Republicans are on the verge of winning a majority so large in Georgia's Legislature that they could offer changes to the state constitution without Democratic support.

But whether they can effectively use that power is another question.

Winning a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate would prove a Republican accomplishment, considering the party won the governorship in 2002, then won majorities in the House and Senate.

House Speaker David Ralston says winning a supermajority doesn't necessarily mean Republicans get their way. He says as the party grows, it becomes more diverse. That means keeping lawmakers voting together gets more difficult.

Democratic leaders say Republicans will become more extreme if they no longer need Democratic assistance to make major policy changes.

Tags: General Assembly, election, Georgia Democrats, Georgia Republicans, Georgia GOP, 2012 election, supermajority