Study for the Georgia Constitution Test. Dive into multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam and gain confidence in understanding the Georgia legislative framework!

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If the General Assembly votes to give the governor a bonus, what is the status of that act?

  1. Unconstitutional

  2. Constitutional

  3. Authorized by Article III, Section VI, Paragraph 5

  4. Constitutional, if the governor performed well

The correct answer is: Unconstitutional

The status of an act where the General Assembly votes to give the governor a bonus is determined by specific provisions in the Georgia Constitution. According to Article III, Section VI, Paragraph 5, the compensation of the governor cannot be increased or decreased during their term of office. This provision is designed to ensure that the governor's salary remains stable and uninfluenced by legislative actions that could stem from political considerations or favoritism. Since granting a bonus would effectively alter the governor's compensation during their term, such an action would violate this constitutional provision. Therefore, it would be considered unconstitutional. This constitutional safeguard is intended to maintain the separation of powers and protect the executive branch from potential political manipulation related to compensation. In essence, by attempting to increase the governor's pay through a bonus, the General Assembly would be contravening the clear stipulations laid out in the state constitution regarding the tenure and remuneration of executive officers.