Understanding Georgia's Government Structure

What are the qualifications required for a person to become a member of the Georgia General Assembly?

• Must be at least 21 years old for the House and 25 for the Senate, a resident of Georgia for at least two years, and a resident of the district for at least one year.

• Must be at least 30 years old, a resident of Georgia for at least five years, and a resident of the district for at least two years.

• Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States and a resident of Georgia for at least ten years.

• Must have a law degree and be a resident of Georgia for at least three years.

Explain the purpose of the committee system within the Georgia General Assembly.

• To ensure that all bills are passed without debate.

• To divide the workload and allow for detailed examination of proposed legislation.

• To prevent any new laws from being created.

• To allow only the most senior members to make decisions.

Describe the process for making a law in Georgia.

• A bill is introduced, debated, and voted on in one chamber, then sent to the governor for approval.

• A bill is introduced, reviewed by committees, debated, voted on in both chambers, and then sent to the governor for approval.

• A bill is introduced, automatically becomes law after 30 days, and then is sent to the governor for signature.

• A bill is introduced, voted on by the public, and then sent to the governor for approval.

Analyze how state government in Georgia is funded and how spending decisions are made.

• Through federal grants only, with spending decisions made by the governor alone.

• Through state taxes and federal grants, with spending decisions made by the General Assembly and the governor.

• Through donations from citizens, with spending decisions made by the state treasurer.

• Through state taxes only, with spending decisions made by the judicial branch.

Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution and its relationship to the United States Constitution.

• The Georgia Constitution is identical to the U.S. Constitution.

• The Georgia Constitution includes a preamble, bill of rights, articles, and amendments, similar to the U.S. Constitution but specific to state governance.

• The Georgia Constitution is a summary of the U.S. Constitution.

• The Georgia Constitution only includes a bill of rights.

Explain the separation of powers and checks and balances among Georgia’s three branches of government.

• The legislative branch has all the power, with no checks from the other branches.

• The executive branch can override any decision made by the legislative and judicial branches.

• Each branch (legislative, executive, judicial) has distinct powers and can check the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• The judicial branch has the final say in all matters, with no input from the other branches.

Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens according to the Georgia Constitution.

• Citizens have no responsibilities and only rights.

• Citizens have the right to vote, freedom of speech, and the responsibility to obey laws and serve on juries.

• Citizens have the responsibility to pay taxes but no specific rights.

• Citizens have the right to free education and the responsibility to serve in the military.

List the voting qualifications for elections in Georgia.

• Must be a resident of Georgia for at least 10 years and own property.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Georgia, at least 18 years old, and not serving a sentence for a felony conviction.

• Must be a natural-born citizen of Georgia and at least 21 years old.

• Must have a college degree and be a resident of Georgia.

Identify the principles of wisdom, justice, and moderation in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.

• These principles are not part of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.

• These principles are the foundation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag, representing the state's values.

• These principles are only mentioned in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance.

• These principles are outdated and no longer used in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.

Explain the qualifications for the governor and lieutenant governor in Georgia.

• Must be at least 40 years old, a resident of Georgia for 10 years, and a natural-born citizen.

• Must be at least 30 years old, a resident of Georgia for 6 years, and a U.S. citizen for 15 years.

• Must be at least 25 years old, a resident of Georgia for 5 years, and a U.S. citizen for 10 years.

• Must be at least 35 years old, a resident of Georgia for 8 years, and a U.S. citizen for 20 years.