Malcolm Rivera
The Constitution of Georgia, drafted on February 5, 1777, provided for a governor to be chosen by the legislature each year, with a term limited to one year out of every three. On May 8, 1777, John Adam Treutlen, a German immigrant who rose to become a wealthy merchant and landowner, was elected as Georgia's first governor under the new constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John Adam Treutlen |
| Year of Election | 1777 |
| Term Length | 1 year, but no more than 1 year out of every 3 |
| Election Process | Elected by the legislature |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must have resided in the state for at least 3 years |
| Oath | "I, [name], elected governor of the State of Georgia, by the representatives thereof, do solemnly promise and swear that I will, during the term of my appointment, to the best of my skill and judgment, execute the said office faithfully and conscientiously according to law, without favor, affection, or partiality; that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend the State of Georgia, and the constitution of the same; and use my utmost endeavors to protect the people thereof in the secure enjoyment of all their rights, franchises and privileges; and that the laws and ordinances of the State be duly observed, and that law and justice [...] be impartially administered and that I will peaceably and quietly resign the government to which I have been elected at the period to which my continuance in the said office is limited by the constitution." |
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What You'll Learn
John Adam Treutlen, Georgia's first governor
John Adam Treutlen was born Hans Adam Treuettlen on January 16, 1734, in Kürnbach, Germany. His parents, Hans Michel Treuettlen and Magdalena Clara, were married in 1731 after the birth of their first two children. Treutlen was one of four children who embarked on a voyage to America with their parents in April 1744. The family first travelled to Gosport on the southern coast of Britain, and in November 1745, Treutlen, his mother, and his brother left for Georgia with a group of Lutheran Salzburgers. During the voyage, Treutlen's father perished.
In America, Treutlen arrived as an indentured servant and rose to become a wealthy merchant and landowner. He was a leader in Georgia during the American Revolution (1775-83) and helped write Georgia's first constitution. He was a member of the radical faction, along with Button Gwinnett and George Wells, and was on the committee that drafted the constitution in February 1777. The constitution included democratic provisions such as virtually universal suffrage and annual elections of officeholders.
On May 8, 1777, Treutlen was elected by a wide margin as Georgia's first governor under the new constitution. He was described as a man of "native intelligence" who could respond "coolly and laconically" to his political opponents, making him well-suited to lead the new state. Treutlen's term as governor was marked by political conflicts between the radical and conservative factions of the patriots.
Following his term as governor, which ended in 1778, Treutlen moved to Orangeburg, South Carolina, in 1779, where he served in the state's Assembly from 1781-1782. He returned to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1782 but was assassinated later that year.
Treutlen County in central Georgia is named in his honour.
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One-year term limit, one year in three
The 1777 Constitution of Georgia outlined the election of a governor by the legislature each year, with a one-year term limit out of every three years. This was a significant development from the previous Rules and Regulations of 1776, which considered a president chosen by the legislature every six months.
The 1777 Constitution, drafted by John Adam Treutlen, Button Gwinnett, and George Wells, introduced democratic provisions such as universal suffrage and annual elections. On May 8, 1777, Treutlen was elected as Georgia's first governor under this new constitution.
The one-year term limit out of every three years aimed to prevent the concentration of power and promote democratic ideals. It also ensured that no individual could exert undue influence or establish a firm grip on the governance of the state, fostering a more inclusive and representative form of leadership.
However, the one-year term limit also presented challenges. It potentially hindered the governor's ability to implement long-term policies and strategies, as their focus may have been primarily on short-term initiatives. Additionally, the frequent change in leadership could have resulted in a lack of continuity and consistency in the state's governance.
In 1789, the constitution was amended to lengthen the governor's term to two years, removing the one-year term limit. This change reflected the evolving needs and complexities of governing a state, recognizing the importance of providing governors with a longer tenure to effectively address the state's challenges and pursue their policy agendas.
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Governor's residence appointed by assembly
The Constitution of Georgia, drafted on February 5, 1777, provided for a governor to be chosen annually by ballot, with a term limited to one year out of every three. The governor was to be chosen by the representatives of the state of Georgia and was required to take an oath of office, swearing to execute the office faithfully and conscientiously, to support and defend the State of Georgia and its constitution, and to protect the rights and privileges of its people.
