US and Georgia Constitution

Does the current Georgia Constitution impose term limits on governors? If so, what are they?

yes, two consecutive four-year terms

• According to the Georgia constitution, does the Governor have the authority to exercise a line-item veto?

yes, but the general assembly can override this with a 2/3 majority vote

What is a line-item veto?

The governor can reject specific budgetary items from a bill instead of vetoing the entire bill. Typically has to do with the state budget.

• Who has the power of executive clemency in the Georgia Constitution?

The state board of pardons and paroles

What is the definition of clemency?

Offering pardons, commutations(reduced sentence), and reprieves(temprorary suspension of a sentence).

• What are the age qualifications for holding elective office in Georgia (US Senate)?

30

• What are the age qualifications for holding elective office in Georgia (US House)?

25

• What are the age qualifications for holding elective office in Georgia (Georgia Senate)?

25

• What are the age qualifications for holding elective office in Georgia (Georgia House)?

21

Are there citizenship requirements for those seeking elective office? Residency requirements?

yes

-State House and Senate: State resident for 2 years and district resident for 1 year and US citizenship

-Governor and Lieutenant Governor: must be a US citizen for 15 years and Georgia resident for 6 years

-US House: US citizen for 7 years and must live in the district represented during the time of election

-US Senate: US citizen for 9 years and must live in the district represented during the time of election

-President and Vice President: US citizen from birth and resident in the US for 14 years

What are the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor in Georgia?

Presides over the state senate and is second in line to be governor

Besides the governor and lieutenant governor, what positions are identified by the Georgia constitution as being elected executive officers?

Secretary of state, Attorney General, State School Superintendent, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, and Commissioner of Labor.

What are the qualifications to serve as Georgia’s attorney general? What are his/her responsibilities?

-US citizen for 10 years, Georgia resident for 4 years, 25 + years old, and be an active member of the state Bar for 7 years.

-advisor to governor, state agencies, departments and commissions

-represent the state in all felony and civil cases, and more

List the Georgia constitutional boards and commissions:

-Public Service Commission

-State Board of Pardons and Paroles

-State Personnel Board

-State Transportation Board

-Veterans Service Board

-Board of Natural Resources

How are members selected for the Public Service Commission?

Statewide election

How are members selected for the State Board of Pardons and paroles, Veterans Service Board, and Board of Natural Resources?

appointed by governor

How are members selected for the state transportation board?

legislative caucuses

What is a legislative caucus?

a group of state senators and representatives from Georgias General Assembly

What are the responsibilities of the members of the Public Service Commission?

regulate statewide utilities such as electricity, telecommunications, and natural gas

What are the responsibilities of the members of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles?

grant clemency, pardons, and paroles

What are the responsibilities of the members of the state personnel board?

Provide policy direction(HR), rule making, personnel reviews, legal compliance, and public outreach for state employees and being a voice for the general public

What are the responsibilities of the members of the Georgia state transportation board?

set transportation policies, govern GDOT, appoint GDOT commissioner, and approve long range transportation plans(MARTA, etc)

What are the responsibilities of the members of the Georgia veterans service board?

policy control, commissioner selection, board leadership, and foundation oversight

What are the responsibilities of the members of the Georgia board of natural resources?

set environmental rules and regulations( air quality, hunting, etc), appoint leadership, and create budget

How many days does the Georgia General Assembly meet each year “in session”?

40 days

How can the Georgia General Assembly convene in mid-January but adjourn at the end of march?

They do not have to meet for 40 consecutive days, so it typically takes 60 days including breaks.

What is a “special session” when referring to the Georgia General Assembly?

Special meeting called by the governor to address specific, urgent issues that occur outside of the regular session

What is the term length for Georgia state legislators?

2 years

How many members make up the georgia general assembly?

236

The passage of legislation by the georgia general assembly requires what proportion of support from each chamber?

2/3

What does the Georgia Constitution indicate are the powers of the board of regents of the university system of georgia?

authority to govern the university system of georgia; can create new schools, electing and compensating all faculty and staff, creating rules and regulations

What does the Georgia constitution indicate about the state’s legal commitment to public education?

It is committed to providing free and adequate public education funded by taxes