Chapter 4 Chapter Preview TERMS deficit, plural executive system, statute, Medicaid, entrepreneur, tourism PEOPLE governor, lieutenant governor, secretary state, attorney general, state superintendent schools, commissioner insurance, commissioner agriculture, commissioner labor, public service commissioner PLACES Savannah, Brunswick 90 Georgia Studies for Georgia Students
Laws are enacted for the benefit the people Georgia. These laws describe in general terms what the legislature wants to happen. Completing the details how a new law or program is to be carried out is the responsibility the executive branch. It is the role the executive branch to administer state services and enforce laws passed by the legislature. Executive agencies, boards, commissions, and fices are part the executive branch Georgia s government. In this chapter, you will learn about the organization the executive branch and how it administers major policies in areas interest to all Georgians: education, human services, public safety, transportation, economic development, and natural resources. First, you must know the roles the governor and lieutenant governor and understand the duties and powers that come with those fices. Nathan Deal, followed by First Lady Sandra Deal, waves to onlookers following his first inauguration as Georgia s 82nd governor in January 2011. A Republican from Millen, he was the first governor to be inaugurated inside the State Capitol since 1956, due to a severe winter storm. Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch 91
Section1 Georgia s Head State As you read, look for the qualifications, term, and election the governor, the powers and duties the governor, the role the lieutenant governor, terms: deficit. The executive branch is the largest branch state government. It is headed by the governor. Qualifications for Governor Georgia s governor must be at least thirty years old. A candidate for governor must also be a United States citizen for at least fifteen years and a legal resident Georgia for the six years immediately before the election. Term Office and Election The governor is elected for a four-year term. He or she may run again for a second four-year term. But after eight consecutive years in fice (two terms), the governor must step aside. Former governors are allowed to run for fice for a third term, but only after four years have passed from the end their second term. Georgia holds its election for governor and other state executive ficers on a different cycle than US presidential elections, which also occur every four years. In other words, the scheduled elections for governor Georgia are 2014, 2018, 2022, and so on. Above: The governor is limited to two consecutive terms four years each. Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican, was elected in 2010 and reelected in 2014. Formal Powers the Governor The governor has a number formal powers that are outlined in the Georgia constitution. As the chief executive the state, the governor oversees the operation the executive branch. The governor is also the chief law enforcement ficer. Article V the Georgia constitution says that governors are to take care that the laws be faithfully executed and shall be the conservator peace in the state. 92 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
Above: In 2013, at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Governor Nathan Deal (behind the podium) announced that the Georgia Army Guard had received the Army Communities Excellence Award-National Guard Specialty Category. In addition, the governor is the commander-in-chief the state s military forces. This means that the governor may deploy (send) the state militia Georgia s National Guard to restore order in emergency situations. The governor may also call out the Georgia State Patrol (the state troopers) for law enforcement assistance when needed. The governor proposes an annual budget for the state and presents it, along with a state the state address, to the General Assembly each year. The governor may recommend new laws and have the administration floor leaders introduce them into both chambers the legislature. As you learned in Chapter 3, the governor has the power to veto legislation passed by the General Assembly. The governor can appoint replacements to fill vacancies when they occur in the General Assembly or in executive and judicial fices. If a judge or other elected ficial dies, resigns, or is permanently disabled, the governor s appointee serves until the next general election or, in some cases, until a special election is held. The governor can call the General Assembly into special session when necessary. Two examples would be if the legislature has to deal with redistricting after the US Census report is issued or if there is an extreme shortfall in state revenue. The governor must manage the state budget and make spending cuts in state programs in order to avoid a deficit (a shortage funds). Finally, the governor appoints members to a number executive com- Above: The governor Georgia lives in the Governor s Mansion on West Paces Ferry Road in northwest Atlanta. The house was built in 1967, the third Governor s Mansion since the state capital moved to Atlanta. Something Extra! Due to the 2010 census, Georgia is now entitled to 14 members the US House Representatives. The Georgia legislature met to redraw lines to redivide the state into fourteen districts. Section 1: Georgia s Head State 93
