Overall Assessments

Question 1

The Florida Declaration of Rights in the Florida Constitution provides __________ protection for individual rights than/as the Bill of Rights of the U. S. Constitution. It cannot provide __________ protection than the Bill of Rights.

Answer 1

greater ; less

Question 2

Provisions for religious freedom under the Florida Declaration of Rights (DOR)

Answer 2

1. Prohibits RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT
2. Prohibits punishment/penalizing FREE EXERCISE of religion
3. Requires STRICT SCRUTINY analysis

Question 3

What are the requirements the prosecutor must bring for a capital offense charge?

Answer 3

PRESENTMENT of INDICTMENT by a jury

Question 4

General and Special Laws

Answer 4

1. A general law applies UNIFORMLY throughout the state.
2. A special law relates to a PARTICULAR part of the state or to particular persons or things.
3. A special law may be enacted by REFERENDUM.

Question 5

A county court generally has jurisdiction to hear civil cases in which the amount in controversy __________.

Answer 5

does not exceed $15,000

Question 6

Mandatory jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court

Answer 6

1. Appeals directly from final judgments of trial courts imposing the DEATH PENALTY
2. Appeals from district courts of appeal declaring a provision of the STATE CONSTITUTION INVALID
3. Reviews of final orders issued by statewide agencies relating to rates or service of electric, gas, or telephone utilities (eg. FPL services)

Question 7

Members of the cabinet

Answer 7

1. Attorney General
2. Chief Financial Officer
3. Commissioner of Agriculture

Question 8

County Officers

Answer 8

1. Sheriff
2. Supervisor of Elections
3. Clerk of the Circuit Court

Question 9

How often does the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission meet?

Answer 9

Every 20 years

Question 10

Ad Valorem Taxes

Answer 10

1. Ad Volarem Taxes are taxes based on the value of property.
2. A local government may LEVY an ad valorem tax on real property.
3. Municipal property used exclusively for a municipal for PUBLIC PURPOSE is exempt from ad valorem taxes.
4. A county or municipality may grant HISTORIC PRESERVATION ad valorem tax exemptions to owners of historic properties.

Question 11

In addition to being the permanent residence of the owner or the owner’s family, the maximum amount of land located in Florida that can qualify as homestead property for purposes of the exemption from forced sale by creditors of the owner is __________ if the land is located within a municipality and __________ if the land is located outside a municipality.

Answer 11

1/2 an acre ; 160 acres

Question 12

Rules on alienation and devise of homestead property

Answer 12

1. A married, childless owner of homestead property cannot devise the property to anyone other than the surviving spouse, unless the surviving spouse has waived his or her homestead rights.
2. Homestead property generally may not be devised if the owner is survived by a minor child.
3. A married owner of homestead property cannot alienate the property without the consent of his or her spouse.

Question 13

Property NOT protected from forced sale to satisfy obligations that are in default

Answer 13

1. TAX liabilities
2. MORTGAGES on the property
3. LIENS on the property for its improvement