SOUTH DAKOTA CIVIC LITERACY EXAM

SOUTH DAKOTA CIVIC LITERACY EXAM

QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

(VERIFIED ANSWERS) 2025

• What is the supreme law of the land?
• The Declaration of Independence
• The Constitution
• The Bill of Rights
• The Emancipation Proclamation

Rationale: The U.S. Constitution is the highest law in the country, setting the

framework for the federal government and guaranteeing individual rights.

• What does the Constitution do?
• Declares independence
• Sets up the government and protects basic rights of Americans
• Ends slavery
• Names the President

Rationale: The Constitution creates the structure of the federal government

(legislative, executive, judicial) and ensures civil liberties. 1 / 3

• The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution.

What are these words?

• Freedom and justice
• We the People
• In God We Trust
• E Pluribus Unum

Rationale: "We the People" reflects the principle of popular sovereignty — the idea that the government's power comes from the people.

• What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
• The Articles
• The Federalist Papers
• The Bill of Rights
• The Preamble

Rationale: The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments, ensuring key

rights like free speech, religion, and fair trial.

• What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
• Right to bear arms
• Freedom of speech
• Trial by jury
• Vote in federal elections 2 / 3

Rationale: The First Amendment protects freedoms including speech, religion,

press, assembly, and petitioning the government.

• What did the Declaration of Independence do?
• Outlined the Constitution
• Declared independence from Great Britain
• Created the Bill of Rights
• Abolished slavery

Rationale: The Declaration of Independence formally announced the colonies'

separation from Britain in 1776.

• What is the economic system in the United States?
• Socialist economy
• Capitalist economy
• Command economy
• Traditional economy

Rationale: The U.S. uses a capitalist or market-based economy where private

individuals control production and prices.

• What is the “rule of law”?
• Laws apply only to citizens
• Government can do anything it wants
• / 3