Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

According to Article II, when can the governor of Georgia be suspended from office?

1. If impeached by the General Assembly

2. If convicted of a felony

3. If a commission determines that a felony indictment adversely affects the administration of the office

4. If the House determines malfeasance occurred

The correct answer is: If a commission determines that a felony indictment adversely affects the administration of the office

The correct answer highlights a specific provision regarding the suspension of the governor of Georgia in certain circumstances. According to Article II of the Georgia Constitution, the governor can be suspended from office if a commission determines that a felony indictment adversely affects the administration of the office. This provision is designed to address situations where the legal issues surrounding the governor's conduct are severe enough to impede the effective administration of the government but have not yet led to a conviction. This mechanism allows for a proactive response to potential misconduct, ensuring that the state can maintain its governance without the distractions and disruptions that might occur if an indicted official were to remain in power. The legislative process then follows to address the longer-term implications of the indictment, ensuring due process is followed. In contrast, while impeachment by the General Assembly, felony conviction, or a determination of malfeasance by the House could also lead to the removal of a governor, those scenarios are distinct from the unique situation where an indictment alone, prior to a conviction, is evaluated for its potential impact on the administration of duties. Thus, those options do not apply in the same way as the specified condition of an adverse impact due to a felony indictment.