Week 4 Flashcards

Purpose of the Georgia Constitution

Serves as the supreme law of the state, establishing the framework for its government and defining the rights of its citizens.

Three parts of Georgia’s Constitution

Preamble, Articles, and Amendments.

Georgia’s Bill of Rights

The first article of the document, dataliling the fundamental civil liberties and protections guaranteed to all citizens under state law.

Three branches of Georgia government

Legislative, executive, and judicial branch

Legislative Branch

The part of government that makes laws. In Georgia this is the general assembly, which consists of 2 chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive Branch

The part of government that enforces and carries out the last. In Georgia, it is headed by the governor and includes the lieutenant governor and various state agencies and departments.

Judicial Branch

The part of government that interprets the laws and ensures they are applied fairly. In Georgia, this includes the state court system, led by the supreme court of Georgia and the Court of Appeals, a long ith lower trial and local courts.

Separation of Powers

A principle of governance that divides a state’s authorithy among distinct branches to prevent any one group pr person from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances

A system that gives each branch of government that ability to limit or check the power of the other branches.

Importance of Checks and Balances

The importance lies in its ability to protect citizens from authoritarian rule by ensuring that no single branch of government can excircise total control.

Georgia’s State Motto

“Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.”

Wisdom

Refers to the legislative branch, which should use careful thought and knowledge when creating laws.

Justice

Represents the judicial branch and the role of the legal system in ensuring fair and equal treatment for all.

Moderation

Applies to the executive branch, suggesting that the governemnt should act with restraint and avoid extremes in its administration.

Articles of Confederation

The first Constitution of the United States, which created a weak national government during and after the American Revolution.