Governor’s powers

The legal and political authorities held by a state governor, including appointment, budget, and removal powers.

National Governors’ Association

A bipartisan organization of U.S. governors that advocates policy positions and coordinates state‑level priorities.

Governor as presidential pipeline

The pattern by which state governors gain national visibility and sometimes become U.S. presidents.

Political elite

A small group of influential leaders who dominate political decision‑making in a state or region.

Voter turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections; noted as low in Georgia in the slide.

Traditionalistic political culture

A culture that emphasizes social hierarchy and deference to established elites in politics.

Individualistic political culture

A culture that treats politics as a marketplace where individuals pursue private interests and participation is optional.

Direct action

Public tactics such as protests, boycotts, and demonstrations used to press for change outside formal institutions.

Boycott

A coordinated refusal to buy or use goods or services to pressure change.

Demonstration

A public gathering or protest to express political or social demands.

Referendum

A direct vote by citizens on a specific policy or law; often used for limited or local issues.

Recall election

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official before the end of a term; often limited by state law or executive removal powers.

State constitution

The fundamental legal document that establishes a state’s government structure, powers, and citizen rights.

Sovereignty of states

The principle that states possess independent authority to write constitutions and govern internal affairs within the federal system.

Living document

The idea that a constitution is adaptable over time through amendments, interpretation, and revision.

Amendment

A formal change or addition to a constitution; Georgia’s older constitutions accumulated hundreds of amendments.

Reconstruction constitution

A post‑Civil War state constitution created under Reconstruction governments, often replaced by later conservative documents.

Confederacy constitution

A short‑lived state constitution adopted when Georgia joined the Confederate States during the Civil War.

Constitutional revision commission

A legislatively appointed body that studies and proposes comprehensive constitutional changes or a new constitution.

Bill of Rights (state)

The opening section of many state constitutions that lists and protects individual civil liberties and rights.

Local government empowerment

Constitutional provisions that define and authorize the powers of counties and cities within the state.