SS8CG1 The student will describe the role of citizens under Georgia’s constitution.  
a. Explain the basic structure of the Georgia state constitution.  
b. Explain the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances.  
c. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.  
d. Explain voting requirements and elections in Georgia.  
e. Explain the role of political parties in government.  
 
S8CG2 The student will analyze the role of the legislative branch in Georgia state  
government.  
a. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of members of the General Assembly.  
b. Describe the organization of the General Assembly, with emphasis on leadership and the  
committee system.  
c. Trace the steps in the legislative process for a bill to become a law in Georgia.  
 
SS8CG3 The student will analyze the role of the executive branch in Georgia state  
government.  
a. Explain the qualifications, term, election, and duties of the governor and lieutenant governor.  
b. Describe the organization of the executive branch, with emphasis on major policy areas of state  
programs. 
 
SS8CG4 The student will analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government.  
a. Explain the structure of the court system in Georgia including trial and appellate procedures and  
how judges are selected.  
b. Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.  
c. Describe the adult justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and steps  
in the criminal justice process.  
d. Describe ways to avoid trouble and settle disputes peacefully.  
 
SS8CG5 The student will analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia.  
a. Explain the origins, functions, purposes, and differences of county and city governments in  
Georgia.  
b. Compare and contrast the weak mayor-council, the strong mayor-council, and the council-  
manager forms of city government.  
c. Describe the functions of special-purpose governments.  
 
SS8CG6 The student will explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders.  
a. Explain the difference between delinquent behavior and unruly behavior and the consequences of  
each  
b. Describe the rights of juveniles when taken into custody.  
c. Describe the juvenile justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and  
steps in the juvenile justice process.  
d. 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.