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Florida Civic Literacy Exam
EXAM QUESTIONS ACCURATE AND
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1. Which of the following pairs of United States Supreme Court cases resulted in limiting the power of local governments? A. Plessy v. Ferguson and Marbury v. Madison B. Brown v. Board of Education and District of Columbia v. Heller C. Roe v. Wade and Dred Scott v. Sandford D. Texas v. Johnson and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier ✅ Correct Answer: B. Brown v. Board of Education and District of Columbia v. Heller Rationale: Brown limited local school segregation; Heller limited D.C.’s firearm regulations, restricting local governance. 2. In what 1620 document do the writers form a "civil body politic"? A. The Constitution B. The Federalist Papers C. The Mayflower Compact D. The Magna Carta ✅ Correct Answer: C. The Mayflower Compact Rationale: The Mayflower Compact was an early agreement to form a government among Pilgrims. 3. Which government officials are elected by the people? A. Supreme Court Justices B. Ambassadors C. Mayors D. Cabinet Members
✅ Correct Answer: C. Mayors Rationale: Mayors are commonly elected directly by local voters.
4. Which phrase in the U.S. Constitution addresses the power to seize property? A. Necessary and proper B. Eminent domain C. Full faith and credit D. Habeas corpus ✅ Correct Answer: B. Eminent domain Rationale: Eminent domain gives the government the right to take private property with compensation. 5. What is the purpose of the Seventeenth Amendment? A. To protect states' rights B. To ban alcohol C. To promote democratic participation D. To allow judicial review ✅ Correct Answer: C. To promote democratic participation Rationale: It allowed direct election of U.S. Senators by voters. 6. Which document represents the supreme law of the land? A. The Declaration of Independence B. The Federalist Papers C. The Constitution D. The Articles of Confederation ✅ Correct Answer: C. The Constitution Rationale: The Constitution is explicitly described as the “supreme law of the land.” 7. Which is a core theme of the Federalist Papers? A. States should control national defense B. The proposed Constitution should be ratified C. Direct democracy is dangerous D. Individual rights must be listed ✅ Correct Answer: B. The proposed Constitution should be ratified Rationale: They were essays supporting ratification of the Constitution.
12. Who is Commander in Chief of the military? A. Secretary of Defense B. Speaker of the House C. President D. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ✅ Correct Answer: C. President Rationale: The Constitution names the President as Commander in Chief. 13. What is one power of the U.S. Senate? A. Declare war B. Ratify international treaties C. Impeach officials D. Introduce tax bills ✅ Correct Answer: B. Ratify international treaties Rationale: Only the Senate confirms treaties with a two-thirds vote. 14. What is popular sovereignty? A. Rule by elite representatives B. Rule by divine right C. Rule by the people D. Rule by federal officials ✅ Correct Answer: C. Rule by the people Rationale: Popular sovereignty means government derives power from the people. 15. What did the Declaration of Independence do? A. Ended the Revolutionary War B. Declared independence from Great Britain C. Outlined a new form of government D. Established the Bill of Rights ✅ Correct Answer: B. Declared independence from Great Britain Rationale: It was the official statement breaking ties with Britain. 16. What is the "rule of law"? A. The majority always rules B. Only Congress can make laws C. No one is above the law
D. Judges can override laws ✅ Correct Answer: C. No one is above the law Rationale: The rule of law ensures everyone is equally subject to the law.
