Florida Civic Literacy Exam Resources Guide: Competency Two

Students should be able to identify the articles, amendments, and structures of the United States Constitution. This includes the principles of the Constitution and how they apply to various aspects of government and life. Click the hyperlinks for relevant CPALMS or support references where applicable.  

The Interactive United States Constitution  

Students must understand the first three Articles of the US Constitution.

• Article I Study Guide- Analyze the structures, functions and processes of the legislative branch (Congress= House of Representatives + Senate) as described in Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
• Article II Study Guide- Analyze the structures, functions and processes of the executive branch (the President and Vice President) as described in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
• Article III Study Guide- Analyze the structures, functions and processes of the judicial branch (Supreme, Circuit court, the magistrate (local), and municipal (city) courts) as described in Article III of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Federal Courts Study Guide- Analyze the levels and responsibilities of state and federal courts.

Students must know the general content of Articles IV-VII of the US Constitution. 

• Article IV
• Article V
• Article VI
• Article VII

There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, beginning with the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments, ratified December 15, 1791. Check the Amendment Process here.

• The Amendment Process Study Guide- Explain the amendment process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.
• The Bill of Rights and Later Amendments Study Guide- Explain how the U.S. Constitution safeguards and limits individual rights.
• Safeguarding and Limiting Individual Rights Study Guide- Explain how the U.S. Constitution safeguards and limits individual rights. 
• The 10th Amendment- Rights Reserved to States or People.

Find out how amendments have impacted civic participation over time and/or changed government and society

• Safeguarding and Limiting Individual Rights Study Guide- Explain how the U.S. Constitution safeguards and limits individual rights. 
• Constitutional Provisions that Impact Citizenship Study Guide- Explain the constitutional provisions that establish and affect citizenship.
• Factors that Contribute to Voter Turnout Study Guide- Analyze factors that contribute to voter turnout in local, state and national elections. Also see voting rights.

Find out how the amendments apply to the federal government and the state governments

• Safeguarding and Limiting Individual Rights Study Guide- Explain how the U.S. Constitution safeguards and limits individual rights. 
• Federalism and Selective Incorporation Study Guide- Analyze the concept of federalism in the United States and its role in establishing the relationship between the state and national governments.

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

• Arguments in Favor of and Against Ratification of the United States Constitution Study Guide- Explain arguments presented in the Federalist Papers in support of ratifying the U.S. Constitution and a republican form of government. Also see Founding Documents and The Federalists vs. the Anti-Federalists.
• A bill of rights as a necessary addition for ratification 

Clauses of the United States Constitution- Knowing the significant clauses of the Constitution and how have they been interpreted and applied over time.

• Including Supremacy Clause
• Full Faith and Credit Clause
• Commerce Clause
• Emoluments Clause
• Due Process Clause. Fifth Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment
• Equal Protection Clause
• Necessary and Proper/Elastic Clause
• First Amendment Clauses

Please Note: This information is provided by the FDOE Supplemental Guide for the Florida Civic Literacy Exam