Unit 10 Vocab & People Part A

What are amendments in the context of the Georgia and U.S. Constitutions?

Changes made to the Georgia and/or the U.S. Constitutions.

What does it mean to appeal a case?

To take a case to a higher court for rehearing.

Who is the Attorney General?

The state’s chief legal officer and head of the Department of Law.

What is the system of checks and balances?

The system that gives each branch of government some ways to keep the other two branches from becoming too powerful.

What is the role of the Chief Justice?

The presiding judge of the Supreme Court.

What is a constituent?

A person in a legislator’s district.

What is a constitution?

The fundamental plan of operation for a government.

What is due process?

Legal steps that ensure fair treatment under the law.

What is the Georgia General Assembly?

Georgia’s legislative branch; made up of a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the definition of government?

An organization that has the power to make and enforce laws.

Who is the Governor?

The head of the executive branch of the state government.

What is jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to decide a case.

What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?

An elected official who serves as a deputy to the governor and also serves as president of the Georgia Senate.

What does non-partisan mean?

Not tied to a political party.

What is a preamble in a constitution?

The introductory statement of a constitution.

What is a precinct?

A voting district.

What is the role of the President of the Senate?

The presiding officer of the Senate.

What is a referendum?

A direct vote by the people on an issue.

What is revenue?

Income from taxes and fees.

What does the Secretary of State do?

Keeps the state’s official records, publishes laws passed by the legislature, supervises elections, grants corporate charters, and regulates corporations and nonprofit organizations.

What is the separation of powers?

The division of powers among the 3 branches of government.

What is the Speaker of the House responsible for?

The presiding officer of the General Assembly’s House of Representatives.

What is the highest ranking court in the Georgia court system?

The Supreme Court.

What does it mean to veto a bill?

To reject or refuse to sign a bill.