17. Which of the following pairs of cases impacted First Amendment rights? A. Plessy v. Ferguson and Miranda v. Arizona B. Texas v. Johnson and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier C. Marbury v. Madison and Gideon v. Wainwright D. Dred Scott v. Sandford and Roe v. Wade ✅ Correct Answer: B. Texas v. Johnson and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Rationale: Both cases dealt with free speech and expression rights. 18. How did the U.S. Constitution resolve the dispute between slave and free states over representation? A. Missouri Compromise B. Equal Representation Clause C. Three-Fifths Compromise D. Great Compromise ✅ Correct Answer: C. Three-Fifths Compromise Rationale: It counted slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation. 19. What is the length of a U.S. Representative's elected term? A. 4 years B. 2 years C. 6 years D. 1 year ✅ Correct Answer: B. 2 years Rationale: U.S. Representatives serve two-year terms. 20. Which right did the colonists consider "inalienable" in the Declaration of Independence? A. Freedom of religion B. Right to bear arms C. Pursuit of happiness D. Voting
25. Which point of view is reflected in Common Sense****? A. Monarchy should continue B. Taxation is fair C. Representatives should be elected D. The king should remain head of state ✅ Correct Answer: C. Representatives should be elected Rationale: Thomas Paine argued for independence and self-government. 26. Which of the following cases impacted interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment? A. Plessy v. Ferguson B. Brown v. Board of Education C. Marbury v. Madison D. U.S. v. Nixon ✅ Correct Answer: B. Brown v. Board of Education Rationale: It interpreted the Equal Protection Clause to strike down school segregation. 27. Which phrase from a letter written by Sarah Grimké in 1837 is reflected in the Fourteenth Amendment? A. "Give me liberty or give me death." B. "I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality." C. "We hold these truths to be self-evident..." D. "A house divided cannot stand." ✅ Correct Answer: B. "I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality." Rationale: It reflects the Fourteenth Amendment’s emphasis on equal protection under the law. 28. Which United States Supreme Court case focused on whether an enslaved person, having lived in free territory, should be free? A. Brown v. Board of Education B. Marbury v. Madison C. Dred Scott v. Sandford D. Plessy v. Ferguson ✅ Correct Answer: C. Dred Scott v. Sandford Rationale: The Court ruled that enslaved persons did not gain freedom by living in free territories. 29. Which United States Supreme Court decision resulted in reduced power for state governments?
A. U.S. v. Nixon B. Plessy v. Ferguson C. Roe v. Wade D. Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier ✅ Correct Answer: C. Roe v. Wade Rationale: It overruled state laws banning abortion, asserting federal constitutional rights.
30. Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Free Exercise Clause? A. Brown v. Board of Education B. West Virginia v. Barnette C. Marbury v. Madison D. Roe v. Wade ✅ Correct Answer: B. West Virginia v. Barnette Rationale: It ruled that students could not be forced to salute the flag, citing religious freedom. 31. What is the purpose of the Selective Service System? A. To assign Social Security numbers B. To register for federal benefits C. To draft for compulsory military service D. To apply for a passport ✅ Correct Answer: C. To draft for compulsory military service Rationale: It maintains a list of eligible men for a potential military draft. 32. Which of the following is a right reserved for U.S. citizens only? A. Freedom of speech B. Voting in state elections C. Running for federal office D. Owning property ✅ Correct Answer: C. Running for federal office Rationale: Only citizens may run for Congress or the presidency. 33. Which of the following represents the goal of the Supremacy Clause? A. State governments can override federal law B. All treaties are illegal C. States may not pass laws that conflict with federal laws D. Local courts can interpret international law
✅ Correct Answer: C. It protected against self-incrimination Rationale: The decision led to the requirement that suspects be informed of their rights.
38. How did District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) impact states' rights? A. It upheld state restrictions on firearms B. It reduced the ability of states to restrict Second Amendment rights C. It limited federal court jurisdiction D. It allowed local bans on handguns ✅ Correct Answer: B. It reduced the ability of states to restrict Second Amendment rights Rationale: The ruling affirmed an individual right to possess firearms, limiting local gun laws. 39. Which of the following cases reinforced the power of the courts? A. Plessy v. Ferguson B. Roe v. Wade C. Marbury v. Madison D. Gideon v. Wainwright ✅ Correct Answer: C. Marbury v. Madison Rationale: This case established judicial review, strengthening court authority. 40. What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution called? A. Preamble B. Federalist Papers C. Declaration of Rights D. Bill of Rights ✅ Correct Answer: D. Bill of Rights Rationale: They outline key personal freedoms and limitations on government. 41. Which of the following was established by a constitutional amendment? A. Judicial review B. The power of Congress to declare war C. The President may serve no more than two elected terms D. The right to education ✅ Correct Answer: C. The President may serve no more than two elected terms Rationale: The 22nd Amendment established this limit in 1951.
