CIVIC LITERACY REVIEW EXAM 2025-2026 KEY
TERMS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
Federalism
is the breaking of the gov't into Federal and state levels, each having certain powers
Checks and Balances
system of each branch of gov't having a power to check the power of the other to make sure no
one branch becomes too powerful
Executive Branch
headed by the President and carries out the laws; also includes the Vice President and the
Cabinet members
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
separation between Church and State in schools. S.C. prayer in public schools is
unconstitutional, violates separation of church and state and freedom of religion (First
Amendment)
,Miranda vs. Arizona, 1961
This case proves that the 5th Amendment requires that individuals arrested for a crime must be
advised of their right to remain silent and to have counsel present.
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against "unreasonable
searches and seizures," may not be used in criminal prosecutions in state courts, as well as
federal courts.
In Re Gault (1967)
14th amendment Due Process Clause allows requirements for state delinquency proceedings.
established the principle that young persons have constitutional rights
Bill
a statute in draft before it becomes law
Chief Justice
the judge who presides over the supreme court
Commander-in-Chief
The role of the president as the supreme commander of the armed forces of the United States.
, Governor
highest ranking member of a state's executive branch
Electoral College
The president is elected by a majority of electoral votes. After an election a group of electors
chosen by each state officially cast the electoral votes for their state to choose the President.
Articles of Confederation
This document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1781 during the
Revolutionary War to create a national government. The new government was weak because
states held most of the power, and Congress lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or control
the coining of money. It was later replaced with the U.S. Constitution.
Great Compromise
introduced by Roger Sherman; set up a bicameral Congress - upper house
called Senate with each state getting 2 votes & a lower house called the House of
Representatives
with each state's representation based on its population--satisfied both the large and small states
3/5 Compromise
TERMS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
Federalism
is the breaking of the gov't into Federal and state levels, each having certain powers
Checks and Balances
system of each branch of gov't having a power to check the power of the other to make sure no
one branch becomes too powerful
Executive Branch
headed by the President and carries out the laws; also includes the Vice President and the
Cabinet members
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
separation between Church and State in schools. S.C. prayer in public schools is
unconstitutional, violates separation of church and state and freedom of religion (First
Amendment)
,Miranda vs. Arizona, 1961
This case proves that the 5th Amendment requires that individuals arrested for a crime must be
advised of their right to remain silent and to have counsel present.
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against "unreasonable
searches and seizures," may not be used in criminal prosecutions in state courts, as well as
federal courts.
In Re Gault (1967)
14th amendment Due Process Clause allows requirements for state delinquency proceedings.
established the principle that young persons have constitutional rights
Bill
a statute in draft before it becomes law
Chief Justice
the judge who presides over the supreme court
Commander-in-Chief
The role of the president as the supreme commander of the armed forces of the United States.
, Governor
highest ranking member of a state's executive branch
Electoral College
The president is elected by a majority of electoral votes. After an election a group of electors
chosen by each state officially cast the electoral votes for their state to choose the President.
Articles of Confederation
This document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1781 during the
Revolutionary War to create a national government. The new government was weak because
states held most of the power, and Congress lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or control
the coining of money. It was later replaced with the U.S. Constitution.
Great Compromise
introduced by Roger Sherman; set up a bicameral Congress - upper house
called Senate with each state getting 2 votes & a lower house called the House of
Representatives
with each state's representation based on its population--satisfied both the large and small states
3/5 Compromise
