Notes: Government
Get out notebook and copy:
EQ: How is the government of Georgia organized and what features does it share with the US government?
The US and Georgia: Comparing Governments
Federalism: A system in which the national and state governments share authority over the same territory and people.
Question: What kind of government do we have?
The US is a federal republic. (a republican system is one in which elected representatives make the laws-these representatives are chosen by citizens who are enfranchised (they can vote-this is the democratic feature of our system). In a true democracy we would all vote on every issue which wouldn’t be practical and would provide minorities with little protection.
Evaluate this statement by Ben Franklin:
“Democracy is three wolves figuring out how to eat two sheep.”
What does this say about the power of majorities?
Question: What governments have potential jurisdiction or power over you right now? List them.
Answer: Federal (US), State (Ga.), County, City (Municipal)
The Federal System
Federal Government: Washington D.C.
(Three branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial)
State Governments (50)
Generally, they are smaller versions of the federal government; they have 3 branches and almost all have bicameral legislatures.
Local Government: County, City (municipal)
Local government has more influence in our daily lives than any other level of government. Why is this true?
List three contacts you might have with local government on a daily basis:
Comparing Organizations
Federal Government Ga.'s Government
Executive: President and his men Governor
Legislative: Congress General Assembly
Senate/House of Rep's Same
Judicial: Supreme Court Ga Supreme Ct
Federal Court System
State Courts
Superior Courts (county)
Municipal Courts (city)
Juvenile Courts
Features both have in common:
1. Preamble
2. Separation of powers: powers divided between 3 branches:
Legislative: Makes laws
Executive: Enforces laws
Judicial: Interprets laws
3. Checks and balances: branches check each other's power
Example of checks and balances: In order to pass a law, two branches of government are required: the legislative (writes the bill) and the executive (signs or vetoes).
4. Bill of Rights
What is the Bill of Rights to the US and Georgia Constitutions?
The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution; the purpose of these amendments is to protect individual citizens from the power of government. The 1st amendment protects the following rights or freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, petition. Be aware! These rights can be qualified or limited by the government. They are not absolute.
1. What is the office of the chief executive in the federal government? The state government?
2. What kind of government do we have?
3. What is the main characteristic of a republic?
4. What is Georgia’s highest court?
5. List the three branches of government and their functions.
6. Why is power separated into three branches at both the federal and state level?
7. What Georgia courts handle criminal matters where children are involved?