Georgia Constitution Exemption Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is one function of the Georgia Indigent Defense Council?
• What type of budget must the General Assembly adhere to?
• What is one of the primary powers of the Georgia Senate?
• What was the main focus of the General Assembly's actions post-Gray v. Sanders?
• What is the term length for a member of the Georgia House of Representatives?
• What type of governmental structure can local law establish for counties in Georgia?
• What is one role commonly assigned to city managers?
• What historical role do counties play in Georgia's governance?
• Why is it important for counties and cities to collaborate on local government services?
• What is one of the major duties of the Governor of Georgia during the legislative session?
• Who is considered the central figure of power in the Georgia state government?
• Which of the following is NOT an executive officer elected statewide in Georgia?
• What is the term length for District Attorneys in Georgia?
• What voting process was established for constitutional amendments after 1798?
• What is one of the major differences in constitutions among the states?
• Which of these events happened immediately after the American colonies declared independence?
• What does being an "at-will" employer mean for the governor of Georgia?
• What major function does the governor perform concerning the budget?
• Who is the current Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives as of the latest information?
• Which specific challenge is commonly faced by urban areas according to regional governance issues?
• Which of the following is NOT a feature of Georgia's education policy?
• What are intergovernmental transfers?
• Which office is responsible for administering election laws in Georgia?
• Which form of punishment does the Georgia Constitution explicitly forbid?
• What is the role of Georgia courts in relation to the Georgia Constitution?
• What is the primary purpose of chartering or incorporating cities in Georgia?
• What did sixteen elected delegates meet in Savannah in 1751 to discuss?
• What are referenda?
• Which significant achievement is noted for Glenn Richardson in 2005?
• Which state office is responsible for a variety of services and regulatory duties in Georgia?
• Who is primarily responsible for leadership and policy implementation in Georgia's executive branch?
• Which state was the fourth to ratify the U.S. Constitution?
• What was a key change brought about by the new constitution formed in 1798?
• Which document details the Georgia Bill of Rights?
• Who serves as the President of the Senate in Georgia?
• Which provision is included in the Georgia Bill of Rights regarding treatment during arrest?
• What is the intention of Georgia's TANF legislation?
• What is the main responsibility of the Georgia Court of Appeals?
• What qualifications must cities in Georgia typically meet for formation?
• What significant action did Governor Zell Miller take in January 1991?
• Under the Natural Gas Act, the GPSC's role is primarily to:
• What was a shared feature of all Georgia constitutions, including the 1983 Constitution?
• What is preemption in the context of law?
• Under the Constitution of 1798, what change was made regarding the election of the governor?
• According to Elazar, what framework is described as the way of life of a people?
• What standard is used in civil actions in Georgia State Courts to award damages?
• How many elected commissioners does the GPSC have?
• What must GPSC rulings be consistent with?
• Which chamber of the Georgia General Assembly handles the origination of appropriations bills?
• Who primarily contests in a Superior Court trial?
• What do Superior Court cases begin with?
• Who is responsible for submitting an annual budget to the legislature in Georgia?
• What financial challenge is associated with overcrowded prisons?
• What was a provision of Georgia's Lottery when it was passed?
• What major responsibility does the Secretary of State hold in addition to regulatory duties in Georgia?
• What was the outcome of Georgia's refusal to ratify the Fourteenth Amendment in 1866?
• Which assembly was responsible for rewriting the state constitution to extend suffrage to Black men?
• What type of executive structure does Georgia's Governor operate under?
• How have the liberties established in the Constitution of 1861 remained over time?
• In what capacity does the governor serve regarding trade relationships?
• What was organized by Georgia patriots before the Declaration of Independence?
• What is the primary role of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Georgia?
• Which type of cases does the Magistrate's Court handle?
• What is a characteristic of Georgia's education policy?
• What did the 1795 convention in Louisville achieve?
• Which city is recognized as the oldest local government in Georgia?
• Which of the following is a major source of income for local governments in Georgia?
• What trend does the current Georgia Constitution exhibit in terms of language?
• In April 1776, what temporary constitution did the Provincial Congress adopt?
• What role did James Johnson play during the reconstruction period in Georgia?
• What aspect does libertarianism emphasize in its ideology?
