Who’s Who in Georgia Politics

Heads the executive branch of the federal government and is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. Serves for four years with a two-term (eight-year) maximum.

• Oversees cabinet-level departments, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Appoints federal judges.
• Has the power to veto bills passed by Congress. Congress can overturn a veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

Can issue executive orders in response to emergencies or to direct the action of government agencies, such as those overseeing healthcare, immigration and environmental regulations.

Recommends funding levels and regulations for healthcare, education, domestic violence services and other programs.

Nominates judges for lifetime appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. The court rules on issues such as equal rights, reproductive health and immigration.

Each state elects two senators in statewide election for six-year terms. Senate races are staggered, so typically only one senator in a state is up for election at a time. However, both of Georgia’s Senate seats are up for election this year, as one is a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the six-year term.

• Makes and passes federal laws.
• Decides the budget for federal programs.
• Determines federal tax guidelines.
• Can propose changes to the Constitution.
• Has the power to declare war.
• Provides investigation and oversight for the executive branch and its agencies, including the House of Representatives’ power to impeach federal officers.
• In addition, the Senate approves the President’s appointments to important positions, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Cabinet.

Approves funding levels for federal programs such as Head Start, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Social Security, relief for victims of natural disasters, military spending, child care, healthcare and domestic violence services.

Creates federal laws, including those governing immigration, healthcare, education, criminal justice, student loan interest rates, labor and environmental regulations.

Provides oversight to the executive branch and its agencies. Oversight includes investigations, impeachment, and Senate confirmation of nominees for judges and executive branch positions.

There are 435 voting members of the House of Representatives. All seats in the House are up for re-election every two years. The number of representatives from each state is based on population. Currently Georgia has 14 representatives.

Same as above.

Same as above.

Georgia has five public service commissioners, elected for terms of six years. Two positions are up for election in 2020.

• Regulate electric, natural gas, and telecommunications services, including the rates and fees companies charge.

Regulates the costs that consumers pay for services, based on what they decide is fair and reasonable.

Oversees power companies’ plans for sources of energy, including nuclear and solar power.

The state has 56 State Senate Districts. Each district elects one senator. All state Senate seats are up for election in 2020.

• Initiates state laws in areas such as state taxes, business regulation, education, child care and conservation of natural resources.
• Shares budget-making responsibilities with the Governor.
• Can override a veto by the Governor with a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature.
• Can redraw district maps which impact your power to vote and resources allocated to your area.

Makes decisions about how the state budget is allocated, including how much should support public schools, higher education, or the CHIP program for low-income children.

Sets scope of state Medicaid program, determining how many low-income people receive federal subsidies for health insurance.

Can propose laws to: limit or expand access to state programs, such as healthcare, including reproductive healthcare; set the minimum wage; determine whether to require equal pay for equal work; and address discrimination in the workplace.

The state has 180 State House Districts. Each district elects one representative. All House seats are up for election in 2018.

Same as above.

Same as above.

• Screen, file and prosecute felony criminal cases, as well as misdemeanor cases in some areas.
• Decide which cases to pursue and how to pursue them.
• Provide assistance to victims and witnesses.

Decide what to charge in criminal cases, including whether to drop or downgrade charges.

Refer cases to drug court or other alternative sentencing or diversion programs.

Decide what to offer to individuals during plea bargaining.

• Set policies for the school district that can impact school safety and discipline.
• Hire and evaluate the superintendent for the district.

Decide what is taught in local public schools, including history, government and sex education, in line with state law.

Approve the annual budget for submission to the state board of education.

• Ceremonial head of government.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of city government.
• Can hire and fire department heads and other city staff, and appoint advisory boards.
• May have the power to veto city council decisions.

Proposes budget priorities, which impact city programs, services and employee wages and benefits.

Can provide leadership as official spokesperson and representative of city government.

• Passes policies for the city.
• May have authority to override mayor’s veto.

Approves city budget.

Passes policies for the city that can include decisions on public safety, planning and zoning, and community services.

• Ceremonial head of government.
• Shares power with the city council to pass policy.
• May have authority to appoint department heads, with city council confirmation.

Can provide leadership as official spokesperson and representative of city government.

Passes policies for the city that can include decisions on public safety, planning and zoning, and community services.

• Shares power with mayor to pass policies. May have power to appoint department heads or approve mayor’s appointments.

Passes policies for the city that can include decisions on public safety, planning and zoning, and community services.

• Ceremonial head of government.
• May be a member of city council.

Can provide leadership as official spokesperson and representative of city government.

Works with city council to pass policies.

• Passes policies for the city.
• May hire and oversee city manager.

Passes policies for the city that can include decisions on public safety, planning and zoning, and community services.

• Responsible for day-to-day operations of city government.
• Hires and fires city government staff.
• May propose a budget and advise city council on policy issues.

Proposes budget priorities, which impact city programs, services and employee wages and benefits.