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The executive branch is the largest of Georgia’s three branches of state government. The Georgia constitution names eight officers that are elected by all Georgia voters to serve in the executive branch. They lead agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and carrying out programs like education, elections, and law enforcement.

Georgia's Executive Branch

Georgia's Executive Branch

The executive branch is the largest of Georgia’s three branches of state government. The Georgia constitution names eight officers that are elected by all Georgia voters to serve in the executive branch. They lead agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and carrying out programs like education, elections, and law enforcement.

Social Studies

SS8CG1.b

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

1. Describe the role of the executive branch in Georgia. 

2. What are the qualifications to run for governor in Georgia? Explain why the state constitutions would require these qualifications. 

3. Compare and contrast Georgia's executive branch and the United States executive branch.

1. Break up into eight groups. Each group should research one of the eight executive branch officers in Georgia. Research should include the responsibilities of the officer and who currently holds the office. Create a presentation to present to the class or to display in a gallery walk.

executive branch: a branch of government that carries out and enforces laws

consecutive: following continuously in sequence

National Guard: a reserve military force, composed of military members or units of each state and the territories of the United States

GBI: (abbreviation for Georgia Bureau of Investigation) an independent, statewide agency that provides assistance to the state's criminal justice system

1. Describe the role of the executive branch in Georgia. 

The purpose of the executive branch in Georgia is to carry out the laws passed by the state. Members of the executive branch lead agencies responsible for enforcing state laws and carrying out programs like education, elections and law enforcement.

 

2. What are the qualifications to run for governor in Georgia? Explain why the state constitutions would require these qualifications. 

In order to run for governor in Georgia, the candidate must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen for at least 15 years and a Georgia resident for a minimum of six years prior to the election. These qualifications are outlined in the state constitution to ensure that the person elected governor is mature and thoroughly understands the ways of the United States and the state of Georgia. 

 

3. Compare and contrast Georgia's Executive Branch and the United States Executive Branch.

Student answers may vary. Some responses may include the following: The governor and president are both elected to serve a four year team, with a maximum of two terms. They are both heads of the executive branch. The governor's responsibilities are similar to the United States president because both oversee government budgets, serve as Commander-in-Chief, propose laws and sign or vetos legislation. While federal cabinet secretaries are nominated by the president and approved by the Senate, Georgia constitutional officers are all elected by the people.

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