• What was one common feature of spending in Georgia?
• In what year did the Georgia Legislature rename the agency to its current name?
• Who subsidizes the University System of Georgia?
• In what way can the Lieutenant Governor's independent election position impact the Governor's agenda?
• What must appropriations bills do to become law?
• What role does the Governor of Georgia fulfill in economic development?
• What functions do county governments in Georgia perform?
• What is a function of the line-item veto by the governor?
• What economic belief is part of the so-called 'American creed'?
• What new office was introduced in the Constitution of 1945?
• What significant changes were mandated by the constitutional convention called after the Civil War?
• What is the duration of the term for members of the Georgia General Assembly?
• What agency did Georgia establish to oversee railroad expansion?
• When was the Georgia Judicial Council created?
• What is a characteristic of moralistic political cultures regarding politics?
• Who is the presiding officer of the Georgia House of Representatives?
• What does Georgia state law require regarding the budget?
• How many paragraphs are included in the Georgia Bill of Rights?
• The Constitution of 1945 allowed for increased representation of which group?
• When was the Georgia Constitution of 1877 submitted for popular ratification?
• What was the essence of New Federalism introduced in 1969?
• What is the name of the bill that the budget transforms into once introduced into the General Assembly?
• Georgia's political culture was historically viewed as:
• How may state regulations affect local efforts?
• What is the function of the clerk of the superior court in Georgia counties?
• What funding source has historically been used to build and equip new schools in Georgia?
• How often do justices on the Georgia Supreme Court stand for election?
• What must counties and cities agree on according to Georgia law?
• What is one limitation on the Georgia Governor's appointment power?
• Who represents a defendant if private counsel is unavailable?
• What aspect of local government is controlled by state law in Georgia?
• In which capacity did Jack Hill serve in the Georgia State Senate?
• What role does the National Governors Association play in relation to federalism?
• What is the primary goal of the Devolution Revolution?
• How many counties are there in Georgia?
• How did the 1983 Constitution differ from the 1976 Constitution regarding amendments?
• What is the minimum length of session for the General Assembly in Georgia?
• What is a common feature of the authority granted to special districts in Georgia?
• What role does the governor of Georgia play in the legislative process?
• What primary responsibility is described for a city charter?
• After which event were Georgians given another opportunity to participate in governance?
• What notable feature did the Constitution of Georgia in 1861 include for the first time?
• What kind of changes did the Constitution of 1945 primarily focus on?
• What is the primary purpose of a bill of rights?
• What portion of all spending in Georgia comes from federal grants?
• What type of majority is required for the GPSC to make decisions?
• What fundamental law was modified by the Augusta convention in 1788?
• What percentage of their time does the General Assembly spend voting on the budget?
• Which of the following powers allows the Governor to reject specific parts of a bill?
• What was a common belief regarding the creation of a Bill of Rights during the secession crisis?
• What important topics do state constitutions often address?
• Jack Hill was notable for being which of the following?
• What is a challenge often faced by referenda in terms of their subject matter?
• How many incorporated cities does Georgia have?
• For what reasons are county governments in Georgia expanding operations?
• In 1868, what opportunity was given to Georgia voters?
• What is the common attitude of recent immigrants in Georgia towards politics?
• How have boycotts and demonstrations been treated in Georgia?
• When did Georgia's first constitutional convention take place?
• Seymour Martin Lipset linked economic development primarily to which outcome in society?
• What is the term length for judges in the Magistrate's Court?
• How long is the term for a Governor in Georgia?
• What is the sales tax percentage levied on most retail transactions in Georgia?
• What is one requirement to run for Governor of Georgia?
• What has increased the need for more prisons in Georgia?
• Which university did Jack Hill graduate from?
• What is one of the powers held by the Speaker of the House in Georgia?
• Which statement reflects the stability of rights protected in Georgia's constitution since 1861?
• What power does the governor of Georgia possess significantly?
• How long did Glenn Richardson serve as Speaker of the Georgia House?
• Which position in Georgia government is primarily visible for media attention?
• Which party typically elects the majority party leader in the Georgia Senate?
• According to Lipset, what is a precursor to achieving political democracy?
• What significant characteristic was unique to the Constitution of 1983?
