Week 5: Legislative Branch

Georgia General Assembly

The state legislature of Georgia, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for creating and passing laws for the state.

Bicameral legislature

A lawmaking body composed of two separate houses or chambers, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Georgia House of Representatives and Senate

The two legislative houses that make up Georgia's General Assembly and are responsible for creating and passing state laws.

Legislative committees

Groups of lawmakers assigned to study, amend, and recommend bills before the full chamber votes on them.

How a bill becomes a law

Becomes a law after being introduced in Congress, reviewed and approved by committees, passed by both the House and Senate, and signed by the President.

Executive Branch

The part of government responsible for enforcing laws, led by the President and supported by the Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies.

Governor of Georgia

Brain Kemp

Governor’s Qualifications and Term

The qualifications include being a U.S. citizen, a resident of Georgia for at least six years, and at least 30 years old. The term lasts four years, with the possibility of reelection.

Governor’s Powers and Responsibilities

Include enforcing state laws, overseeing the executive branch, and managing the state budget. The Governor also has the ability to veto legislation, appoint state officials, and serve as the commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard.

Veto

The power of the governor to reject legislation passed by the legislature, preventing it from becoming law.

Lieutenant Governor

The person who is next rank under the governor and becomes governor if something happens to the governor.

Executive Agencies

Government bodies within the executive branch responsible for implementing laws, policies, and public services, often operating with managerial or financial autonomy.

Three Parts of Georgia’s Constitution

The Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch.

Separation of Powers

Where the legislative, executive, and judicial parts of the government are divided into three different branches.

Checks and Balances

Counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated, typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups.