Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the Sheriff in a county government?
What is the primary function of the Sheriff in a county government?
- Receive tax returns
- Oversee property deeds
- Serve as the County Commissioner
- Maintain peace and enforce the law (correct)
Which of the following counties is the most populous in Georgia as of the 2020 Census?
Which of the following counties is the most populous in Georgia as of the 2020 Census?
- Gwinnett County
- Clarke County
- Taliaferro County
- Fulton County (correct)
What is required to form a city within a county?
What is required to form a city within a county?
- A population density greater than 500 residents
- A municipal charter from the state (correct)
- Approval from the county commission
- Fifty percent of voter support in the county
Which function is NOT typically served by counties in Georgia?
Which function is NOT typically served by counties in Georgia?
Which county is noted for being the largest in area in Georgia?
Which county is noted for being the largest in area in Georgia?
Which city holds the title of the largest city in Georgia?
Which city holds the title of the largest city in Georgia?
What is a primary reason cities are created in Georgia?
What is a primary reason cities are created in Georgia?
Which city in Gwinnett County is the largest?
Which city in Gwinnett County is the largest?
What form of city government does Atlanta utilize?
What form of city government does Atlanta utilize?
Which of the following is an example of a Special Purpose District?
Which of the following is an example of a Special Purpose District?
Which city is the smallest in Georgia?
Which city is the smallest in Georgia?
What is the total number of incorporated cities in Gwinnett County?
What is the total number of incorporated cities in Gwinnett County?
Which city in Gwinnett County was established most recently?
Which city in Gwinnett County was established most recently?
What is one function of cities in Georgia?
What is one function of cities in Georgia?
Which form of city government does Buford utilize?
Which form of city government does Buford utilize?
What body is responsible for approving and incorporating cities in Georgia?
What body is responsible for approving and incorporating cities in Georgia?
What type of government do citizens elect representatives for in city governance?
What type of government do citizens elect representatives for in city governance?
What is a key characteristic of Special Purpose Districts?
What is a key characteristic of Special Purpose Districts?
Which of the following is a common source of local funding for cities in Georgia?
Which of the following is a common source of local funding for cities in Georgia?
Which city in Georgia has a Strong Mayor Council form of government?
Which city in Georgia has a Strong Mayor Council form of government?
What is the primary function of counties in Georgia regarding elections?
What is the primary function of counties in Georgia regarding elections?
What government role does the Judge of the Probate Court not oversee?
What government role does the Judge of the Probate Court not oversee?
Which county in Georgia holds the title of least populated as of the 2020 Census?
Which county in Georgia holds the title of least populated as of the 2020 Census?
What administrative role does the Tax Commissioner serve in a county government?
What administrative role does the Tax Commissioner serve in a county government?
Which of the following counties is noted for its population diversity in Georgia?
Which of the following counties is noted for its population diversity in Georgia?
What is the largest county by area in Georgia?
What is the largest county by area in Georgia?
What is one of the primary roles of the County Commissioners?
What is one of the primary roles of the County Commissioners?
How many counties are there in Georgia as specified by the Constitution?
How many counties are there in Georgia as specified by the Constitution?
Which county has the highest population according to the 2020 Census?
Which county has the highest population according to the 2020 Census?
What must be obtained to create a city in Georgia?
What must be obtained to create a city in Georgia?
Study Notes
County Overview
- A county serves as an administrative subdivision of a state or territory, created to assist state governments.
- There are 159 counties in Georgia, making it the second most in the nation after Texas.
- Georgia citizens enjoy the most representation in the State's General Assembly due to the number of counties.
Functions of Georgia's Counties
- Counties manage various essential services, including:
- Courts of law
- Welfare programs
- Election administration
- Vehicle registration
- Police and fire services
- Libraries
- Public transportation
- Road construction and repairs
Population Statistics
- Fulton County is the most populous in Georgia, with 1,066,110 residents (2020 Census).
- Taliaferro County is the least populated, housing only 1,559 people.
- Gwinnett County ranks second in population with 957,062 residents and is noted for its diversity.
