FCLE practice test with answers and explanations

Answer the sample questions

These practice questions are written in the same multiple-choice style as the Florida Civic Literacy Examination, which asks 80 questions, 20 from each of its four competencies. Tap an answer to see whether you were right.

1. Question 1 · American Democracy

   Which model of government did the Founders adopt for the United States?

   AThe direct democracy of ancient AthensBA republic, where citizens govern through elected representativesCA constitutional monarchy modeled on Great BritainDA confederation with no national executive

2. Question 2 · American Democracy

   What does the principle of popular sovereignty mean?

   AThe president holds final authority in a crisisBStates may nullify federal lawCGovernment authority comes from the consent of the peopleDThe Supreme Court has the last word on every dispute

3. Question 3 · United States Constitution

   Which branch of government has the power to declare war?

   AThe presidentBCongressCThe Supreme CourtDThe Department of Defense

4. Question 4 · United States Constitution

   How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?

   AFiveBTenCTwelveDTwenty-seven

5. Question 5 · United States Constitution

   What does federalism describe?

   AThe division of power between the national government and the statesBThe separation of church and stateCThe process for amending the ConstitutionDThe order of presidential succession

6. Question 6 · Founding Documents

   Which document states that people are endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

   AThe ConstitutionBThe Articles of ConfederationCThe Declaration of IndependenceDThe Federalist Papers

7. Question 7 · Founding Documents

   What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

   AIt created a national bank the states opposedBIt gave the national government too much control over tradeCIt abolished state legislaturesDThe national government was too weak, with no power to tax or regulate commerce

8. Question 8 · Landmark Impact on Law and Society

   Which case established the principle of judicial review?

   AMarbury v. MadisonBMcCulloch v. MarylandCBrown v. Board of EducationDGideon v. Wainwright

9. Question 9 · Landmark Impact on Law and Society

   What did Brown v. Board of Education decide?

   ASegregated public schools are unconstitutionalBSeparate but equal facilities are permittedCSchool prayer is protected speechDStates may set their own voting-age rules

10. Question 10 · Landmark Impact on Law and Society

    Gideon v. Wainwright guaranteed which right?

    AThe right to remain silent during arrestBThe right to an attorney in state criminal cases, even if the defendant cannot payCThe right to a jury of twelveDThe right to appeal any conviction to the Supreme Court