First States Constitutions

Written plan of government

• Authority

• Preamble

• Bill

• Constitution

Which answer below is a true statement about a difference between the two Constitutions?

• The FL Constitution only contains 4,400 words where the US Constitution has over 10,000 words.

• The US Constitution is very specific with detailed explanations.

• The U.S. Constitution has been amended more than 100 times, where the FL Constitution has only been amended 27 times.

• FL is on it's 6th Constitution where the US is only on it's 2nd.

Taylor took notes during his civics class comparing the U.S. Constitution with the state of Florida’s Constitution. However, he forgot to write down which set of features applied to which constitution. How can he tell the difference between them?

• He remembers that the Florida Constitution does not contain rights for its citizens, but the U.S. Constitution does.

• He remembers that the Florida Constitution does not have an Executive Branch but the U.S. Constitution does

• He remembers that there are more ways to amend the Florida Constitution than the U.S. Constitution.

• He remembers that the Florida Constitution gives the Judicial Branch power over military forces, while the U.S. Constitution does not.

Why do both the U.S. and the Florida Constitutions begin with "We the people"?

• to show that the people can vote during elections

• to show that the people can write constitutions

• to show that power for government comes from citizens

• to show that power for government comes from a few citizens

The first constitution of the state of Georgia was written in ​ (a)   .

• 1777

• 1798

• 1775

• 1789

The influence of the Magna Carta on the leaders who wrote state constitutions is shown in

• having a bicameral legislature

• having a strong governor

• the inclusion of a list of rights

• language limiting the king's power

What was the primary purpose of the first state constitutions?

• To establish a monarchy

• To create a framework for government

• To abolish taxes

• To declare independence from Britain

Which state was the first to ratify its constitution?

• Delaware

• Virginia

• New York

• Massachusetts

What common feature did most of the first state constitutions include?

• A monarchy

• A bill of rights

• A unicameral legislature

• A national bank

Which state’s first constitution was known for its strong emphasis on separation of powers?

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Massachusetts

• New Jersey