Name ________________________________________________________________________ Period _________ pg.

# __________

Comparing the United States and Florida Constitutions

SS.7.C.3.13 Compare the constitutions of the United States and Florida.

1) Explain the basic outline of the U.S. Constitution and Floridas Constitution.
United States Constitution

Florida Constitution

Contains a _Preamble that lists the

Contains a _Preamble that lists the

_purposes_ and _goals_.

Begins with We the people- shows that
the
federal government gets its power
from the citizens.

_purposes_ and _goals_.

Begins with We the people shows that
the
federal government gets its power
from the citizens.
_Longer_than the US Constitution

_Shorter than the FL Constitution

_7_articles
__1 large

__12___ articles
__80__ pages

page

Contains the Florida Declaration of

Contains a _Bill of Rights___________:

Enumerated list of rights for the people.

Rights: Enumerated list of the rights

_27_amendments

the same rights as those found in the

Written as a living document to be

interpreted over time.
Contains a _Supremacy Clause_ stating
the Constitution is the Supreme Law of
the Land

for the people that includes many of

U.S. Bill of Rights.
Written as a living document to be
interpreted and changed. There are
many amendments to the Florida
Constitution that are very specific.
Addresses public education, motor
vehicles, and elections
Deals with _day-to-day_ issues that
impact state residents.

2)

What does the US Constitution and the Florida Constitution have in common?
Begins w/ we the people
Living document
Includes amendments
Includes/explains the rights of the citizens. Guarantees individual freedoms
Establishes 3 branches of govt
Both have a preamble

3) What part of the Florida Constitution protects individuals rights?

Florida Declaration of Rights

4) What is the Supremacy Clause? And where is it found in the US Constitution?

States that the Constitution is the highest law of the land. Article IV (6)
5) What is the Florida Declaration of Rights?
Enumerated list of the rights for the people that includes many of the same rights
as those found in the U.S. Bill of Rights
6) Why did some states create their own Constitution?
Because the US Constitution was a guideline and some states wanted things listed
specifically.

Amendment Process
1) Complete the chart to summarize how to amend the U.S. Constitution:

2)

Amendment
2/3 of
both house of
added proposes
to the
Congress
an
U.S.
amendment
Constitution

of states
legislatures ratify the
amendment

Explain each of the 5

methods to propose an amendment to the Florida Constitution, then draw an illustration that
symbolizes each method.
Constitutional Convention - A set number of registered voters representing 15% of the
votes cast in the most recent presidential election may call for a constitutional convention.
Amendments may be proposed at the convention.
Ballot Initiative Process A set number of registered voters representing 8% of the votes
cast in the most recent presidential election must sign a petition proposing that an
amendment be placed on a future Election Day ballot.
Constitutional Revision Commission The 37-member Constitutional Revision Committee
meets every 20 years (the next meeting will take place in 2017) and proposes amendments
to the state constitution.
Legislative Joint Resolution Three-fifths (60%) of each house of the Florida Legislature
can pass a joint resolution (decision) proposing that an amendment be placed on a future
Election Day ballot.
Taxation and Budget Reform Commission - The 22-member Taxation and Budget Reform
Commission proposes amendments to the state constitution. This Commission last met in
2007 and will meet every 20th year (2027, 2047, etc.).

3) How is an amendment to the Florida Constitution ratified?

60% of voters approve (vote yes) the amendment