Purdue Civics Literacy Exam

Declaration of Independence

A document adopted on July 4th, 1776, that proclaimed the thirteen American colonies’ separation from British rule, outlining how the government exists to protect natural rights.

Natural Rights

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Consent of the Governed

Government gets power from the people.

Social Contract

People give up some freedoms for protection.

The Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S.

The Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments protecting freedoms.

Republic

Citizens elect representatives to govern.

Direct Democracy

People vote on laws.

Representative democracy

People elect officials.

Unlimited Government

No effective limits on power.

Legislative Branch

Makes laws (Congress, House of Reps, Senate).

Executive Branch

Enforces laws (President, Departments).

Judicial Branch

Interprets laws (Supreme Court, Federal Courts).

Judicial Review

The Court’s ability to declare laws unconstitutional.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the highest law of the land (federal > state).

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments (taxation, enforcing laws).

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers explicitly listed in the Constitution that are granted to Congress (declaring war, regulating interstate commerce).

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

A clause in Article I that gives Congress the authority to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Amendment Process

Formal method for changing the Constitution. Requires:

Proposal (2/3 of Congress/states) and Ratification (3/4 of states).

Magna Carta Influence

A 1215 English document that established the idea that government power is limited and rulers must obey the law (influenced principles like due process, rule of law).

Marbury v. Madison

Court case that established judicial review; courts can declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Court case that strengthened federal power over states; confirmed use of the Elastic Clause.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Court case that defined interstate commerce; federal government controls trade between states.

Brown v. Board of Education

Court case that declared school segregation unconstitutional; overturned the “separate but equal” statement.

Roe v. Wade

Court case that recognized the right to privacy (abortion); later overturned.

Miranda v. Arizona

Court case that requires police to inform suspects of rights; “you have the right to remain silent”.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Court case that gave students the right to free speech in schools, as long as it doesn’t disrupt.

New York Times v. United States

Court case that protects the freedom of the press; government cannot censor newspapers

First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Ensures the right to due process, protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy (remain silent).

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial by an impartial jury.

Seventh Amendment

Preserves the right to trial by jury in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment

Affirms that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny or disparage other rights retained by the people.

Tenth Amendment

Establishes that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people (reserved powers).

Eleventh Amendment

Limits lawsuits against states.

Twelfth Amendment

Revises presidential election procedures.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.

Fourteenth Amendment

Defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race.

Sixteenth Amendment

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

Seventeenth Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators.

Eighteenth Amendment

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol (repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment).

Nineteenth Amendment

Grants women the right to vote.

Twentieth Amendment

Changes the dates for the start of presidential and congressional terms.

Twenty-first Amendment

Repeals the Eighteenth Amendment, legalizing alcohol.

Twenty-second Amendment

Limits the president to two terms.

Twenty-third Amendment

Grants presidential electoral votes to the District of Columbia.

Twenty-fourth Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

Twenty-fifth Amendment

Establishes procedures for presidential succession.

Twenty-sixth Amendment

Lowers the voting age to 18.

Twenty-seventh Amendment

Prevents Congress from giving itself a pay raise without a delay.

Civic Life

Being publicly involved in your community or government (voting, volunteering).

Limited Government

Government only has power given by the Constitution.

Rule of Law

A foundational concept of limited government, where everyone (including leaders) must follow the law.

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the power of others, preventing tyranny (vetos, overrides).

Separation of Powers

A fundamental principle of the Constitution that divides government into 3 branches (legislative, executive, judicial).

Private Life

Your personal life and right to privacy.