Modern Georgia

Modern GeorgiaUnit 12

StandardSS8H12: The student will explain the importance of significant social, economic, and political developments in Georgia since 1970.

Essential Question

How has Georgia developed socially, economically, and politically since the 1970s?

Finally- Equal Representation!End of the county unit systemBy the 1960s the County Unit System was becoming outdated.It gave considerably more power to rural areas than growing cities.Went to the Supreme Court in 1962.The Court said that 1 person means 1 vote!

ReapportionmentGeorgias General Assembly was also ordered by federal courts to reorganize legislative districts according to population

This reapportionment brought moreWomen, African Americans and Republicans into the General AssemblyThis was done to make things equal and to allow districts to elect people who truly represented their background and interests

Reapportionment:Means the reassignment of legislative seats among legislative districts according to district population

ReapportionmentTurn to your elbow partner and discuss the impact of changing from the county unit system to the new idea of 1 person 1 vote.Also, discuss who would support reapportionment and who would be against it.

Jimmy CarterMini biography Born: October 21, 1924Hometown: Plains, GeorgiaJimmy Carter was the first Georgian to be elected President of the United States.He served in the U.S. NavyHe managed his familys Peanut farm in Plains, Ga.

Jimmy CarterGeorgia Politics He was elected to the Georgia state senate in 1962He was then elected governor in 1970

In his inaugural address, he informed Georgians that it was time for segregation to end!

Jimmy Carter Era

Jimmy Carter: PresidentJimmy Carter was elected the 39th President of the United States in the 1976 election.He defeated incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford.He established human rights as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy

Jimmy Carter: PresidentApproach: Pledged to be honest Emphasized peace and human rights Camp David Accords Peace between Israel and Egypt which was negotiated by President Carter while at Camp David Problems plagued his presidency Oil Embargo Iranian Hostage crisis High Interest Rates

Jimmy Carter: Domestic Policies

Jimmy: Nobel Peace PrizeAs a past President, Carter has worked continually to promote democracy and human rights around the world.In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace PrizeIs an award given annually to the person whose work has most benefited mankind!It is an high honor!

Two Party SystemAs Georgia grew and prospered, so did the fortunes of the Republican party in the stateDemocrats had dominated state government since Reconstruction.

Two Party SystemMany white citizens thought that Democrats in Washington did not represent their views on segregation.As more Georgians became educated and successful, they agreed with the Republican platform of lower taxesPlus, the Republican party united in 1952 after being split into hostile factions for many years.This brought many Democrats and Independents into the Republican party

Two Party SystemThe rise of the Two-party system had a profound impact on Georgia.No longer does one party completely control state affairs.The concept of checks and balances is truly in effect, and open debate over issues is encouraged for the good of all Georgians.

Factors in this change: End of the county unit system Reapportionment GA shifted in 1960s away from Democratic party because of their support for the civil rights movement

Two-Party system1964: Georgia elected their first Republican congressman since ReconstructionThis trend continuedIn 2003 Sonny Perdue became the first Republican governor in Georgia since 1868

Writing Prompt & Comprehension Check

The two major political parties in the U.S. are _______ and ______.The _____ Party controlled Georgia politics from Reconstruction to the middle of the 20th century.Georgians like the Republican platform of lower ______.Name three results of the rise of the two-party system in Georgia.__________ was the first Republican governor in Georgia since 1868.

Let the Games BeginIn 1996 Atlanta hosted the Centennial summer Olympic GamesThe effect of this event was enormous!Brought investment to Georgia from all over the world!

Olympic GamesAtlanta gained new hotel rooms, restaurants, and beautiful sports facilities.The Olympic Stadium became the new home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team

Olympic GamesIt also got new sidewalks and lighting, and trees were installed along busy streets.Centennial Park provided an oasis in the heart of the city.

Olympic GamesPublic housing in high-crime areas was replaced by apartments, and dormitories which were built for Olympic athletes became the property of state universities.

Olympic Games The estimated impact of the Olympic Games on the city of Atlanta was more than five billion dollars.Much of Georgias economic good fortune today is due to the OlympicsThis enhanced the states reputation as a great spot for tourism, conventions, sports, and business

Special Events Boost Atlantas economy

Immigrant LaborNew immigrant communities in Georgia have made important contributions to the states growth and economy.Georgias foreign-born numbers took a big jump between 1990 and 2000.An increase of 233 percent!

Immigrant LaborIn recent years, immigrants have arrived from Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle EastImmigration has its greatest impact recently in northern Georgia.Hispanics have moved to fill jobs in the construction, poultry processing, and carpet manufacturing industries.Today one-quarter to one-half of carpet mill workers are Hispanic immigrants.

Immigrant LaborIn 2011, the Georgia General Assembly passed an immigration law that is considered to be one of the toughest on illegal immigrants in the United States. For example, it allows police officers to question suspects about their immigration status and detain them if they are, in fact, illegally in the United States. To date, portions of this law have been blocked by a federal court.

Note: As of October 2011, Georgias agricultural industry has reported the loss of millions of dollars in revenue. The consensus is that this is partially based on the immigration law.