Civic Literacy Exam

Study materials

Locke and consent of the governed

• John Locke proposed a social contract that states the legitimacy of political authority derives from the consent of the governed

• Citizens active participation and agreement with the governments actions are crucial for legitimacy and functioning

Montesquieu and Separation of powers/ limited government

• Separation of powers prevent tyranny and concentration of authority

• Includes 3 branches legislative, executive, and judicial that have distinct roles and functions

Motivation of checks and balances

• Ensures no single branch becomes too powerful and fosters accountability

• Each branch has the ability to limit and check the powers of the other branches

Rule of law (essential component of democratic government)

• Ensures government actions are bound by legal principles and constraints

• No one, including government officials, is above the law

• Places restrictions on the exercise of government power, protecting individuals and promoting justice and fairness

Due process (Fair procedures within the boundaries of the law)

• Guarantees individuals are entitled to certain legal procedures and protections, gives fair treatment

• Accused individuals have the right to a fair trial and legal representation

Equality under the law

• All individuals are entitled to the equal protection and treatment regardless of differences without the guarantee of equal outcomes of the law

Popular sovereignty (Government is created by and subject to the will of the people)

• Asserts that the ultimate source of authority lies with the people

• Government exists to serve the people and govern based on their consent

The preamble to the united states begins with “We the people” emphasizing popular sovereignty as the foundation of the government

Natural rights and natural law

• Life, liberty, and property are natural rights inherent to all individuals

• Unalienable rights in the declaration of independence

Federalism

• A system of government where power is shared between national (federal) government and state governments

• Both levels of government have distinct powers and responsibilities

Federalism allows localized decision making and diverse governance while maintaining a unified national identity

Individual liberty

• The founders believed in safeguarding individual liberties, including political and religious freedoms

• First amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and assembly

• Religious liberty has evolved to protect diverse beliefs and prevent government interference on religious matters

Republicanism and representative democratic government (The constitutional guarantee of a republic)

• The U.S. Constitution guarantees that every state must have a republican form of government, meaning citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. The United States combines democratic principles that people have a voice with republican principles representatives govern under the Constitution. This system is called a constitutional republic.

• The founders feared the potential for majority tyranny in a purely democratic government and sought to protect minority rights

Constitutionalism

• Means that government actions are limited by the constitution

• The constitution is the supreme law of the land

• Constitutionalism establishes a system of checks and balances, preventing the abuse of powers and and ensuring government accountability

Majority rule and minority rights

• Majority rule means that decisions are made based on the majority’s preference

• Minority rights protects the interests of individuals and groups from denying equal protection to any person within their jurisdiction

Equal protection

• Ensures that all individuals are treated equally by the government

• The 14th amendment prohibits states from denying equal protection to any person within their jurisdiction

Bill of rights and the protections of civil rights and liberties

• Bill of rights composes of the first 10 amendments to the constitution, guaranteeing essential civil rights and liberties

• Rights and liberties may be limited in certain situations to protect public safety, national security, or to balance conflicting interests

Elections

• Free and fair elections are essential for a functioning democracy, ensuring that the people’s will is accurately reflected in government representation

• Elections at the state and federal levels involve voting, campaigning, and the electoral process to choose representatives and leaders

Articles of the United States Constitution

Article I: The Legislative Branch

• Establishes the bicameral congress, The senate and House of representatives

• Outlines the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of the legislative branch

Article II: The Executive Branch

• Presidents office is the head of the executive branch

• Outlines the President’s powers and responsibilities, including their role as the commander in chief of the armed forces

Article III: The Judicial Branch

• Federal judiciary, Supreme court and other federal courts

• Interprets laws and ensures their constitutionality

• Federal courts hear cases involving federal law, disputes, between states, and cases involving foreign governments of treaties

General content of Articles IV-VII

Article VI: The full faith and credit clause and the admittance of New States

• Requires states to