Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

Which group in Georgia has the authority to initiate revenue raising bills?

1. The House of Representatives

2. The Senate

3. The Governor

4. The judiciary

The correct answer is: The House of Representatives

In Georgia, the authority to initiate revenue-raising bills, which are bills that aim to raise funds through taxes or other means, is designated specifically to the House of Representatives. This structure is rooted in the principles of legislative responsibility and accountability. The rationale behind this is that the House is considered closer to the constituents and is thus entrusted with the responsibility to handle matters of taxation and fiscal policy directly. By giving this authority to the House, it ensures that the process of raising revenue is more reflective of the public will, as Representatives are elected to serve shorter terms and represent smaller districts. The Senate, while it plays a crucial role in the legislative process, does not hold the power to initiate revenue-raising legislation; it can only amend or vote on those bills that the House has proposed. The Governor has a significant influence on the taxation process through the power to propose budgets and offer amendments but does not initiate these bills. The judiciary does not have any role in revenue-raising bills, as their function is to interpret laws rather than create them or manage fiscal policy. Therefore, the House of Representatives is uniquely positioned as the starting point for any legislation related to raising revenue in Georgia.