What is the purpose of the Florida Constitution?

• A. To unify all federal powers in Florida
• B. To establish the structure of Florida's government, protect rights of residents, and set forth state laws and policies.
• C. To outline the duties of only municipal governments
• D. To provide guidelines for federal elections

Answer: (B)

The Florida Constitution is the state’s foundational framework for government. It lays out how Florida’s government is organized and how it operates, specifying the powers and duties of the three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) and how they interact. It also defines the roles and powers of counties and municipalities, and it sets the rules and policies the state follows to govern everyday life. In addition, it protects residents’ rights through a state Declaration of Rights, ensuring fundamental liberties are guaranteed within Florida. While the federal Constitution governs national powers, the Florida Constitution focuses on the structure of Florida’s government, the rights of its people, and the state’s laws and policies. It does not deal with unifying federal powers, nor does it limit duties to municipalities only, nor govern federal elections.