(1) Pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE): Understanding the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights

Preamble

Introduces the Constitution and outlines its purposes.

James Madison

Considered the father of the Constitution for his role in its framing.

Supreme Law of the Land

The Constitution, which all laws must adhere to.

Rule of Law

The principle that no one is above the law, and laws should govern a nation.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Checks and Balances

System that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Article One

Outlines the legislative branch, including Congress which is bicameral.

Impeachment

Process by which a president or other civil officer may be charged with misconduct.

Article Three

Establishes the judicial branch and empowers the Supreme Court.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires each state to recognize the laws and judicial proceedings of other states.

Article Five

Details the amendment process for the Constitution.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Federalists

Those who supported a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Those who opposed the Constitution, favoring power to the states.

Bill of Rights

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

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the national government by the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not specifically stated but reasonably inferred from the enumerated powers.

Inherent Powers

Powers that any sovereign nation possesses.

Amendment Process

The method by which changes can be made to the Constitution.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to evaluate laws for constitutionality.

Due Process

Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system.

Equal Protection

The principle that laws and rights must be applied equally to all individuals.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the federal government ensures that states do not violate constitutional rights.