Under this constitution, the governor's residence was to be appointed by the house of assembly: "The governor shall reside at such place as the house of assembly for the time being shall appoint". This provision ensured that the governor's residence was determined by the legislative body, allowing for flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing needs.
The 1777 constitution also outlined various other provisions, including the ineligibility of certain individuals holding military commissions or posts of profit under the state to be elected as representatives. It stipulated that no person shall hold more than one office of profit under the state simultaneously. Additionally, it required that the governor, with the advice of the executive council, exercise the executive powers of the government according to the laws and constitution of the state.
The early days of Georgia's statehood were marked by chaos and disruptions in the power structure, with the state capital of Savannah being captured during the American Revolutionary War. The office of governor underwent various changes in subsequent years, with the term length being adjusted and the election process evolving. However, the foundation laid by the 1777 constitution, including the provision for the governor's residence to be appointed by the assembly, played a significant role in shaping the state's governance.
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Governor's powers and duties
Under the 1777 Constitution of Georgia, the governor was chosen annually by ballot and was limited to serving one year out of every three. The governor was required to reside in a place appointed by the house of assembly and could not hold any military commission under any other state. The governor was also required to take an oath swearing to execute the office faithfully and conscientiously, to support and defend the State of Georgia and its constitution, and to protect the rights and privileges of the people.
While the specific powers and duties of governors have evolved over time, there are some general responsibilities that have remained consistent. Governors serve as the chief executive and commander-in-chief of their states, acting as both the head of state and government. They are responsible for implementing state laws, overseeing the state executive branch, and advancing policies and programs through various tools such as executive orders and legislative proposals. Governors also typically have ceremonial duties, representing their state in official capacities.
In terms of specific powers, governors may have control over government budgeting and the appointment of officials, including judges. They often play a significant role in legislation, with the power to propose, sign, or veto laws. Additionally, governors may have judicial powers, such as granting state law pardons or commutations, and military powers, overseeing the state's militia and armed forces.
It is important to note that the powers and duties of governors can vary from state to state, and the state legislature or other elected officials may moderate the governor's authority. Governors may also have additional roles, such as serving as the commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard or defense force when it is not federalized.
In modern times, governors have benefited from more extensive support structures and staff, enabling them to seek advice and collaborate with qualified individuals to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
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Governor's eligibility and oath
Under the 1777 Constitution of Georgia, the governor was chosen annually by ballot and was eligible to hold office for no more than one year out of three. The governor's oath was as follows:
> I, A B, elected governor of the State of Georgia, by the representatives thereof, do solemnly promise and swear that I will, during the term of my appointment, to the best of my skill and judgment, execute the said office faithfully and conscientiously according to law, without favor, affection, or partiality; that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend the State of Georgia, and the constitution of the same; and use my utmost endeavors to protect the people thereof in the secure enjoyment of all their rights, franchises and privileges; and that the laws and ordinances of the State be duly observed, and that law and justice, in general, be properly administered. And I do further solemnly promise and swear that I will peaceably and quietly resign the government to which I have been elected at the period to which my continuance in the said office is limited by the constitution. And, lastly, I do also solemnly swear that I have not accepted of the government whereunto I am elected contrary to the articles of this constitution; so help me God.
In addition, no person was eligible to be governor unless they had resided in the state for three years.
The specific eligibility requirements for governors vary from state to state, with differences in minimum age, U.S. citizenship, and state residency requirements. The minimum age requirement for governors ranges from no formal provision to 35 years old, while the U.S. citizenship requirement ranges from no formal provision to 20 years.
At the federal level, both federal and state officers are required to take oaths pledging to uphold the Constitution. No religious test is required to hold any office.
The governor of Georgia, as of the current 1983 Constitution, holds office for a term of four years and until a successor is chosen and qualified. They may succeed themselves for one four-year term and are then ineligible to be elected to that office for four years.
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Frequently asked questions
John Adam Treutlen was elected as Georgia's first governor under the Constitution of 1777.
The governor was to be chosen annually and could not hold office for more than one year out of three.
A person had to have resided in the state for at least three years to be eligible for the office of governor.
The governor had the power to reprieve a criminal or suspend a fine. They also had to support, maintain, and defend the State of Georgia and protect the rights of its people.
The Constitution of 1777 provided for annual elections of officeholders and included democratic provisions such as virtual universal suffrage. It also outlined the governor's oath of office, which included a promise to "peaceably and quietly resign the government" at the end of their term.
