(1) Pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE): Principles and Practices of Democracy

Social Contract

The idea that citizens willingly give up some freedoms for community safety and governance.

Consent of the Governed

The notion that legitimate government derives its power from the citizens.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch some measure of control over the others.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of the others.

Limited Government

A political system where restrictions are placed on the government's powers to protect individual rights.

Due Process

A legal requirement that ensures fair treatment through the judicial system.

Rule of Law

A principle that states no individual or governmental branch is above the law.

Equality Under the Law

The government's obligation to treat all individuals equally under the law.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.

Natural Rights

Inherent rights that all individuals possess, which cannot be surrendered.

Natural Law

A system of law based on human nature and intrinsic values of humanity.

Federalism

The division of political power between the national government and the states.

Individual Liberty

The freedom of individuals to participate in political and religious practices.

Autocracy

A governmental system where one person holds absolute power.

Democracy

Control of an organization or group by the majority of its members.

Republic

A state or government in which supreme power is held by the people and elected representatives.

Constitutionalism

The doctrine that government's authority derives from the constitution and is limited by laws.

Majority Rule

The principle that the group with the most members has the most political power.

Minority Rights

Rights that protect individual or group interests from the majority.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Electoral College

A body established by the Constitution for the purpose of electing the president and vice president.

Mixed Market Economy

An economic system that blends capitalism and socialism.