- Ware County (Waycross) is the largest by area at 903 square miles, while Clarke County (Athens) is the smallest at 121 square miles.
County Governance Structure
- Each county has four countywide elected offices and district-elected officials. Key roles include:
- Sheriff: Enforces laws and maintains peace.
- Tax Commissioner: Manages tax records and returns.
- Clerk of the Superior Court: Acts as the primary record keeper.
- Judge of the Probate Court: Oversees property deeds, marriage licenses, and elections.
- County Commissioner/Board of Commissioners: Adopts ordinances and oversees county operations.
City Governance in Georgia
- Municipal charters are required to form a city.
- Atlanta is the largest city, while Edge Hill is the smallest.
- Lawrenceville ranks as the 42nd largest city in Georgia, with Peachtree Corners being the largest in Gwinnett County.
- Gwinnett County features 16 incorporated cities, four of which span across county lines; the newest city is Mulberry.
City Governance Structures
- Cities are governed by elected officials, including mayors and city councils, and can operate under three systems:
- Weak Mayor Council
- Strong Mayor Council (e.g., Atlanta)
- Council Manager (e.g., Buford)
Local Government Purpose and Structure
- General purpose governments encompass both city and county administrations.
- Special Purpose Districts exist to enhance community wellbeing, led by a governing board.
- Examples of Special Purpose Districts:
- MARTA
- Schools
- Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
- Georgia Port Authority
Local Funding Sources
- Funding for local governments typically comes from:
- Taxation
- State and federal grants
- Public votes on referendums
- Economic factors like inflation and interest rates
- Social and demographic trends, including population age.
County Overview
- A county serves as an administrative subdivision of a state or territory, created to assist state governments.
- There are 159 counties in Georgia, making it the second most in the nation after Texas.
- Georgia citizens enjoy the most representation in the State's General Assembly due to the number of counties.
Functions of Georgia's Counties
- Counties manage various essential services, including:
- Courts of law
- Welfare programs
- Election administration
- Vehicle registration
- Police and fire services
- Libraries
- Public transportation
- Road construction and repairs
Population Statistics
- Fulton County is the most populous in Georgia, with 1,066,110 residents (2020 Census).
- Taliaferro County is the least populated, housing only 1,559 people.
- Gwinnett County ranks second in population with 957,062 residents and is noted for its diversity.
- Ware County (Waycross) is the largest by area at 903 square miles, while Clarke County (Athens) is the smallest at 121 square miles.
County Governance Structure
- Each county has four countywide elected offices and district-elected officials. Key roles include:
- Sheriff: Enforces laws and maintains peace.
- Tax Commissioner: Manages tax records and returns.
- Clerk of the Superior Court: Acts as the primary record keeper.
- Judge of the Probate Court: Oversees property deeds, marriage licenses, and elections.
- County Commissioner/Board of Commissioners: Adopts ordinances and oversees county operations.
City Governance in Georgia
- Municipal charters are required to form a city.
- Atlanta is the largest city, while Edge Hill is the smallest.
- Lawrenceville ranks as the 42nd largest city in Georgia, with Peachtree Corners being the largest in Gwinnett County.
- Gwinnett County features 16 incorporated cities, four of which span across county lines; the newest city is Mulberry.
City Governance Structures
- Cities are governed by elected officials, including mayors and city councils, and can operate under three systems:
- Weak Mayor Council
- Strong Mayor Council (e.g., Atlanta)
- Council Manager (e.g., Buford)
Local Government Purpose and Structure
- General purpose governments encompass both city and county administrations.
- Special Purpose Districts exist to enhance community wellbeing, led by a governing board.
- Examples of Special Purpose Districts:
- MARTA
- Schools
- Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
- Georgia Port Authority
Local Funding Sources
- Funding for local governments typically comes from:
- Taxation
- State and federal grants
- Public votes on referendums
- Economic factors like inflation and interest rates
- Social and demographic trends, including population age.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the administrative divisions of Georgia. This quiz explores the role and significance of counties in representation and governance within the state. Learn about the number of counties and their functions in the General Assembly.