• Who was known for promoting bipartisan legislation and focused on youth-related issues?
• What did the terms of the 1845 Georgia constitution mandate for the legislative representation?
• Which group is notably associated with the Devolution Revolution?
• What governs the governmental units that became counties in Georgia?
• What was required for the people to call a convention to alter the Georgia Constitution?
• Which article of the Georgia Constitution contains the Bill of Rights?
• What has been a noted outcome of changes to welfare policies in Georgia?
• What was one of the key calls of Georgia's first constitutional convention?
• Who chartered Georgia as the thirteenth British colony?
• What impact did the changes in the civil service code in 1996 have on state employment in Georgia?
• What often preempts recall elections in Georgia?
• In a traditionalistic culture, how are new programs perceived?
• Who holds the responsibility of persuading party members in legislative voting decisions?
• How many times was the Constitution of 1877 amended during its lifetime?
• What significant change occurred in governance with the New Federalism approach?
• What is the minimum age to serve as a senator in Georgia?
• What did the "Declaration of Fundamental Principles" add to the Georgia Constitution?
• What significant feature of the Constitution of 1861 is explicitly mentioned?
• Which statement best describes the individualistic political culture?
• What major change occurred in the telecommunications industry in Georgia during the 1990s?
• How is New Federalism practically implemented today?
• What must local governments do if the state mandates a policy?
• What is a prominent feature of the contemporary Georgia Constitution?
• What was the purpose of Georgia's ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788?
• What was a significant outcome of the Yazoo land fraud in 1795?
• Which assembly was responsible for granting the power to amend the constitution after 1798?
• Which of the following statements is true about the Constitution of 1789?
• Which of the following is part of Lipset's definition of the American creed?
• What did the Georgia Constitution of 1877 remain in force until?
• What is one key difference between moralistic and traditionalistic political cultures?
• For how many days does the General Assembly meet each year?
• What is the maximum number of counties allowed in Georgia according to its constitution?
• How many times has the convention method been used to ratify a federal amendment?
• What did the County Unit System established in 1917 aim to achieve?
• What is the traditionalistic view on citizen participation in governance?
• What is the primary focus of the public service duties for the Secretary of State?
• Which of the following officials is limited to two consecutive terms in office?
• Which governor promoted home rule and a merit system for state employees?
• What did the Select Committee on Constitutional Revision aim for in their approach?
• What milestone occurred in Georgia's governance in 1825?
• Who has the authority to investigate and recommend removal or reprimand of judges in Georgia?
• What percentage of the state budget is devoted to the executive branch in Georgia?
• What happens to legislation that is not passed by the end of the second year of the biennium?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of court found within Georgia's constitutional court system?
• Which political culture primarily values individual achievements and self-interest?
• The Georgia Constitution of 1789 was influenced by weaknesses in which previous document?
• Which of the following best describes the authority of the Georgia General Assembly?
• The area around Atlanta has recently been viewed as:
• What power does the governor have regarding the appropriations bill?
• What is the relationship dynamic between the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor in terms of election?
• Which political culture emphasizes maintaining existing order and traditional values?
• How many of the paragraphs in the Georgia Bill of Rights address the origins of government?
• What is the primary responsibility of the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders?
• What event ultimately reflected Georgia's concerns with government power in 1850?
• What is the term length for the office of lieutenant governor in Georgia?
• Which statement accurately describes the process of writing a constitution in the U.S.?
• How often is a Probate Judge elected in each county of Georgia?
• What does the term “delegated authority” refer to in New Federalism?
• Which amendment authorized the establishment of a state supreme court in Georgia?
• The Constitution of 1798 was significant because it contained:
• Who chairs the Georgia Judicial Council?
• What is the duration of a governor's term in Georgia?
• What was the result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gray v. Sanders (1963)?
• Which officer is responsible for handling property taxes in a Georgia county?
• In Georgia's governance through the Commons House of Assembly, who could be elected to pass laws?
• Which of the following types of courts reviews cases that are not subject to review by the Georgia Supreme Court?
• The Constitution of 1865 continued which element of the previous state constitutions?
• How would you describe the National Governors Association?
• Which of these constitutions was modeled after the U.S. Constitution?
• When did Georgia adopt its first comprehensive Bill of Rights?