Above: The wife the governor is given the title First Lady Georgia. Here, First Lady Sandra Deal (second from right) chats with visitors and artisans at the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum quilt show at the Georgia State Capitol in 2011. Something Extra! The fice lieutenant governor was created when the state constitution was rewritten in 1945. missions and boards. In some cases, this power is shared by the legislature, where the Senate either confirms or denies the appointment. Informal Powers the Governor Some duties and powers Georgia s governor as head state are informal, meaning they have come about through custom or tradition. Some are ceremonial. Among the governor s informal powers are serving as spokesperson for the State Georgia; meeting with the news media and speaking ficially for state government as well as unficially on behalf Georgia s citizens; serving as the ficial channel communication between Georgia and the national government as well as between Georgia and other states; leading trade delegations to other countries in order to encourage foreign consumers to buy Georgia-made products and do business with Georgia industries; acting as honorary head the political party to which he or she belongs; issuing proclamations to honor individuals, holidays, or special events and, with the legislature s approval, adding new state symbols. Role Lieutenant Governor The Georgia constitution states that the lieutenant governor will be elected at the same time, for the same term, and in the same manner as the gov- 94 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
ernor. The governor and lieutenant governor run separately for their positions, not as a team. Because the lieutenant governor may have to take over the governor s role, the lieutenant governor must meet the same qualifications for fice as the governor. Unlike the governor, however, the lieutenant governor may serve an unlimited number consecutive terms in fice. And, unlike the US vice president, who is a member the same political party as the president, the lieutenant governor may belong to a different political party than the governor. In Chapter 3, you learned about the lieutenant governor s legislative role as president the Georgia Senate. The constitution does not assign any additional executive branch duties to the lieutenant governor except those that the governor may assign. The lieutenant governor does serve as the chief executive when the governor is out the state. Succession to Executive Power In case the death, resignation, or permanent disability the governor, the lieutenant governor becomes the governor and serves until a new governor is elected. If something should happen to both the governor and the lieutenant governor and those fices are vacant, the next person in line is the speaker the Georgia House Representatives. The constitution calls for the speaker to take over the powers and duties the governor until a new governor is chosen in a special election, which must be held within ninety days. Above: As lieutenant governor, Casey Cagle s primary function is to preside over the Georgia Senate. Unlike the governor, he can serve an unlimited number consecutive terms fice. Reviewing the Section 1. Define: deficit. 2. Give an example one formal power and one informal power the governor. 3. Why is it necessary to have a line succession? Section 1: Georgia s Head State 95
Section2 The Organization the Executive Branch As you read, look for elected ficials state departments, major policy areas state programs, terms: plural executive system, statute, Medicaid, entrepreneur, tourism, conserve. Above: One the most important parts Secretary State Brian Kemp s job is to supervise all the state s elections. The US Constitution calls for voters to elect a president and a vice president. In effect, the executive branch starts with two people, and more are added as the new president selects heads departments and members his or her cabinet. Georgia s executive branch is organized slightly differently. Unlike the executive branch the federal government, Georgia has a plural executive system called for by its constitution. Not only are the governor and lieutenant governor elected like the president and vice president the United States, but also the secretary state, attorney general, state superintendent schools, commissioner insurance, commissioner agriculture, and commissioner labor. Each these elected ficials heads up an executive department that carries out laws related to its area. The state constitution also calls for five elected public service commissioners. There are also other ficials whose jobs are not called for by the constitution, but are set up by statutes (laws enacted by the state legislature). These ficials head departments, boards, or commissions. Georgia has hundreds departments, agencies, boards, and commissions some large and some small. In this section we will look at how these agencies administer the programs called for by the law and how they enforce the law. 96 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
Left: The University System Georgia administers the state s thirty-five public colleges and universities, which the largest is the University Georgia in Athens, founded in 1785. Executive Branch s and Agencies The functions state government that Georgia expends much its resources on are education, human services, public safety, and areas including economic development, transportation, agriculture, and community affairs. Each these functions is the responsibility a department the executive branch. Education This most important responsibility the state government receives the largest percentage the state budget, over half. Georgia needs a workforce educated and skilled people so the state can participate in our global world. Georgia also needs residents who can read and write, and who have enough knowledge to make informed decisions and choices in their own lives and as citizens. Although education from kindergarten through high school is also a county and city function, state government has a major role to play. Most the funding for education now comes from the state government. It is also the state government that sets the standards education including the standards teachers must meet to be certified, the requirements students must meet to graduate, the standardized tests students must pass, and even what students will study in their classrooms. The State Education, headed by