Executive Branch of GA Government:Enforce Laws

Nathan Deal Governor of GA

Nathan Deal took the oath of office as Georgia’s 82nd governor on Jan. 10, 2011

He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democratic Party candidate in 1992, but switched to the Republican Party in 1995.

Casey Cagle• Lt. Governor

• A successful entrepreneur and respected former State Senator, Casey Cagle made history in 2006 by becoming the first Republican ever elected to Georgia’s second highest office.

Governor Lieutenant Governor

Qualifications • 30 yrs old• Resident of GA for 6 yrs• U.S. citizen for 15 yrs

30 yrs oldResident of GA for 6 yrsU.S. citizen for 15 yrs

Term • 4 yrs (No more than 2 4r consecutive = 8 yrs) (can wait 4 yrs then run again)

• 4 yrs (unlimited terms)

Election Every 4 years EVEN numbered

Every 4 years EVEN numbered

Duties (Formal Powers) pg 180 CRCT

• Oversees operations of the executive branch

• Chief law enforcement officer

• Commander-in-chief of state’s military

• Proposes annual budget• Recommends new laws• Gives the “State of the

State” address• Fills government

vacancies• Can call special sessions

of the General Assembly

• Presides over the SENATE

• Acts as the state’s chief executive when the governor is out of the state

Duties (Informal Powers) Serves as spokesperson for the state of GA.

N/A

Organization of the Executive Branch• Largest branch of state government• Elected officials • Includes:

• Secretary of State• Attorney General• State superintendent of schools• Commissioner of Insurance• Commissioner of agriculture • Commissioner of labor

Department of Education• Founded in 1870, the Georgia Dept of Education (DOE)

is responsible for overseeing all facets of public education.• Primary purpose: ensure “education-related laws are

obeyed and the state and federal funds are properly allocated.”• State superintendent of schools reports directly to the

Governor. • Several offices:

• Curriculum and Instruction• Finance and Business Operations• Instructional Technology and Media • Policy and external affairs• Teacher and Student Support

Department of Public Safety • Created in 1937• Established (est) to protect GA’s citizens and their

property• Include:• The GA Hwy Patrol• The Capitol Police • Motor Carrier Compliance Divison

Department of Transportation• GDOT plays a role in all 4 of the a major transportation

systems• mainly dealing with Roads and Hwys• GDOT responsible for • Planning• Constructing• Maintaining

Department of Economic DevelopmentGDEcD• Responsible for bringing economic development to the

state• Markets GA to the world by encouraging investments

and trade and attracting tourist to GA • Promotes GA as a “go to location” for film…, music,

digital entertainment, and arts• Because of this dept. we have the Walking Dead filmed in

GA.

Department of Natural Resources• Created to administer and enforce laws passed by the

General Assembly that relate to GA natural resources. (mostly rivers and lakes)• DNR operates GA state parks• Historical sites • DNR is also responsible for enforcing GA’s hunting,

fishing, and boating laws.