• What does the GPSC primarily monitor in the telecommunications and natural gas markets?
• Who fills any vacancies that occur in the Superior Courts in Georgia?
• What does the official revenue estimate developed by the state economist do?
• What significant historical event influenced the liberties included in the early Georgia constitutions?
• What standard do Superior Courts use to determine guilt or innocence?
• What does the term "moratorium" refer to in regulatory contexts?
• Who acts as President of the Senate in case of the President's temporary disability?
• What types of courts might a Superior Judge preside over in a lightly populated circuit?
• What is meant by "the problem of unfunded mandates"?
• Which political culture advocates for active citizen participation to promote the public good?
• What type of society did the Trustees aim to create in Georgia?
• What is the primary reason for having limited sessions in the Georgia General Assembly?
• How does a court circuit typically represent populations in Georgia?
• Which of the following is NOT a leadership position in the Georgia General Assembly?
• What role does the Secretary of State serve in relation to civil claims?
• What does the term 'political flexibility' refer to in the context of federalism?
• What is included in the general provisions of the Georgia Bill of Rights?
• What do local governments in Georgia desire regarding home rule powers?
• The Constitution of 1983 is a mix of old and new. Which provision was newly introduced?
• What constitutional issue accompanied the Yazoo land fraud?
• What entity assists District Attorneys with forensic examinations of evidence?
• What is the significance of being elected from a single-member district in Georgia’s legislative context?
• Which issue is associated with equity of service in the University System of Georgia?
• Elazar identified which three political cultures in his theory?
• What is one role of the Secretary of State regarding state claims?
• What was one key outcome of the Constitutional Convention called in 1776?
• How many justices serve on the Georgia Supreme Court?
• What are the two chambers that make up the General Assembly in Georgia?
• Which aspect is often perceived negatively in traditionalistic cultures?
• What types of matters does the Probate Court in Georgia handle?
• How does the GPSC approach disputes between competitors in the telecommunications industry?
• What legislative change occurred in response to the public's outrage over the Yazoo land fraud?
• What role does the Speaker of the House play in relation to the Rules Committee?
• What is a duty of the Secretary of State concerning state symbols?
• What is the role of the GPSC regarding municipally owned electric and gas utilities?
• What limit, if any, is placed on the lieutenant governor regarding terms of office in Georgia?
• What was a main focus of the Constitution of 1877?
• Which topics were primarily debated during the "unconstitutional convention" held from 1867 to 1868?
• Which constitution specifically listed banishment as a forbidden punishment?
• Which services are prioritized in the executive branch's budget in Georgia?
• Which of the following is a primary function of the GPSC in relation to safety?
• Which chamber must revenue and appropriations bills originate from in the Georgia General Assembly?
• What is one function of the Georgia Judicial Council?
• After which year did Georgians participate in a free election for state officers following a dispute over seating black representatives?
• What does the individualistic political culture primarily focus on?
• What is the main focus of the GPSC in telecommunications post-deregulation?
• How many other executive officers are elected statewide in Georgia?
• What are unfunded mandates?
• Which Georgia constitution allowed for a bicameral legislature?
• What is a key belief of moralistic political culture?
• What is the role of the four standing committees in the GPSC?
• Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Speaker of the House?
• What aspect of public service is emphasized for the Secretary of State in Georgia?
• Which political culture is described as Traditionalistic in Georgia?
• Which government level oversees the incorporation of new cities in Georgia?
• What was the primary purpose of the secession convention of 1861 in Georgia?
• Individualistic political cultures view government mainly as:
• What limitation do cities face in their governance?
• What method did Georgia adopt in 1945 for constitution making?
• What does the term 'school voucher' refer to?
• What is the primary legislative responsibility related to financial management?
• Which board does the Secretary of State in Georgia chair?
• What types of issues do referenda often address?
• What is the responsibility of the state school superintendent in Georgia?
• What was a primary concern of President Reagan regarding New Federalism?
• Which of the following positions must be elected by statewide popular vote in Georgia?
• What role do chamber party leaders serve in the Georgia Senate?
• What political culture emphasizes the belief that government should be dominated by political elites?
• What has the volume of civil litigation done to Georgia's courts?