the elected Superintendent Schools, puts the laws and policies related to education into practice. After high school, the state fers opportunities for additional education. The University System Georgia (USG) is a separate agency that oversees the state s public colleges and universities as well as the public library system and state archives, which holds records the state. A Regents appointed by the governor governs the USG. Georgia also has twenty-two technical colleges and schools that fer training in occupation-based skills needed in the workplace, along with adult literacy, and economic development. Some examples include information technology, automotive technology, and cosmetology. The Technical College System Georgia (TCSG) is a separate agency overseen by a board appointed by the governor. Above: State Superintendent Schools Richard Woods is responsible for overseeing 198 school systems and over 2,200 schools across Georgia. Section 2: The Organization the Executive Branch 97
Figure 8 Georgia State Government Georgia Voters Public Service Commission State School Superintendant Secretary State Attorney General GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA Commissioner Insurance Commissioner Agriculture Commissioner Labor Lieutenant Governor Courts General Assembly Supreme Court Superior Courts Court Appeals District Attorneys Education Office the Secretary State Office the Attorney General Insurance Agriculture Labor State Senate House Representatives Office the Governor Office Planning and Budget Governor s Office Audits and Accounts State Transportation KEY Elected Officials Motor Vehicle Safety Community Health Transportation Appointed Officials Motor Vehicle Safety Administrative Services Revenue Defense Banking and Finance Community Health State Forestry Commission Public Safety Human Resources Natural Resources State Personnel Juvenile Justice Georgia Bureau Investigation Public Safety Human Resources Natural Resources State Merit System Personnel Administration Juvenile Justice State Pardons and Paroles Corrections Community Affairs State Technical and Adult Education Commissioners Regents State Education Industry, Trade, and Tourism Veterans Service State Workers Compensation Trustees Trustees Corrections Community Affairs Technical and Adult Education Georgia Student Finance Commission University System Georgia Education Industry, Trade, and Tourism Veterans Service Employees Retirement System Georgia Teachers Retirement System Georgia 98 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
Human Services The Human Series is responsible for ensuring a basic level physical and mental health, and food and shelter needs its citizens. Much the funding for this comes from the national government and then is distributed by the state government. One the important agencies in this department is the Division Family and Children Services, which administers programs assistance for food and other necessities. The Community Health oversees health care planning including disease control and prevention. For example, public health clinics provide vaccinations and immunizations to prevent diseases. It also administers the Medicaid program the state, which is a joint program the federal and state governments to provide health care for individuals whose incomes fall below a certain level, including the elderly and disabled. Something Extra! The Port Savannah is the second-largest container port in the Southeast and the fastest-growing port in the United States. Public Safety The executive branch has the duty protecting the state s people and property. Some the agencies that work to do this include the State Patrol, which enforces traffic laws to keep us safe on the roads. Another agency that deals with automobile safety is the Driver Services. When you are old enough to apply for a driver s license, you will go to a branch that department to be qualified to drive. It also works to ensure that the vehicles people drive are properly registered and covered by auto insurance. The Georgia Bureau Investigation (GBI) works with local law enforcement to investigate crime. The Georgia Corrections oversees Georgia prisons. Left: Georgia s two international ports at Savannah (left) and Brunswick are operated by the Georgia Ports Authority. Section 2: The Organization the Executive Branch 99
Something Extra! Of Georgia s 644,743 registered businesses, over 99 percent are considered small businesses and have fewer than 500 employees. Ninety-five percent those businesses employ fewer than 50 people. Transportation The Georgia Transportation is responsible for planning and mapping out routes for new highways as our population grows and moves. It hires construction companies to build roads. It also oversees maintenance roads, and expansion or improvements such as widening and repaving for roads already built. Roads are important for the movement people and the goods that they buy. The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is in charge the Brunswick and Savannah deepwater ports that have ocean-going vessels shipping Georgia goods to other countries in the world and bringing goods from other states and other countries to Georgia. The GPA also oversees two inland terminals for barge traffic in Columbus and Bainbridge. Economic Development One the important functions the state government is to encourage a healthy economy in Georgia so that citizens have jobs to support themselves and the state can generate tax income to perform the functions and provide the services the state needs. Georgia has laws that encourage small companies and entrepreneurs (those who organize and operate businesses). The governor also travels to other countries to persuade international companies to build their manufacturing plants in Georgia. He also tries to find foreign buyers for the goods and products Georgia produces. The Georgia Economic Development is the state agency that markets Georgia to the rest the country and world. That marketing can include Georgia products and Georgia places. One industry that Georgia works to attract is the film industry. Many films and video productions are made in Georgia. Right: The Georgia Transportation is responsible for highways in Georgia such as the intersection Interstate 85 and Interstate 285 in north Atlanta, known as Spaghetti Junction. 100 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
