FCLE Retake Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts, vocabulary, and significant court cases relevant to the Florida Civics Literacy Exam.

What is the Social Contract according to John Locke?

The idea that people give up some rights to a government in exchange for protection and can replace it if it fails.

What are the Natural Rights described by John Locke?

Life, Liberty, and Property, which Jefferson adapted to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

What does Popular Sovereignty mean?

The government's power comes from the 'consent of the governed' (the people).

What is the Rule of Law?

No one is above the law, including the President.

What is Direct Democracy?

A system where citizens vote on laws directly, as seen in Ancient Greece.

Define a Republic or Representative Democracy.

A system where citizens elect leaders to make laws, as practiced in Ancient Rome and the USA.

What is a Monarchy?

Rule by a King or Queen.

What is an Oligarchy?

Rule by a small, elite group.

What is the concept of Separation of Powers?

Dividing government into three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) to prevent too much power in one branch.

What are Checks and Balances?

The ability of one branch to limit the powers of another branch, such as the President vetoing a bill.

What is Federalism?

The division of power between the Federal (National) government and the State governments.

What is required to amend the Constitution?

A 2/3 vote in Congress and 3/4 approval by the States.

What does Article I of the Constitution establish?

The Legislative Branch, which makes laws.

What does Article II of the Constitution establish?

The Executive Branch, which enforces laws.

What does Article III of the Constitution establish?

The Judicial Branch, which interprets laws.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

It states that federal law is the 'highest law of the land.'

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To list grievances against King George III and declare the colonies free.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first government of the United States, which was too weak and could not collect taxes.

What were the Federalist Papers?

Essays written to convince states to ratify the new Constitution.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

A group that feared a strong central government and demanded a Bill of Rights.

What does the 1st Amendment cover?

RAPPS: Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech.

What does the 4th Amendment protect against?

Unreasonable search and seizure.

What is guaranteed by the 5th Amendment?

Due process; no self-incrimination ('Right to remain silent').

What does the 10th Amendment state?

Powers not given to the Federal government belong to the States.

What outcome did Marbury v. Madison establish?

Judicial Review, allowing the Court to cancel laws.

What doctrine was created by Plessy v. Ferguson?

The 'Separate but Equal' doctrine, which legalized segregation.

What was the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education?

It overturned Plessy and ruled that segregation in schools is unconstitutional.

What did Gideon v. Wainwright guarantee?

The right to an attorney, even if you cannot afford one.

What is required of police according to Miranda v. Arizona?

Police must inform individuals of their rights when being arrested.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 achieve?

Ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination.

What was the purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

To remove barriers to African American voting, such as literacy tests.

What is Suffrage?

The right to vote, with amendments granting it to specific groups.