1. Comparative Constitutions
ss.7.C.3.13 – Compare the Constitutions of the United States and Florida

2. If You’ve seen one…
State Constitutions usually have many things in common with the United States Constitution, but there are many differences too.
The U.S. Constitution begins with a Preamble that introduces the Constitution and explains its purpose.
The Florida Constitution also has a preamble.

3. Compare Preamble’s – “We Do”
Box the parts that are the same in both documents.

4. Government Rules!
U.S. Constitution gives the rules for how the U.S. government should run.
State Constitutions give rues for how a state government should run.
Like the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions describe the branches of government that the state will have.
Often these branches are very similar, but there are some differences

5. U.S. Government vs. State Government – “We Do”
Underline the parts that are different

6. U.S. Government vs. State Government – “You Do”
Underline the parts that are different

7. Everybody’s got rights
State Constitutions also contain many of the same rights and guarantees you see in the U.S. Constitution.
The U. S. Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land and cannot be violated.
That means state constitutions cannot give state citizens fewer rights than the U.S. Constitution gives.
However, state constitutions can guarantee more rights.
A state constitution might also include additional rights that are not found in the U.S. Constitution.
Finally, a state constitution might include rules about things that are unique to that state.

8. Comparing Rights… “You Do”
Underline the main difference in Florida’s Constitution, then check the statement that best describes the difference

9. Amending the U.S. Constitution – Article V

10. Amending the Florida Constitution
Method
Description
Illustration
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.
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 an amendment.
Constitutional Revision Commission
The 37-member Constitutional Revision Committee meets every 20 years (the next meeting to take place this year) and proposes amendments to the state constitution.
Legislative Joint Resolution
Three-fifths (60%) of each house of the FL Legislature can pass a joint resolution (decision) proposing that an amendment be placed on a future Election Day ballot.
Taxation & 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.)
Draw pictures for each method on the back of your handout, be sure to label the picture!

11. WorkBook – “You Do”
Read and complete pgs