Civic Literacy Workshop Overview

Mar 13, 2025

Civic Literacy Workshop 1: US Constitution and Founding of the Country

Civic Literacy Requirement

  • Establishment: By Florida Legislature in 2018.
  • Requirements: Demonstrate proficiency in civic literacy for graduation from a Florida state college or university.
  • Means to Fulfill Requirement:
    • Complete specific courses.
    • Pass certain AP tests.
    • Pass the Civic Literacy Test (free at FAU).
  • Test Details:
    • Offered on campus, free of charge.
    • 100 multiple-choice questions, 60% needed to pass.
    • No penalty for guessing and retakes allowed if necessary.

Basics of US History

  • Colonial Period:
    • 13 Original Colonies: New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, etc.
    • Reasons for Colonization: Religious freedom, escape persecution, economic opportunities.
  • Independence from Britain:
    • Reasons for Independence: Taxation without representation, quartering of soldiers, self-governance.
    • Key Documents:
      • Common Sense by Thomas Paine: a pamphlet,Advocacy for independence.
      • Declaration of Independence (1776): Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.
  • Post-Independence:
    • Articles of Confederation: Original government plan, weaknesses in central power.
    • US Constitution (1789): Establishment of federalism, balance of state and national power.
  • RULE OF LAW- No one is above the law.
  • The Federalist Papers 85 essays written to support the passage of the US constitution: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton , John Jay, but written under Plubius.

US Constitution

  • Foundation of Government:
    • Supreme Law: Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
    • Federalism: Balance of state and national powers.
    • Representative Democracy: Government by the people.
  • Amendments:
    • Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments, ratified in 1791.
    • Total Amendments: 27, with the process for amendment being rigorous.
  • Amendments and Bill of Rights to be changed or for there to be additions need 2/3 vote in Senate and house of reps or by special convention and then these amendments must be then ratified by 3/4 of the states
  • Key Amendments:
    • 1st Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition.
    • 2nd Amendment: Right to bear arms.
    • 3rd Amendment: Prohibition of quartering soldiers.
    • 4th Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches.
    • 5th Amendment: Includes due process, self-incrimination, double jeopardy.
    • 14th Amendment: Defines citizenship and equal protection.
    • 15th, 19th, 24th, 26th Amendments: Voting rights amendments.
  • 22ND AMENDMENT: LIMITS THE # OF TIMES A PERSON CAN BE ELECTED PRESIDENT

Basic Concepts of Government

  • Three Branches of Government:
    • Executive Branch: President and Cabinet, enforces laws.
    • Legislative Branch: Congress (Senate and House), makes laws.
    • Judicial Branch: Supreme Court, interprets laws.
  • Checks and Balances: Ensures no branch has too much power.
  • Federal vs. State Powers:
    • Federal Powers: Printing money, declaring war, creating an army, treaties.
    • State Powers: Education, safety, licensing, zoning.
    • Shared Power: Taxation.

Practice Test and Conclusion

  • Format: 100 multiple-choice questions, covering various civic topics.
  • Key Points for Study:
    • Federalism, branches of government, key amendments, historical context.
  • Test Scheduling: Free registration through FAU's testing office.
  • Future Sessions: Focus on landmark Supreme Court cases and further practice.

This summary captures the key points and structure of the workshop, providing a foundation for understanding the civic literacy requirements and preparation for the exam.