• How did the 1825 amendment regarding the election of the governor change the governance in Georgia?
• Which act allowed Georgia to become the first state to adopt deregulation of natural gas?
• In what location is county government primarily based in Georgia?
• Which tax contributes to almost half of the state revenue in Georgia?
• Who typically governs a city in Georgia?
• Who reviews the budget requests from state executive agencies in Georgia?
• How long did the Constitution of 1777 remain in effect?
• What does the term business regulation refer to?
• What event contributed to the call for a new state constitution during the emergence of the "New South"?
• Which political culture advocates for promoting equal rights for all people?
• What was one of the major provisions included in the Georgia constitution of 1868?
• What major issue did the Georgia Convention of 1850 address?
• How do differing regional cultures impact state constitutions?
• What can citizens of a locality do regarding local taxes?
• Why do state constitutions vary from one state to another?
• What is a significant challenge that leads to lawsuits against the Corrections Department in Georgia?
• What is the minimum age requirement to serve as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives?
• Which of the following is a function of the Georgia General Assembly?
• How are members of the Georgia House of Representatives initially elected?
• What key change was made by the constitutional convention of 1865?
• Which term describes a belief in minimal government and a free market economy?
• What are the three types of local governments in Georgia?
• What is the maximum spending limit for the General Assembly?
• How long must a person have been a U.S. citizen to be eligible for the governor's position in Georgia?
• Which entity provides broader powers to municipalities in Georgia?
• In what type of cases does the Superior Court have the original criminal jurisdiction in Georgia?
• How is the budget proposal for the state initiated?
• What role did state conventions assume by 1787?
• Which of the following courts is responsible for handling matters concerning minor offenses and disputes?
• When do citizens typically seek to form new cities in Georgia?
• Which of the following industries does the GPSC regulate only in terms of rates and services?
• What is the primary role of the Party Whip in the legislature?
• What role does the National Governors Association serve regarding state government improvements?
• Which statement is true regarding the legislative powers of the Georgia Governor?
• What is one characteristic of a Traditionalistic Political Culture?
• What characteristic defined the Trustees' governance of Georgia?
• What is a key issue that varies by region and state in the context of governance?
• What is the main role of the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC)?
• What budget amount was distributed to K-12 schools, pre-kindergarten programs, and the HOPE Scholarship by the state school superintendent in 2019?
• What does it mean when a term is described as 'biennial'?
• Which industries came under the GPSC's jurisdiction by 1907?
• How many members are in the Georgia Senate?
• Who appoints the Floor Leaders for the Governor in the Georgia House of Representatives?
• What have the Georgia Telecommunications and Competition Development Act and the Federal Telecommunications Act done to the telecommunications market?
• What often happens to violators of probation in Georgia?
• Who authored the "Declaration of Fundamental Principles" in Georgia's bill of rights?
• When did the second constitutional convention in Georgia occur after the Civil War?
• What distinguishes the perceptions of political parties in traditionalistic cultures?
• How long is the term for the Georgia Governor?
• How often can the lieutenant governor serve in Georgia?
• What motto did the Trustees adopt when crafting rules for Georgia?
• Which of the following roles does the lieutenant governor NOT have in Georgia?
• How many consolidated city-county governments are present in Georgia?
• When was the current Georgia state constitution approved?
• What do commissioners rely on when making decisions about utility requests?
• Who commands both the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia National Guard?
• What is the maximum number of consecutive terms a governor can serve in Georgia?
• What defines a special district or authority in Georgia?
• What was the primary purpose of the conventions held in 1865 and 1867-68?
• Where do appropriations bills originate?
• How often is the Lieutenant Governor elected in Georgia?
• What two provisions were added to the bill of rights in 1976?
• What title is given to the elected member who acts as the presiding officer of the House when it is in session?
• What role does the Governor play in the state legislative process?
• What can often accompany intergovernmental transfers of funds?
• What best characterizes a bureaucracy?
• Who serves as Georgia's chief executive officer?
• Which of the following is NOT a special purpose of small units of government in Georgia?
• What year was Georgia's first constitution, adopted in Savannah, completed?
• What is the typical election format for judges on the Georgia Court of Appeals?
• How many total members are in the Georgia House of Representatives?
