What did the "Declaration of Fundamental Principles" add to the Georgia Constitution?

The "Declaration of Fundamental Principles" enriched the Georgia Constitution by incorporating a variety of rights that reflect both the values embedded in the U.S. Constitution and the distinctive rights delineated within the state’s own foundational principles. This comprehensive approach ensures that Georgians are afforded protections that align with both federal standards and specific state provisions. Thus, it serves not only to reaffirm rights previously articulated in the U.S. Constitution but also to expand upon them by including additional rights that resonate with Georgia’s legal and cultural context. This integration is significant, as it provides a robust framework for individual liberties and safeguards citizens from potential governmental overreach.

The significance of the inclusion of “a plethora of rights” emphasizes a holistic view of rights that goes beyond mere duplication of federal provisions, highlighting a deeper commitment to individual freedoms within the state's governance.