Georgia Studies: Government/Civic Understandings (Eighth Grade GSE)

a. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution (preamble, bill of rights, articles, and amendments) as well as its relationship to the United States Constitution.

b. Explain separation of powers and checks and balances among Georgia's three branches of government.

c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens according to the Georgia Constitution.

d. List voting qualifications for elections in Georgia.

e. Identify wisdom, justice, and moderation as the three principles in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.

See also Constitutional Conventions, Court of Appeals of Georgia, Election Structures and Reform, Executive Branch, Executive Branch Officials, Georgia State Capitol, Judicial Branch, Legislative Process, Supreme Court of Georgia, Third Parties

a. Explain the qualifications for members of the General Assembly and its role as the lawmaking body of Georgia.

b. Describe the purpose of the committee system within the Georgia General Assembly.

c. Explain the process for making a law in Georgia.

d. Describe how state government is funded and how spending decisions are made.

See also Capital Budgeting and State Debt, Georgia Constitution

a. Explain the qualifications for the governor and lieutenant governor and their role in the executive branch of state government.

b. Describe how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws.

See also Attorney General, Executive Branch Officials, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Public Service Commission, Secretary of State

a. Describe the ways that judges are selected in Georgia.

b. Analyze the dual purpose of the judicial branch: to interpret the laws of Georgia and administer justice in our legal system.

c. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.

d. Explain the steps in the adult criminal justice system beginning with arrest.

See also Court of Appeals of Georgia, Legal Profession, Supreme Court of Georgia, Writ of Habeas Corpus

a. Explain the difference between delinquent and unruly behavior and the consequences of each.

b. Describe the rights of juveniles involved in the juvenile justice system.

c. Explain the steps in the juvenile justice system when a juvenile is first taken into custody.

a. Explain the origins and purposes of city, county, and special-purpose governments in Georgia.

b. Describe how local government is funded and how spending decisions are made.

See also Home Rule and Ordinances, Municipal Services, State Budgeting, State Revenues in Georgia