Georgia Constitution of 1777
Name: __________________
Article I:
a. In your own words, what does Article I state? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. Why is Article I important? ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article II:
a. How were representatives elected? ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. How were the Governor and the executive council selected? ________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article IV.
a. How did Article IV change Georgia? ___________________________________________
Article VI.
a. What requirements were placed on representatives before they could be elected?
__________________________________________________________________________
Article VII.
a. In your own words, what does Article VII mean? _________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. Can you think of any reasons why this may be a problem? _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
c. What do you think made the colonists feel the need to set the rules of Article VII?
__________________________________________________________________________
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Georgia Constitution of 1777
Name: __________________
Article IX.
a. What were the qualifications to vote under the Georgia Constitution of 1777? ___________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. Who did these requirements leave out? ________________________________________
Article X.
a. In your own words, what does Article X say? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. Why is Article X important in a democratic society? _______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article XI.
a. In your own words, describe the two main points of Article XI _______________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. What do you think made the authors of the constitution include this section? ___________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article XII.
a. In your own words, what does Article XII state? __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article XVII.
In your own words, what does Article XVII state? ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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Georgia Constitution of 1777
Name: __________________
Article XIX – XXI
a. What powers did these articles give the governor? ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
b. What, stated in each article, provided a type of limitation to the Governor’s power?
__________________________________________________________________________
Article XXXIII.
a. In your own words, what does Article XXXIII state? _______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article XXXVI – XL.
a. Briefly describe the purpose of these articles of the Georgia Constitution of 1777.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article LIV.
a. Where would schools be established and who would pay for them? __________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article LV.
a. Where would jails and courts be established and who would pay for them? ____________
__________________________________________________________________________
Article LVI.
a. What freedoms did the Georgia Constitution of 1777 provide? _______________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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Georgia Constitution of 1777 KEY
Article I:
a. In your own words, what does Article I state? Legislative, executive, and judicial branches are
separated
b. Why is Article I important? Separation of powers; checks and balances
Article II:
a. How were representatives elected? Elected yearly
b. How were the Governor and the executive council selected? Representatives choose the
Governor and the executive council out of the group of representatives
Article IV.
a. How did Article IV change Georgia? It established 8 counties in Georgia
Article VI.
a. What requirements were placed on representatives before they could be elected? Resided at
least 12 months in the state and 3 months in the county where they are elected
Article VII.
a. In your own words, what does Article VII mean? House of Assembly has the power to make
laws, regulations, and the power to repeal them. They can also establish their own rules and
proceedings.
b. Can you think of any reasons why this may be a problem? Since there is only one house
(unicameral) they have a lot of power being able to make and repeal whatever laws they see fit
c. What do you think made the colonists feel the need to set the rules of Article VII? Based on their
experience with the British making laws that they did not agree with
Article IX.
a. What were the qualifications to vote under the Georgia Constitution of 1777? White male, at
least 20 years old, has at least 10 pounds or something valued at least 10 pounds, liable to pay
state tax (or being of any mechanic trade) and resident of their state for 6 months
b. Who did these requirements leave out? Females, African Americans, slaves, etc.
Article X.
a. In your own words, what does Article X say? Elections should be free and open without any
military person present
b. Why is Article X important in a democratic society? So that people do not feel threatened when
voting or unduly influenced
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Georgia Constitution of 1777 KEY
Article XI.
a. In your own words, describe the two main points of Article XI no one is entitled to more than one
vote. No one with a title of nobility can vote unless the person gives up their distinction of nobility
b. What do you think made the authors of the constitution include this section? Based on their
experiences under British rule
Article XII.
a. In your own words, what does Article XII state? If a person who is entitled to vote is absent and
does not turn in their ballot, they will have to pay a penalty not exceeding 5 pounds
Article XVII.
In your own words, what does Article XVII state? Any person that has a post of profit or military
commission under any State cannot be elected as a representative
Article XIX – XXI
a. What powers did these articles give the governor? Reprieve a criminal or suspend a fine with
assembly approval; call the House of Assembly together; fill vacancies in office; issue all civil and
military commissions
b. What, stated in each article, provided a type of limitation to the Governor’s power? “with the
advice of the executive council”
Article XXXIII.
a. In your own words, what does Article XXXIII state? The governor will be the captain general and
commander in chief of all militia
Article XXXVI – XL.
a. Briefly describe the purpose of these articles of the Georgia Constitution of 1777. Establishes
and describes the judicial branch (courts, where they are held, matters in dispute, superior court
jurisdiction, appeals)
Article LIV.
a. Where would schools be established and who would pay for them? Established in each county
and the state would pay for them
Article LV.
a. Where would jails and courts be established and who would pay for them? Jails and courts shall
be created in each county at the public’s expense
Article LVI. a. What freedoms did the Georgia Constitution of 1777 provide? Freedom of religion
(religious tolerance)
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