Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

Which statement describes a limitation on the power of the General Assembly to make laws?

1. Laws must not conflict with the Georgia Constitution

2. Only laws explicitly stated in the Georgia Constitution can be enacted

3. Laws may not violate either the Georgia Constitution or the U.S. Constitution

4. General Assembly has unlimited power to create laws

The correct answer is: Laws may not violate either the Georgia Constitution or the U.S. Constitution

The choice highlighting that laws may not violate either the Georgia Constitution or the U.S. Constitution accurately captures an essential limitation on the General Assembly's lawmaking powers. This principle ensures that any legislation passed must adhere to the fundamental legal frameworks established by both the state and federal constitutions. The Georgia Constitution, like many state constitutions, is subordinate to the U.S. Constitution. This means that state laws must operate within the bounds set by the higher law of the land, which in this case is the U.S. Constitution. If a law were to conflict with either constitution, it could be deemed unconstitutional and invalidated by the courts. This framework is vital to maintaining the rule of law and checks and balances within the government. It safeguards citizens' rights by ensuring that laws not only reflect the values and needs of Georgia's populace but also uphold the broader principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.