42. How did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) impact criminal defendants? A. It abolished bail B. It banned the death penalty C. It required the right to an attorney D. It allowed plea bargains ✅ Correct Answer: C. It required the right to an attorney Rationale: The Court ruled that states must provide legal counsel to indigent defendants. 43. What is the length of a U.S. Senator’s elected term? A. 2 years B. 4 years C. 6 years D. Lifetime ✅ Correct Answer: C. 6 years Rationale: Senators are elected to serve six-year terms. 44. Which United States Supreme Court case is correctly paired with the constitutional amendment on which it focused? A. Plessy v. Ferguson – Second Amendment B. Gideon v. Wainwright – Eighth Amendment C. Citizens United v. FEC – First Amendment D. Dred Scott v. Sandford – Thirteenth Amendment ✅ Correct Answer: C. Citizens United v. FEC – First Amendment Rationale: This case centered on free speech and political spending. Which part of government was created to reflect the colonists' position that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed? - Ans - the legislature Which United States Supreme Court decision focused on how states count popular votes for president and vice president? - Ans - Bush v. Gore (2000) Which two steps are required in order for someone to become Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?
Which of the following cases impacted Fourth Amendment protections at the state level? - Ans - Mapp v. Ohio (1961) Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the Necessary and Proper Clause? - Ans - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Based on the U.S. Constitution, which part of government was intended to hold the least power? - Ans - the judiciary Which United States Supreme Court decision was based on the First Amendment? - Ans - Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) What is one responsibility of only U.S. citizens? - Ans - serving on a jury Which of the following cases held that reproductive rights were an element of the right to privacy under the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment? - Ans - Roe v. Wade (1973) The colonists used a political cartoon with the caption "Join or Die" to support which action? - Ans - forming their own government Which United States Supreme Court case held that persons accused of crimes must be advised of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights upon their arrest? - Ans - Miranda v. Arizona (1966) Which of the following cases reinforced the federal government's authority to run a federal institution without interference by a state? - Ans - McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) What is one qualification to serve as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives? - Ans - be at least 25 years old
Which of the following documents provided an outline for a state-centered government? - Ans - Articles of Confederation Which phrase is included in the Declaration of Independence? - Ans - "all men are created equal" What is one right included in the First Amendment? - Ans - free speech Which Supreme Court ruling held that the authors of the U.S. Constitution did not intend for African Americans to be U.S. citizens? - Ans - Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? - Ans - checks and balances What is the highest federal court in the United States? - Ans - the Supreme Court Which United States Supreme Court holding impacted the way that religious practice was approached in public schools? - Ans - Engel v. Vitale (1962) Which of the following correctly pairs a document with a core theme of that document? a) Declaration of Independence - Formed a state-centered government b) Magna Carta - Established the principle of rule of law c) U.S. Constitution - Formed a unitary government d) Articles of Confederation - Established the principle of consent of the governed - Ans - b What is the minimum number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives representing each state? - Ans - one What is a purpose of civil rights movements? - Ans - to secure equalities
Which of the following pairs of cases focused on the rights of public school students? - Ans - Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) Who is in charge of the executive branch? - Ans - the President What is due process? - Ans - fair treatment in judicial proceedings Which of the following represents the principle of consent of the governed? - Ans - Individuals elect members of the House of Representatives. What is an example of a power reserved to the states? - Ans - creating school systems Which statement from the English Bill of Rights is reflected in the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment? - Ans - "That excessive bail ought not to be required... nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted;" According to the authors of the Declaration of Independence, who is responsible for protecting natural rights? - Ans - the government Who signs proposed bills into federal laws? - Ans - the President of the United States How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution currently have? - Ans - 27 What is an example of a democratic process? - Ans - The people elect a Governor. Which phrase from the English Bill of Rights (1689) is reflected in the U.S. Constitution's Third Amendment? - Ans - "That... keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace... is against law"