One the largest industries in the state is tourism which brings people from other places to travel to Georgia, so attracting tourists is part economic development. Tourists visit beautiful natural resources, state parks, and state historic sites. There are special attractions in Georgia such as the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Sometimes special events, such as festivals, theater productions, musical concerts, and other events attract people to come to the state. Another important aspect Georgia s economy is agriculture. The Agriculture provides programs that help Georgia s farming interests and try to ensure that the products they produce are safe for the consumers who purchase them. It is the oldest state department agriculture in the country. Above: Dams on the Chattahoochee River created Lake Lanier, one the main sources water for the Atlanta area. The sharing water from the Chattahoochee and Lake Lanier has been a source dispute between Georgia, Alabama, and Florida for many years, particularly during severe droughts. Left: The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one the state s top tourist destinations. Section 2: The Organization the Executive Branch 101
Natural Resources While developing its economy, Georgia also works to make sure that it protects the beautiful natural and historic resources the state. The Natural Resources oversees activities to do just that. It also operates the state s parks, campsites, lodges, and historic sites that draw millions visitors each year. As we saw in Chapter 1, one the most important resources in the state is its water. Problems have occurred when heavily populated areas, especially Atlanta and its surrounding area, use so much water that users further downstream do not have enough for their needs. Water problems are made worse by large paved areas which cause water to run f rather than be reabsorbed into the ground. Water runf can carry dirt and trash with it that clogs up streams. Sometimes sewage and industrial waste can overflow into streams and rivers and pollute the water. To try to monitor Above: Gary Black, Georgia s commissioner agriculture, was elected in 2010 and reelected in 2014. Above and Right: Parks such as Georgia Veterans State Park (right) in Crisp County and Stephen C. Foster State Park (above) in Charlton County are managed by Georgia s executive branch government. 102 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
these problems, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), an agency in the Natural Resources, enforces laws that maintain the quality Georgia s water. The agency also enforces policies to keep air pollution to legally allowed levels. Managing the hazardous wastes that citizens and businesses produce also comes under the EPD. Employees in Georgia's Executive Branch 2016 (Total = 72, 321) 1% 1% 1% 1% 13% 18% Technical Colleges Dept Corrections Dept Human Services Dept Behavioral Health 1% 2% 2% 2% 3% 16% Dept Transportation Dept Juvenile Justice County Public Health Dept Natural Resources Dept Public Safety Dept Labor Dept Education 5% Dept Revenue Dept Community Health Dept Public Health 6% 6% 15% Dept Driver Services GA Bureau Investigation All Other 7% There are many more departments and agencies that make up the Executive Branch Georgia in addition to these important ones discussed here. They all play a major role in making sure that our state is a safe and healthy place to live and fers a good quality life for its citizens and a good economic climate for its agricultural and industrial producers. Reviewing the Section 1. Define: plural executive system, Medicaid, entrepreneur. 2. Which department is responsible for Georgia s two deepwater ports? 3. Do you think the Environmental Protection Division is important? Why or why not? Section 2: The Organization the Executive Branch 103
The Georgia Bureau Investigation The Medical Examiner s Office the Georgia Bureau Investigation is the state s own version CSI. A medical examiner s job is to investigate any death that may be the result anything other than natural causes. The Medical Examiner s Office investigates deaths that come under one or more these categories: (a) deaths that are homicides, suicides, or a result suspicious or unknown circumstances; (b) deaths that result from the illegal use drugs or the abuse chemicals or poisons; (c) deaths that take place while someone is in prison or in the custody a law enforcement ficer; (d) deaths that look to be accidental or that follow an injury; (e) deaths from disease, injury, or a poison at the workplace; (f) deaths from disease that might be a public health threat; and (g) deaths in which human remains have been disposed in an fensive manner. Below: Lab assistants in the GBI morgue wear protective clothing to avoid the possiblity contaminating important evidence like blood. Opposite page, above: GBI ballistics experts use high-powered microscopes to examine bullets. Opposite page, below: The initial collection evidence from a crime is conducted by GBI crime scene specialists. 104 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
