US Government Structure Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What type of special committee focuses on issues between sessions of the legislature?

Standing committee

Joint committee

Interim committee (correct)

Conference committee

What is the primary role of a conference committee?

To evaluate the impact of laws

To oversee legislative sessions

To draft new legislation

To reconcile different versions of a bill (correct)

Which step in the legislative process involves legislators working with lawyers to write the text of the bill?

Drafting (correct)

Introduction

Committee consideration

Floor consideration

What happens if a majority of members vote ‘no’ during floor consideration of a bill?

The bill dies. Signup and view all the answers

If a bill passes both houses, what is the next step in the process?

It is sent to the governor for consideration. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can the General Assembly override a governor's veto?

With a two-thirds vote in both houses Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of a joint committee?

An even number of senators and representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the legislative branch in Georgia?

To make laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is considered key in the legislative process?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement to serve in the Georgia General Assembly?

Must be a resident of Georgia for at least 2 years Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term for members of the Georgia General Assembly?

Two years Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement to be a Senator in Georgia?

25 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the Georgia General Assembly?

Bicameral with two houses Signup and view all the answers

When does the legislative session in Georgia typically begin?

Second Monday in January Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers are members of the General Assembly responsible for?

Amending the constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about elections for the General Assembly is true?

All members are elected at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step a legislator takes after introducing a bill?

The legislator goes to the Office of Legal Counsel. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the bill after it receives a second reading?

It is placed on a general calendar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of revenue for the state of Georgia?

Individual income tax Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the Governor does not sign a bill?

The bill becomes law without approval. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Georgia's total revenue was derived from taxes in 2023?

$37.7 billion Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rules Committee do during the bill process?

They prepare a rules calendar for bill consideration. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a bill is rejected by the second house?

It can be brought before a conference committee or killed. Signup and view all the answers

How much did Georgia spend in 2023?

$30.2 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which body is responsible for introducing bills related to raising revenue?

The House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

Who presides over the Senate in Georgia?

The Lieutenant Governor Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of committees in the Georgia General Assembly?

To make recommendations about specific bills Signup and view all the answers

How many regular committees are there approximately in the House of Representatives?

36 Signup and view all the answers

Which committee is responsible for handling bills involving taxes?

Ways and Means Committee Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of state revenue that comes from the Corporate Income Tax in Georgia?

6% Signup and view all the answers

Who elects the Speaker of the House in Georgia?

Members of the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

Which tax contributes the largest portion to Georgia's state revenue?

Sales Tax Signup and view all the answers

What portion of Georgia's state revenue comes from fees associated with parks and activities?

3-4% Signup and view all the answers

What term describes committees that last from one session to the next?

Standing Committees Signup and view all the answers

How many committees does each Senator in Georgia typically belong to?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Georgia's revenue is generated by the state lottery?

5% Signup and view all the answers

Which tax is categorized as less than 1% of Georgia's state revenue?

Estate Tax Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legislative Process in Georgia

Only the House of Representatives can introduce bills to raise revenue, appropriate funds, or impeach officials.
The Senate determines the guilt or innocence of impeached officials and approves or rejects gubernatorial appointments.

Leadership Structure

The speaker of the House is elected by House members and acts as the head of the House.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate, elected statewide by popular vote.
The Senate has a president pro tempore, and the House elects a speaker pro tempore to substitute in the absence of their leaders.

Committee System

Committees are central to the legislative process, with around 36 regular committees in the House and about 26 in the Senate.
Each representative serves on 2-3 committees focusing on areas like public safety, education, and transportation.
The lieutenant governor appoints committee chairs in the Senate.

Types of Committees

Standing Committees: Permanent committees that oversee specific areas such as Ways and Means, Appropriations, and Judiciary.
Special Committees:
- Interim Committees (Ad Hoc): Address specific issues between legislative sessions.
- Conference Committees: Comprised of 3 senators and 3 representatives to resolve differences in bill versions between the House and Senate.
- Joint Committees: Include members from both houses to discuss shared topics or issues.

Bill to Law Process

A bill must undergo multiple steps to become law:
- Drafting: Writers create the bill's text with legal assistance.
- Introduction: A senator or representative introduces it to their house.
- Committee Consideration: Bills are studied, amended, or rejected.
- Floor Consideration: Members vote; a majority is required for the bill to advance to the other house.
- Governor Consideration: Following approval from both houses, the bill reaches the governor who can sign, veto, or take no action.

Legislative Branch Overview

The General Assembly serves as Georgia's legislative branch and is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives (at least 180 members) and the Senate (at least 56 members).

Membership Qualifications

Members must be U.S. citizens, Georgia residents for two years, and have been legally residing in their districts for one year.
Senators must be at least 25 years old, while representatives must be at least 21.

Terms and Elections

Both chambers serve two-year terms with no limit on consecutive terms.
Elections are held every even-numbered year for all members of the General Assembly.

Session and Duties

The legislative session begins on the second Monday in January and lasts 40 days.
Responsibilities include law-making, budget approval, and constitutional amendments.

Funding and Spending Overview

Total revenue for Georgia in 2023 was $37.7 billion, while expenditures amounted to $30.2 billion.

Revenue Sources

Individual Income Tax: Accounts for 45% of total revenue.
Corporate Income Tax: Flat rate of 6% on company earnings, contributing 5% of revenue.
Sales Tax: State charges a 4% tax on retail sales, generating significant revenue, recently impacted by exemptions on unprepared food.
Additional revenues include insurance premium tax, property tax, excise tax, estate tax, and non-tax revenue from fees and the state lottery.

Non-Tax Revenue

Fees from state services contribute 3-4% of revenue.
The settlement program from a tobacco lawsuit provides 2% of funds.
The state lottery, established in 1993, generates 5% of revenue, specifically earmarked for educational programs.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the U.S. government structure, focusing on the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This quiz covers aspects like revenue bills, impeachment processes, and leadership roles. Perfect for students studying American government.