Georgia Constitution and Separation of Powers Worksheet

What are the four main parts that make up the structure of the Georgia Constitution?

• Preamble, Bill of Rights, Articles, and Amendments

• Introduction, Laws, Court Decisions, and Signature Page

• Articles of Confederation, The Federalist Papers, The Bill of Rights, and Resolutions

• Executive Orders, Legislative Acts, Judicial Opinions, and Charters

How is the Georgia Bill of Rights similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights?

• It only addresses the powers of the state government.

• It guarantees the same fundamental freedoms for citizens.

• It provides for a standing army.

• It has fewer than 10 amendments.

How does the Georgia Constitution relate to (or compare with) the United States Constitution?

• It has no relationship since state governments are sovereign.

• It is superior and can override federal law if there is a conflict.

• It must follow the U.S. Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

• It is only concerned with local issues and no others.

If a Georgia state law conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, which document must the state law follow?

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Georgia Constitution

• The most recent state law

• The state Supreme Court ruling

Name Georgia's three branches of government and state what job each branch does.

• Legislative (Passes laws), Executive (Judges laws), Judicial (Enforces laws).

• County, City, and Special Purpose (All enforce laws).

• Executive (Makes laws), Legislative (Interprets laws), Judicial (Enforces laws).

• Legislative (Makes laws), Executive (Enforces laws), Judicial (Interprets laws).

What is the main goal of separation of powers in Georgia's government?

• To allow the Governor to control the entire budget.

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• To ensure that only one political party can govern the state.

• To make the process of making laws simpler and faster.

Give one example of how the Legislative Branch (General Assembly) can limit the power of the Executive Branch (Governor).

• Appointing the heads of state agencies.

• Vetoing state laws.

• Impeaching members of the executive branch.

• Declaring executive actions unconstitutional.

How does the Judicial Branch check or limit the power of the Legislative Branch in Georgia?

Name two things Georgia citizens are required to do (mandatory responsibilities).

• Write letters to state senators and attend city hall meetings.

• Serving on a jury and paying taxes.

• Running for public office and serving in the military.

• Lobbying the General Assembly and organizing protests.

Name two examples of voluntary responsibilities that Georgia citizens are encouraged to do.

• Attending school and filing a lawsuit.

• Paying property taxes and obeying traffic laws.

• Registering a vehicle and receiving a business license.

• Voting and volunteering in the community.