Government/Civic Understandings

The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia's constitution. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution. Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Explain voting qualifications and elections in Georgia. Explain the role of political parties in government. Identify wisdom, justice, and moderation as the three principles of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia Flag.

The student will analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia state government. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of members of the General Assembly. Describe the organization of the General Assembly, with emphasis on leadership and the committee system. Evaluate how the legislative branch fulfills its role as the lawmaking body for the state of Georgia.

The student will analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state government. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of the governor and lieutenant governor. Describe the organization of the executive branch, with emphasis on major policy areas of state programs; include education, human resources, public safety, transportation, economic development, and natural resources. Evaluate how the executive branch fulfills its role through state agencies that administer programs and enforce laws.

The student will analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government. Explain the structure of the court system in Georgia including trial and appellate procedures and how judges are selected. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law. Describe the adult justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and steps in the criminal justice process. Describe ways to avoid trouble and settle disputes peacefully. Evaluate how the judicial branch fulfills its role in interpreting the laws of Georgia and ensuring justice in our legal system.

The student will analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia. Explain the origins, functions, purposes, and differences of county and city governments in Georgia. Compare and contrast the weak mayor-council, the strong mayor-council, and the council manager forms of city government. Describe the functions of special-purpose governments. Evaluate the role of local government working with state agencies to administer state programs

The student will explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders. Explain the difference between delinquent behavior and unruly behavior and the consequences of each Describe the rights of juveniles when taken into custody. Describe the juvenile justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and steps in the juvenile justice process. Explain the seven delinquent behaviors that can subject juvenile offenders to the adult criminal process, how the decision to transfer to adult court is made, and the possible consequences.