<P> The House of Representatives elects its own Speaker and a Speaker Pro Tempore . The Speaker Pro Tempore becomes Speaker in case of the death, resignation, or permanent disability of the Speaker . The Speaker Pro Tempore serves until a new Speaker is elected . The House also has as an officer the Clerk of the House of Representatives . </P> <P> Article III Section VI of the Georgia State Constitution specifies the powers given to the Georgia General Assembly . Paragraph I states, "The General Assembly shall have the power to make all laws not inconsistent with this Constitution, and not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, which it shall deem necessary and proper for the welfare of the state ." Moreover, the powers the Constitution gives the Assembly include land use restrictions to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources; the creation, use and disciplining through court martial of a state militia which would be under the command of the Governor of Georgia acting as commander - in - chief (excepting times when the militia is under Federal command); The power to expend public money, to condemn property, and to zone property; The continuity of state and local governments during times of emergency; state participation in tourism . The use, control and regulation of outdoor advertising within the state . </P> <P> Paragraph V of Article III Section VI states that: </P> <Ul> <Li> The General Assembly shall not have the power to grant incorporation to private persons but shall provide by general law the manner in which private corporate powers and privileges may be granted . </Li> <Li> The General Assembly shall not forgive the forfeiture of the charter of any corporation existing on August 13, 1945, nor shall it grant any benefit to or permit any amendment to the charter of any corporation except upon the condition that the acceptance thereof shall operate as a novation of the charter and that such corporation shall thereafter hold its charter subject to the provisions of this Constitution . </Li> <Li> The General Assembly shall not have the power to authorize any contract or agreement which may have the effect of or which is intended to have the effect of defeating or lessening competition, or encouraging a monopoly, which are hereby declared to be unlawful and void . </Li> <Li> The General Assembly shall not have the power to regulate or fix charges of public utilities owned or operated by any county or municipality of this state, except as authorized by this Constitution . </Li> <Li> No municipal or county authority which is authorized to construct, improve, or maintain any road or street on behalf of, pursuant to a contract with, or through the use of taxes or other revenues of a county or municipal corporation shall be created by any local Act or pursuant to any general Act nor shall any law specifically relating to any such authority be amended unless the creation of such authority or the amendment of such law is conditioned upon the approval of a majority of the qualified voters of the county or municipal corporation affected voting in a referendum thereon . This subparagraph shall not apply to or affect any state authority . </Li> </Ul>

Georgia’s general assembly is bicameral meaning it consists of senators and