Comparing the U.S. and Florida
Constitutions
Think of a constitution
as a rule book for
government…
The United States
Constitution does the
following:
• Sets up the government
• Defines power and limits
of the government
• Lays out some of the
rights of the people
The Constitution
creates limits and
guidelines for the
government in order
to protect the people
from an abuse of
power.
Constitution
The constitution is a social contract
between We the People and the
government.
The Constitution
protects the
rights of the
people from the
government.
In a constitutional
government, it all starts
with the people…
The people must consent to give the
power to make and enforce laws to
the government.
Government
The government is structured to offer
protection for the people through
public safety measures and the justice
system.
The People
We the People…
We the People…
Using the outlines of the U.S. and Florida
Constitutions, compare the documents on
your How Do They Compare? Handout.
Florida
Constitution
Write the
differences
under the
correct
label.
Write the
similarities
in the
center.
U.S.
Constitution
Write the
differences
under the
correct
label.
Now let’s test your knowledge!
Hint –
Look for:
• Structural
differences
• Content
differences
• Dates
• Responsibilities/
services
 Read
the selected quote.
 Your group will need to decide:


Which document it is from - the U.S. or Florida
Constitution
Where in the document this quote is found
Work together
and use your
outline to make
your best guess!
Where is this quote from?
The…power to establish
post offices…
United States Constitution
Where is this quote from?
Counties may be created,
abolished or changed by
law…
United States Constitution
Where is this quote from?
It is a paramount duty…to
make adequate provision for
the education of all children
residing within its borders
United States Constitution
Where is this quote from?
He shall have the
power to make
Treaties…
United States Constitution
You know about the U.S. Constitution and the
Florida Constitution – but how do they relate
to each other and with other kinds of law?
Local ordinances
Federal law
State law
United States
Constitution
School rules
Florida Constitution
 Discuss
the six sources of “law” listed below.
 Determine how these laws relate to each
other – what is the lowest form of law? What
is the highest law in our government?
 Stack the laws in the correct order on your
handout – with the lowest law at the bottom,
and the highest law at the top.
Local ordinances
Federal law
State law
United States
Constitution
School rules
Florida Constitution
United States Constitution
The United States Constitution is the highest law in the
land. This isFlorida
stated in Constitution
Article VI of the Constitution:
Federal
law
The Florida
Constitution
sets be
up the
Florida
and
“The
Constitution…shall
thegovernment
supreme of
Law
of the
Federal
all thosecitizens.
who liveThe
in the
United
States. It is
is
defines law
the applies
rights oftoFlorida’s
Florida
Constitution
created by the United States Land…”
Congress and can overrule pieces of a
placed above state laws.
state’s Constitution.
Federal
law
State law
State laws areFlorida
the next layer.
These impact all individuals living
Constitution
within the state.
State
law
Local
ordinances
Local ordinances impact us on a local level. An example might be a
School
rules
Local
ordinances
noise
ordinance
after 10 p.m.
School rules are a kind of law. They are the lowest level because they
School
rules
impact you on a super
local level.
The…power to establish post
offices and post Roads…
Article I of the United States Constitution
gives Congress the power to establish post
offices and roads. This is a power of the
federal government.
Next Question
Counties may be created,
abolished or changed by law…
Local government, which includes
counties, is outlined in Article VIII (8)
of the Florida Constitution.
Next Question
It is a paramount duty…to make
adequate provision for the education of
all children residing within its borders
Did you know that education is never mentioned
in the United States Constitution?
Education is the responsibility of the states and
is outlined in Article IX (9) of the Florida
Constitution.
Next Question
He shall have the power to
make Treaties…
The power to make treaties is a power only
given to the federal (national) government –
specifically, the President. The powers of the
President are outlined in Article II (2).
Next Slide
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