Comparing Constitutions - Guided Notes

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Multiple Choice

Why is it important to compare the U.S. Constitution with the Florida State Constitution?

• To understand how state and federal laws interact

• To learn about historical documents

• To memorize facts about Florida

• To study geography

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a way Florida's Constitution is unlike most other states?

• Florida's legislature is bicameral

• Florida's Constitution provides a basic framework of government

• Members of the Florida executive cabinet are elected

• Florida's Constitution reflects the American political tradition of separation of powers

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the organization of Florida's Constitution?

• Declaration of Rights

• General Provisions

• Judiciary

• Bill of Rights

Multiple Select

Select all statements that accurately describe similarities between the Florida and U.S. Constitutions. (THREE CORRECT ANSWERS)

• Both start with Preambles

• Both have a list of Rights

• Both have Articles laying out the Government

• Both have the same number of amendments

Multiple Choice

What makes the U.S. Constitution unique compared to other major government constitutions?

• It is the oldest and shortest, does not define citizenship or voting rights

• It is the longest and most detailed, defines citizenship and voting rights

• It is only about education and taxes

• It is written in multiple languages

Multiple Choice

Which part of the Florida Constitution protects individual rights?

• Declaration of Rights

• Bill of Rights

• Amendments

• Preamble

Multiple Choice

Which rights are protected by both the U.S. Bill of Rights and Article I of the Florida Declaration of Rights?

• Free Speech, Right to Bear Arms, Search & Seizure, Trial by Jury

• Right to Work, Taxpayers Bill of Rights, Marriage Defined, Imprisonment for Debts

• Education, Budget, Elections, Highway Safety

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Tax, State Trooper

Multiple Choice

Which of the following rights is found in the Florida Constitution but not in the U.S. Constitution?

• Right to privacy

• Freedom of speech

• Right to bear arms

• Freedom of religion

Multiple Choice

Which branches of government are established by both the Florida and U.S. Constitutions?

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Legislative, Judicial, Economic

• Executive, Judicial, Military

• Legislative, Economic, Judicial

Multiple Select

Select all statements that accurately describe the Florida Legislature. (THREE CORRECT ANSWERS)

• It is bicameral.

• It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

• It has only one lawmaking body.

• Members are elected from districts.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a key difference between the US Cabinet and the Florida Executive Cabinet?

• US Cabinet members are elected by voters, while Florida Cabinet members are appointed by the President.

• US Cabinet members are appointed by the President, while Florida Cabinet members are elected by voters.

• Both are appointed by the President.

• Both are elected by voters.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the US Supreme Court and the Florida Supreme Court is correct?

• The US Supreme Court has 7 justices, while the Florida Supreme Court has 9 judges.

• Both the US Supreme Court and Florida Supreme Court justices are appointed for life.

• US Supreme Court justices are appointed for life, while Florida Supreme Court judges are retained by voter approval.

• Florida Supreme Court justices are appointed for life, while US Supreme Court justices are chosen by a nominating committee.

Multiple Select

Select all the correct statements about how amendments are made to the US and Florida Constitutions. (THREE CORRECT ANSWERS)

• US amendments require approval by 2/3rds of Congress.

• Florida amendments can be proposed by a petition signed by 8% of the electorate.

• US amendments require approval by 3/5ths of the House and Senate.

• Florida amendments require a 60% vote to ratify.

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Multiple Choice

What is one major difference between the U.S. Constitution and the Florida State Constitution?

• The U.S. Constitution is longer than the Florida State Constitution.

• The Florida State Constitution is more detailed and specific than the U.S. Constitution.

• Both constitutions were written at the same time.

• The U.S. Constitution only applies to Florida.