of Homeland Security