Which scenario represents a violation of the Equal Protection Clause? - Ans - A state law establishes a higher minimum wage for men than for women. Which action is an example of petitioning the government? - Ans - lobbying officials What are the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence called? - Ans - the Preamble Which of the following ancient civilizations established a republican form of government? - Ans - Roman During the 6th century B.C.E., the ancient Athenians divided the powers of their government between two assemblies and guaranteed certain political rights to all male citizens. How do these political reforms best illustrate how societies develop? - Ans - by limiting government authority A certain country is characterized by the following traits: 1. power achieved through inheritance
- same ruling family for over a century 3. finite freedoms and rights 4. hierarchical social status
- single established state religion The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on which of the following principles? - Ans - divine right of kings Which modern democratic concept practiced in the United States is most like the democratic process of ancient Greece? - Ans - the referendum What is the principal function of a written constitution?outlining the structure and powers of a government - Ans - outlining the structure and powers of a government Which of the following objectives best describes the purpose of the system of checks and balances, as defined in the U.S. Constitution? - Ans - keeping any one of the three branches of government from becoming too powerful
A man is walking down a public street window-shopping. A robbery is reported in that same area. Police officers stop and search the man who is shopping. On what Constitutional grounds could this man contest this search as a violation of his rights? - Ans - Fourth Amendment .In the United States, how are conflicts between state laws and federal laws generally resolved?
- Ans - The conflict must be resolved using the Supremacy Clause. .Which article of the U.S. Constitution grants the power to coin money, make treaties, and levy import duties? - Ans - Article I Which of the following represents a suitable petition for the suspect in this situation, in regard to their constitutional rights? - Ans -. petition for a writ of habeas corpus .Which phrase best describes the power of impeachment? - Ans - the ability of the U.S. House to charge federal officers with a crime or violation Use the excerpt below, from the Declaration of Independence, to answer the question that follows. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. Source: National Archives and Records Administration Which constitutional provision was inspired by the above complaint? - Ans - The Third Amendment limits the quartering of soldiers to specific circumstances. .Use the passage below, from a historical document, to answer the question that follows. "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." Source: The U.S. Constitution, National Archives and Records Administration Which philosophical movement best reflects the ideals in the passage? - Ans - Enlightenment Which of the following documents influenced the aims and strategies of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments? - Ans - Declaration of Independence
Which political philosopher's ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence? - Ans - John Locke Why did colonists living under British rule protest British tax policies? - Ans - The colonists claimed that the tax policies violated their political rights. In the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth settlers pledged to unite into "a civil body politic" and agreed to make and abide by laws that "insured the general Good of the Colony." What founding document did this set a precedent for? - Ans - U.S. Constitution 6.Which person is considered to be the principal author of the U.S. Constitution? - Ans - James Madison .Government by the people and the separation of powers are the main principles of which founding document? - Ans - U.S. Constitution .Use the excerpt below, from the Thirteenth Amendment, to answer the question that follows. "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." Source: National Archives and Records Administration Which of the following contains a clause that may have served as an inspiration for - Ans - Northwest Ordinances The Mayflower Compact includes a pledge to ensure that all citizens look out for the general good of the colony. Based on this, what impact has the Mayflower Compact had on modern understanding of the purpose of government in the United States? - Ans - The government should provide equal protection under the law At the Constitutional Convention, there was a major debate between large states and small states about representation in the new Congress. This debate was resolved by the Great Compromise. What was the result of this compromise? - Ans -. Congress would have two houses, one in which state representation was based on population and one in which all states had equal representation.
