Civic Literacy Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real FCLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Civic Literacy Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the supreme law of the United States?
Answer: The U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. Article VI's Supremacy Clause establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties take precedence over state laws.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?
Answer: 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime.
What does the principle of federalism refer to?
Answer: The sharing of power between national and state governments
Federalism is the division and sharing of power between the national (federal) government and state governments, with each level having its own sphere of authority.
What is the primary role of the judicial branch in the federal government?
Answer: To interpret laws and determine their constitutionality
The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and determines whether they comply with the Constitution. The power of judicial review was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Which document begins with 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal'?
Answer: The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776, contains this famous phrase affirming equality and unalienable rights.
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
Answer: To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful
The system of checks and balances distributes powers among the three branches so that each can limit the others, preventing any single branch from dominating.