Georgia State Politics: The Constitutional Foundation
Edition: 8
Copyright: 2023
Edition: 8
Copyright: 2023
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As in past editions, Georgia State Politics: The Constitutional Foundation (8th Edition) is primarily directed to those to whom knowledge of Georgia Government and civic education has been made a requirement. It also serves as a refresher to all who merely seek to further their knowledge on how well State and local governments fulfill their constitutional mandate. It is design not to confirm a point of view but to give a better account and understanding of the Constitution enabling students to think more clearly and systematically.
The theoretical underpinning of the book continues to be Constitutional, yet analytical in narrative. The political thought is Lockean, Madisonian, and especially Jeffersonian in influence. It embraces the view that the people are infinitely the source of government powers, that freedom is the absence of restraint on liberty wheresoever its source, and yes, that education remain the most effective vehicle to secure and preserve democratic ideals.
Driven by two natural tendencies, change and continuity, the 8th edition strengthens the qualities that has made this book enduring, and yet unique from other textbooks written on State governments. It bashfully continues to flexibly locate Georgia’s politics within its traditional, individualistic, and moralistic political culture which embraces and accept a positive role of government, a transparent democratic order, and commonwealth.
The updated Chapters in the 8th Edition are brief enough to remain interesting, and long enough with content-cohesion that provide readers with a distinct understanding of contemporary Georgia government. The tables and cartoons illustrations continue to bring uniqueness to how imagination and humor can contribute to better understanding of State and local problems. A slew of teaching ancillaries (test banks, power points and a KHP web platform) are part of the new 8th Edition to make learning for students and teaching for teachers, effortless.
Unshaken remain the sincere belief that textbooks designed to promote citizenships must make explicit a steady curriculum diet that are insightful enough to truly enhance civic knowledge.
Chapter One - Introduction to Georgia Politics
Introduction to Georgia Politics
The Importance of State Government
The Constitutional Basis of State Government
State Constitutions
Georgia's Constitution
Georgia's Politics
The Constitution of 1983
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Two - Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Historical Background
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Courts and the Bill of Rights
Civil Liberties
The Jury System
Civil Rights
Case Study: Martin Luther King Jr.
Both Liberty and Rights
Automatic Restoration of Rights
Discretionary Restoration of Rights
Article I-Section II: Origin and Structure of Government
Article I-Section III: General Provision and Operations
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Three - Political Participation in Georgia
Citizen Participation
Georgia's Political Parties
Georgia's Interest Groups
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Four - The Legislative Branch
The 151st General Assembly
Constitutional Construction of the General Assembly
The Constitution Gives and Takes Powers
Constitutional Requirements for Members of the General Assembly
Paying Members of the General Assembly
Public Attitudes Toward the General Assembly
The General Assembly's Leadership
General Assembly Responsibilities
General Assembly and Committees
The General Assembly and "The Art of the Possible"
The General Assembly and Open Government
The General Assembly and Home Rule
The General Assembly and the 2000 Census
The General Assembly and Appropriations and Budgets
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Five - The Plural Executive of Georgia
The Governor of Georgia
The Powers of the Governor
The Plural Executive of Georgia
Vision and Policy Initiative
The Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Educational Executives
Other Elected Executives
Governor James E. Carter
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essav Ouestions
Chapter Six - Administration and Agencies
The Georgia State Administration
Public Administrators
Constitutional Administration
Administrative Leaders
Executive Commissions
The Public Service Commission
The State Transportation Board
Commissioner of Insurance
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles
The State Personnel Board
The Veterans Service Board
The Board of Natural Resources
Intergovernmental Interactions
Conservation of the Environment
Other Regulatory Areas
Special Authorities
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Seven - The Georgia Judiciary
The Vested Judicial Power
Courts of Unlimited Jurisdiction
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
Other Quasi-Judicial Institutions
The Unified Judicial System
The Lower Courts
Prison Overcrowding
Discretionary Venue
The Higher Courts
Controlling Judicial Personnel
Judicial Vacancies and Removals
The State Attorney General
District Attorneys
Transitional Notes
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Eight - Budgeting and Finance
Billions and Billions in Budgets
Taxes/ Revenues/ and Debts
The Georgia State Lottery
Operating Budgets-Revenues
Operating Budgets-Appropriations
Appropriations and Expenditures
Why Budgets Tend To Grow
Local Government Expenditures
Local Expenditures
Capital Budgets
Emergency Funds
Stimulus Funds
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Nine - State Education Policy
State Educational Structure
Local School Districts
Sources of Funds for School Districts
Higher Education in Georgia
Educational Policy
No Child Left Behind Act
Race to the Top
Educational Morality
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Ten - Local Government
Local Government
County Government
Georgia County Government
City Government
Local Government in Georgia
The City Charter in Georgia
City Government Forms
Strong Mayor/ (Weak) Council
The City of Atlanta
Weak Mayor/ (Strong) Council
Council-Manager Form of City Government
Commission
Special District Governments
Organizational Structure
Special District Funding
Educational Districts
Too Many Governments?
Conclusion
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Chapter Eleven - The State Constitution
Reflecting State Diversity
The Constitution of 1983
The Amending Process
Constitutional Changes
Summary Analysis
Annotations on Selected Amendments
Recent Constitutional Amendments
Conclusions
Key Terms
Essay Questions
Appendix One: Georgia State Questions
Appendix Two: The Georgia State Constitution
Bibliography
Index
Marc G. Pufong is Professor of Political Science and Public Law at Valdosta State University where he has taught for more than twenty years.