Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

What does the General Assembly restrict regarding local governments' authority?

1. They cannot impose restrictions on zoning laws.

2. Their powers are completely autonomous from state control.

3. They may not tax without state approval.

4. They can supersede local laws enacted under home rule.

The correct answer is: They can supersede local laws enacted under home rule.

The General Assembly holds the authority to supersede local laws enacted under home rule, which is why this answer is the most accurate. Home rule allows local governments in Georgia to enact their own ordinances and regulations, provided they do not conflict with state law. However, the General Assembly retains the ultimate power over local governance, which means it can create laws that override local ordinances if deemed necessary. This relationship maintains a hierarchy where state law is considered paramount; thus, local governments must operate within the constraints set by the state. By exerting this control, the General Assembly can ensure uniformity and consistency across various jurisdictions in Georgia, balancing local autonomy with the state's regulatory framework. This reflects an essential aspect of Georgia’s governmental structure, where local governance ultimately derives its authority from the state. The other options do not accurately depict the limitations placed on local governments by the General Assembly. For example, local governments do have the power to impose zoning laws within their jurisdictions, subject to general state laws, and their powers are not entirely autonomous from state control. Furthermore, local taxation often requires adherence to state laws but does not always necessitate direct state approval for every local tax action.