
SS8CG1
Describe the foundations of Georgia's government.
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
SS8CG2
Analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia.
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.
SS8CG3
Analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state government.
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
SS8CG4
Analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government.
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
SS8CG5
Explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders.
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.
SS8CG6
Analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia.
b. Describe how local government is funded and how spending decisions are made.