GA Constitution

Question 1

Similarities (GA VS US Constitution)

Answer 1

• each contains a bill of rights
• each adopts separation of powers with a executive, legislative, and judicial branch
• executive leaders can appoint officials and veto bills
• bicameral legislature; each have 2 chambers called the HOR and Senate
• both allow judicial review

Question 2

Differences (GA VS US Constitution)

Answer 2

• GA Constitution is longer in length due to specific, detailed policies
• GA voters must approve amendments to the constitution
• GA Constitution requires the state have a BALANCED BUDGET
• GA Governor has line-item power
• GA elects almost all judges on non-partisan ballots while US President nominates judge for Senate approval
• GA legislatures serve 2 year terms
• GA Governor does not function with a cabinet while the President does
• GA Constitution provides detailed info about how local govt should function - US Constitution does not mention local government

Question 3

GA Constitution History

Answer 3

• There have been 10 GA Constitutions
• The first GA Constitution was passed before the US Constitution was

Question 4

Three Periods of the GA Constitution

Answer 4

1. Antebellum
2. Postbellum
3. Modern

Question 5

Antebellum GA Constitution

Answer 5

FIRST CONSTITUTION PERIOD

• Went up to the Civil War
• Unicameral legislature
• Weak executive branch (Governor), strong legislative power
• Legislature appointed the governor
• Governor’s decision had to be confirmed by a council

Question 6

Postbellum GA Constitution

Answer 6

SECOND CONSTITUTION PERIOD

• post-Reconstitution, after the military stopped occupying the South post Civil War
• Bicameral legislature
• Legislature elected governor
• County Unit System
• During Military Rule: GA had to follow the abolishment of slavery, 13th 14th 15th US Constitution amendments
• AFTER Military Rule: JIM CROW LAWS = poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clause
• “separate but equal” - Plessy v. Ferguson
• Segregation was in the GA Constitution

Question 7

Modern GA Constitution

Answer 7

THIRD CONSTITUTION PERIOD

• Brown v. Board of Education : struck down “separate but equal”
• Civil Rights Act of 1964: struck down Jim Crow laws