Potential Civics EOC FL Questions

Who decides the facts of a court case?

The jury

Who decides questions of law in a trial?

The judge

What is eminent domain?

Government taking private property for public use with just compensation

Which amendment protects eminent domain rights?

5th Amendment

What does just compensation mean?

Fair payment for property taken by the government

What is due process?

Fair legal procedures when government acts against a person

Which amendment protects due process against the federal government?

5th Amendment

Which amendment protects due process against state governments?

14th Amendment

What is the trial-level federal court?

U.S. District Court

How many federal District Courts are there?

94

What is the main job of the U.S. Courts of Appeals?

Review lower-court decisions for legal or procedural errors

What are U.S. Courts of Appeals also called?

Circuit courts

How many federal Courts of Appeals are there?

13

What is the highest court in the United States?

U.S. Supreme Court

How many Supreme Court justices are there?

9

What case established judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison

What case overturned Plessy v. Ferguson?

Brown v. Board of Education

What did Plessy v. Ferguson support?

Separate but equal

Who announces a jury verdict in open court?

The jury foreperson

What is jury selection called?

Voir dire

What is the criminal standard of proof?

Beyond a reasonable doubt

What is the civil standard of proof?

Preponderance of the evidence

What must a federal criminal jury verdict generally be?

Unanimous

What document established that even the king must obey the law?

Magna Carta

What principle came from the Magna Carta?

Rule of law

Who signed the Magna Carta?

King John

When was the Magna Carta signed?

1215

What did the English Bill of Rights limit?

The power of the monarchy

Name one right protected by the English Bill of Rights.

Free elections, petition, or protection from cruel punishment

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

Which philosopher influenced the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke

What natural rights are listed in the Declaration?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

What is the social contract?

People give government power in exchange for protection of their rights

What may people do if government destroys their rights?

Alter or abolish the government

How many grievances against King George III are identified in the PDF?

27

What uprising showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion

Why was Shays' Rebellion important?

It showed the national government was too weak

Who wrote the Federalist Papers?

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To support and explain the Constitution and a stronger but limited federal government

According to Federalist No. 45, what kinds of powers belong mainly to the federal government?

Few and specific powers such as defense and foreign affairs

According to Federalist No. 45, what kinds of powers belong mainly to the states?

Broad powers concerning everyday life

Which branch makes laws?

Legislative branch

Which branch enforces laws?

Executive branch

Which branch interprets laws?

Judicial branch

Who is most associated with separation of powers?

Montesquieu

What is separation of powers?

Division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches

What are checks and balances?

Ways each branch can limit the others

Give one example of checks and balances.

The President vetoes a bill

Give another example of checks and balances.

The Senate approves or rejects presidential appointments

What is an enumerated power?

A power specifically listed in the Constitution

Give an example of an enumerated power.

Declaring war

What is a reserved power?

A power held by the states

Give an example of a reserved power.

Issuing driver's licenses

What is a concurrent power?

A power shared by federal and state governments

Give an example of a concurrent power.

Collecting taxes

What is federalism?

Division of power between national and state governments

Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?

1st Amendment

What does the Establishment Clause prevent?

Government establishing an official religion

What does the Free Exercise Clause protect?

The right to practice religion

Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?

4th Amendment

Which amendment protects against self-incrimination?

5th Amendment

Which amendment protects against double jeopardy?

5th Amendment

Which amendment guarantees a speedy and public criminal trial?

6th Amendment

Which amendment guarantees the right to counsel?

6th Amendment

Which amendment protects jury trials in federal civil cases?

7th Amendment

Which amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishment?

8th Amendment

Which amendment protects rights not specifically listed?

9th Amendment

Which amendment reserves undelegated powers to states or the people?

10th Amendment

Which amendment abolished slavery?

13th Amendment

Which amendment contains due process and equal protection for states?

14th Amendment

Which amendment prohibited racial discrimination in voting?

15th Amendment

Which amendment extended voting rights to women?

19th Amendment

Which amendment banned poll taxes in federal elections?

24th Amendment

Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18?

26th Amendment

What does the Equal Protection Clause require?

States must provide equal protection under the law

What is a civic obligation?

Something citizens are required to do

Give an example of a civic obligation.

Pay taxes, obey laws, jury duty, or Selective Service registration

What is a civic responsibility?

Something citizens should do

Give an example of a civic responsibility.

Voting or participating in civic life

Who must register with Selective Service according to the PDF?

Males ages 18–25

What is the main goal of an interest group?

Influence lawmakers or policy

What is the main goal of a political party?

Win elections and run government

What is a lobbyist?

A paid representative of an interest group

What may lobbyists provide lawmakers?

Expertise and information

What may lobbyists NOT do?

Bribe lawmakers

What does "We the People" mean?

Government power comes from the people

What principle does "We the People" express?

Popular sovereignty

What does "form a more perfect Union" mean?

Strengthen unity among the states

What does "establish justice" mean?

Create fair laws and courts

What does "insure domestic tranquility" mean?

Keep peace within the country

What does "provide for the common defense" mean?

Protect the nation and maintain the military

What does "promote the general welfare" mean?

Improve the well-being of the people

What does "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity" mean?

Protect freedom for present and future generations

What is an autocracy?

Government by one ruler with total power

What is an oligarchy?

Government by a small elite

What is an absolute monarchy?

A king or queen holds total power

What is a theocracy?

Religious leaders rule or laws are based on religion

What is a republic?

A government without a monarch where authority comes from the people

How does the PDF describe the United States?

A federal constitutional republic

What is Article I?

Legislative branch / Congress