Comparing Constitutions

This newspaper headline describes

an action by citizens.

What conclusion can be drawn from the headline?

• This headline shows only elected officials make policy.

• This headline shows only elected officials change constitutions.

• This headline shows citizens can be involved in policy making through their representatives.  

• This headline shows citizens can be directly involved in policy making.

Answer explanation

The headline supports this response because Florida citizens directly voted against the tax amendment. The Florida state constitution can be amended by popular vote. Amendments to a constitution are a form of policy.

What would finish the Venn diagram?

• created property taxes

• established a zoning board 

• required a balanced budget 

• guaranteed individual rights/freedoms

Answer explanation

– The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Rights in the Florida Constitution both guarantee basic freedoms and individual liberties.

What powers do the Florida governor and U.S. president have in common?

• grant pardons, veto, deliver State of the Union address, six-year term

• deliver State of the Union address, four-year term, commander-in-chief, grant pardons

• veto, grant pardons, chief executive, four-year term

• six-year term, grant pardons, make treaties, commander-in-chief

What is a name for the Legislative branch of a Local government?

• city council

• chief justice

• representative

• senator

Which action formally accuses a government official of “wrongdoing”?

• pardon

• override

• impeach

• filibuster

What is the next step in the law making process in this diagram?

•  The people vote on the bill in an election

• The bill goes to the Senate for action 

• The bill goes to the Supreme Court for a hearing

• The governor signs the bill into law.

Answer explanation

A bill must go through both houses of Florida's legislature before it can go to the governor for signature.

Which part of the Florida Constitution protects individual rights?

• Declaration of Rights

• Bill of Rights

• Amendments

• Preamble

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Rights is the part of the Florida Constitution that protects the basic individual rights of all Floridians.

Which statement describes a similarity between the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution?

• neither protects individual rights

• both include an amendment process

• neither provides for a chief executive

• both include a nine member Supreme Court

What's the document that outlines the state government structure in Florida?

• The Constitution

• Florida State Constitution

• Bill of Rights

• Declaration of Independence

Florida has its own constitution.

• true

• false