During their examinations the deceased (called autopsies), forensic pathologists try to determine the cause and manner death. Cause refers to the medical reason for the death, or why the person died. Manner refers to how the person died, or the circumstances that led to the cause death. The GBI s Forensic Biology conducts tests and DNA analysis various body fluids (blood, saliva, and so on). Such fluids are ten collected at crime scenes. The department also examines articles physical evidence (clothing, for example). The goal is to identify what type biological material was a factor in the crime and then, through DNA analysis, to link that material to a specific person. An entire department the GBI is devoted to trace evidence, particles so small that they can be transferred or exchanged between two surfaces without being noticed. Dust and debris on clothing or a person s skin could indicate movement in or around a crime scene. The Trace Evidence runs tests on fibers and textiles, paints and coatings, gunshot residue, hair samples, and fragments glass, paper, metal, plastic, or wood. Autopsies are conducted by GBI medical examiners at the headquarters laboratory in Decatur and in regional laboratories in Augusta, Macon, and Savannah. A forensic anthropologist from the University Georgia helps the laboratory recover and identify human skeletal remains. One the most extensive cases undertaken by GBI forensic specialists was assisting in the recovery and identification the 339 human remains unburied or in mass graves at the Tri-State Crematory in Noble in northwest Georgia in 2002. Section 2: The Organization the Executive Branch 105
Chapter Summary Section 1 Georgia s Head State Georgia s governors and lieutenant governors must be at least 30 years old, US citizens for at least 15 years, and legal residents Georgia for 6 years immediately preceding the election. The governor is elected for a four-year term and may be reelected for a second four-year term. The lieutenant governor is elected at the same time, for the same term, and in the same manner as the governor. The lieutenant governor may serve an unlimited number terms. The governor is the chief executive the state, the chief law enforcement ficer, and the commander-in-chief the state s military forces. The governor s formal powers include overseeing the executive branch, preparing the annual budget, being able to veto legislation passed by the General Assembly, filling vacancies when they occur, calling the General Assembly into special session, and appointing members to various executive commissions and boards. The governor s informal powers include serving as the spokesperson for the state, serving as the line communication between the state and the federal government, leading trade delegations, acting as honorary head his or her political party, and issuing proclamations. In case the death, resignation, or permanent disability the governor, the lieutenant governor becomes the governor and serves until a successor is elected. If something should happen to both the governor and the lieutenant governor, the next person in line would be the speaker the House Representatives. Section 2 The Organization the Executive Branch Georgia voters elect not only a governor and a lieutenant governor but also public service commissioners and the state constitutional ficers: secretary state, attorney general, state school superintendent, commissioner insurance, commissioner agriculture, and commissioner labor. The State Education carries out education policy, which is set by the State Education. The University System Georgia oversees the state s institutions higher learning. The Human Services handles welfare and mental health-related issues. The Community Health is responsible for health care planning and purchase issues. The Public Safety includes the Georgia State Patrol. The Driver Services issues driver s licenses and registers vehicles. The Georgia Bureau Investigation aids local law enforcement in solving criminal cases. The Georgia Transportation plans and maps out routes for new highways and handles road maintenance and improvements. The Georgia Ports Authority operates the state s two deepwater seaports. The Economic Development is responsible for attracting new business to the state, encouraging existing industry and small businesses to expand, and developing new domestic and international markets for Georgia products. 106 Chapter 4: Georgia s Executive Branch
The Natural Resources administers laws that conserve land and water resources. It also operates the state parks, campsites, lodges, and historic sites. The Environmental Protection Division monitors water quality, air pollution, and hazardous waste handling. Activities for Learning Understanding the Facts 1. List the qualifications to serve as governor. 2. Explain the term and term limit governor. 3. Who is elected to head the Georgia Education? 4. Identify at least two other important state departments or agencies, explain who runs these fices, and list the major functions the fice. Developing Critical Thinking Make a list the pros and cons term limits for the fice governor. Develop a proposal to change the constitution concerning term limits for governor. Extending Reading Skills Use a Venn diagram with two circles to compare and contrast the powers and duties the governor and the lieutenant governor. Exploring Technology Access to fresh water is a long-term struggle between Georgia and some its neighbor states. Use a credible search engine to find out current facts about the water issue. Prepare a fact sheet that summarizes key points. Share your information in the class and develop ideas to resolve the problem. Practicing Your Skills 1. Use a credible search engine to locate political cartoons about Georgia. Evaluate the cartoons to determine the purpose and message the artist is trying to portray. 2. Pick an issue that is important to you that involves the executive branch our state. Draw your own political cartoon to express your opinion on the topic. Writing across the Curriculum Select one important topic that you believe the executive branch needs to address. Write a short report that (a) explains the problem, (b) lists two or three facts about the problem, (c) summarizes your opinion on the issue, and (d) makes a recommendation to the appropriate executive branch leader. Chapter Review 107