Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

What requirement does the Georgia Constitution place on funds appropriated by the General Assembly?

1. Appropriations can exceed anticipated revenue

2. Appropriations must expire at the end of fiscal year unless exceptions apply

3. Spending can include church-related programs

4. Tax revenue can be pledged without restrictions

The correct answer is: Appropriations must expire at the end of fiscal year unless exceptions apply

The Georgia Constitution stipulates that appropriations made by the General Assembly must expire at the end of the fiscal year unless specific exceptions apply. This requirement is designed to impose a level of fiscal discipline, ensuring that funds are not carried over indefinitely without proper justification. It encourages the legislature to plan and spend responsibly within the confines of the annual budget cycle. Having appropriations expire helps to prevent the accumulation of unspent funds and keeps the state's financial operations transparent and accountable. It ensures that any surplus can be reallocated, reducing the risk of inefficiency and ensuring that funding is provided to meet current needs rather than becoming bogged down with old, unspent appropriations. The other options do not align with the stipulations of the Georgia Constitution regarding appropriations. For instance, appropriations exceeding anticipated revenue could lead to budget deficits, which is contrary to prudent fiscal management. Additionally, spending related to church programs and unrestricted tax revenue pledges are not standard requirements under the Georgia Constitution, which maintains specific guidelines on how state funds can be managed.