Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

What type of laws may the General Assembly not enact?

1. Those that benefit state employees

2. Those that affect only private persons

3. Those that conflict with local laws

4. Those that do not have public support

The correct answer is: Those that affect only private persons

The correct choice reflects a fundamental principle in legislative authority within the context of the Georgia Constitution. The General Assembly is not permitted to enact laws that affect only private individuals without a clear public interest. This principle is rooted in the need for laws to serve a broader public purpose rather than being applied solely to private parties or situations. Legislation should aim at addressing issues that concern the community as a whole, such as public welfare, safety, or other collective benefits, rather than focusing exclusively on individual interests. This limitation ensures that the legislative process remains accountable and transparent, prioritizing the common good over the interests of specific individuals or groups. Therefore, any law that does not meet this criterion—in essence, one that affects only private persons without broader implications—would not fit within the appropriate legislative framework. The other options do not reflect constitutional restrictions on the General Assembly's legislative power. For instance, laws that benefit state employees can be enacted if they serve the public interest. Likewise, laws that conflict with local laws may raise issues of jurisdictional authority but do not inherently invalidate their enactment unless a specific law is explicitly in conflict. Lastly, public support, while significant in the political process, does not serve as a formal constitutional barrier against legislative action.