The Georgia Constitution differs from the United States Constitution in several key ways, despite sharing foundational principles such as separation of powers, bicameral legislatures, and judicial review.

Length and Detail

• The Georgia Constitution is much longer and more detailed, containing specific policies on a wide range of issues including taxes, retirement systems, local government functions, the state lottery, and even regulations on activities like nude dancing. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution is concise, focusing on the structure of government and general principles

Amendment Process

• Amendments to the Georgia Constitution require approval by the state's voters, giving citizens a direct role in constitutional changes. The U.S. Constitution’s amendment process involves approval by two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, with no direct voter approval

Budgetary Requirements

• Georgia’s Constitution mandates a balanced state budget, whereas the U.S. Constitution places no such requirement on the federal government

Executive Powers

• The Georgia Governor has line-item veto power, allowing specific parts of spending bills to be rejected. The U.S. President does not have this power

Judicial Selection

• Georgia elects nearly all judges through nonpartisan elections. In contrast, U.S. federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate

Terms of Legislators

• Georgia state legislators (both Senators and Representatives) serve two-year terms. At the federal level, Representatives serve two-year terms, but Senators serve six-year terms

Local Government

• The Georgia Constitution provides detailed provisions on the structure and functions of local governments. The U.S. Constitution does not address local government at all

Bill of Rights Differences

• Both constitutions include a Bill of Rights, but Georgia’s Bill of Rights is part of Article I of its constitution and includes unique provisions such as protection of freedom of conscience, prohibitions on banishment and whipping as punishment, and preservation of fishing and hunting rights. The U.S. Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the federal constitution

Structure and Amendments

• The U.S. Constitution has seven articles and 27 amendments, while Georgia’s current constitution has 11 articles and over 70 amendments, reflecting more frequent changes and more detailed governance rules

In summary, the Georgia Constitution is longer, more detailed, and more frequently amended, with direct voter involvement in amendments, specific local government provisions, a balanced budget requirement, and distinct executive and judicial selection processes, distinguishing it from the more concise and broadly framed U.S. Constitution