• What is the voter turnout in Georgia in comparison to other states?
• Which policy approach allows states more involvement in social policy?
• Which permits are issued by the Probate Court in Georgia?
• What was the charge of the office that George Busbee was involved with regarding the Constitution?
• What was a key result of the Constitution of 1976?
• Which of the following is a responsibility of the Georgia Secretary of State?
• What concept did the preamble of Georgia's temporary constitution emphasize?
• What was the name of Georgia's inaugural constitution?
• How did the Constitution of 1868 change the term length of the governor?
• What is a significant way the Governor can influence legislation?
• What was one outcome of the 1983 Constitution regarding judicial elections?
• Who first coined the term "New Federalism"?
• When was the Georgia Public Service Commission originally established?
• What limitation was placed on the governor's terms in the Constitution of 1865?
• What was the term length for governors under the Georgia Constitution of 1789?
• Which department is responsible for planning and budgeting in Georgia?
• Who selects the chair of the GPSC each year?
• Who serves as the presiding officer of the Georgia Senate?
• Why might funding for new prisons be justified despite high costs?
• What is one significant change in employee management policy that occurred in 1996?
• What was the main purpose of the Georgia Secession Convention of 1861?
• In addition to handling estates and wills, what other function does the Probate Court perform?
• What power does the Governor have regarding state agency directors?
• When was David Ralston sworn in as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives?
• What describes moral populism?
• What principle was included in Georgia's first constitution of 1777?
• Which of the following elected officers has duties specifically outlined in the Georgia state constitution?
• Which of the following officers is NOT required to be elected in each Georgia county?
• In Georgia, who holds the title of custodian for the state flag?
• What is the length of the term for members of the Georgia House of Representatives?
• In moralistic political cultures, how is government viewed?
• Who was the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the Georgia State Senate?
• What is the term length for justices on the Georgia Supreme Court?
• How often does the General Assembly in Georgia meet?
• How many new constitutions were written during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras?
• What is one of the liberties specifically protected by the Georgia Bill of Rights that is not mentioned in the federal Constitution?
• What did the 1877 constitution signify for Georgia?
• Which of these is NOT a function of county governments in Georgia?
• What form of government was established by the Articles of Confederation?
• Which institution had the authority to veto laws in early Georgian governance?
• What does the HOPE Scholarship/Grant fund besides higher education?
• What is a primary benefit larger cities in Georgia experience through their charters?
• What advantage does establishing an authority provide to cities?
• What characteristic defines the Georgia executive branch in terms of its structure?
• What is the governing body of the University System of Georgia called?
• What body acts on the Governor's budget proposal in Georgia?
• How do the provisions of the Georgia Bill of Rights compare to similar provisions in the U.S. Constitution?
• What describes a bicameral legislature?
• What type of jurisdiction do State Courts in Georgia hold over non-felony cases?
• Which right is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Georgia Bill of Rights?
• What is the minimum age requirement to be elected governor in Georgia?
• What is meant by "slamming" in the context of telecommunications?
• What form of punishment was explicitly prohibited by the Constitution of 1868?
• What aspect of governance was highlighted by the provision that the subject matter of a bill must be mentioned in its title?
• What significant action did the Georgia assembly take during the 1861 convention?
• What determines the form of government for counties in Georgia?
• Who is responsible for leading their respective party in the case of a minority in the Georgia Senate?
• What was the stance of the Georgia Platform during the 1850 convention?
• What significant proposal was published in 1931, leading to eventual constitutional revision?
• What power did the royal governor or the king have over laws passed in Georgia?
• What was the significance of counties having a weighted voting system in Georgia?
• What is the definition of a commonwealth?
• What legislative power allows the Senate to override decisions made by the Governor?
• What key provision was added by the Constitution of 1865?
• How many members are in the Georgia House of Representatives?
• What significant action did the 1788 convention in Augusta take regarding the state charter?
• How many constitutions has Georgia had since 1777?
• Which constitution introduced Georgia's version of the federal Equal Protection Clause?
• Which court system is characterized by standardization and was established by a constitutional amendment?
• Which court is at the top of the constitutional court system in Georgia?
• What does Georgia's constitution require regarding the state budget?
• What is a significant issue within Georgia's prison system?