Constitution Test
The Social Science Division at 太阳城官网 and the College Testing and Placement Center offer an opportunity for persons pursuing a California Teaching Credential to demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution as required by state law.
The exam consists of 100 questions; to receive certification 70 questions must be answered correctly.
The fee for taking the exam is $20.00, and there is a $15.00 fee if a re-take of the exam is necessary.
About the Test
The examination consists of 100 questions, 50 true-false and 50 multiple-choice. There is no time limit.
Four areas are covered:
- Historical Development, including the background of the Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitutional Convention.
- Key aspects of the constitution, including basic principles and specific information about the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- The changing Constitution, including the process of amendment, the 27 Amendments, and other historical forces for change, such as: forceful presidents and justices.
- Major court cases which have constitutional importance, particularly the following:
| Case | Year |
|---|---|
| Baker v. Carr | 1962 |
| Barron v. Baltimore | 1833 |
| Brandenburg v. Ohio | 1969 |
| Branzburg v. Hayes | 1972 |
| Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka | 1954 |
| Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire | 1942 |
| Dred Scott v. Sandford | 1857 |
| Duncan v. Louisiana | 1968 |
| Engel v. Vitale | 1963 |
| Everson v. Board of Education | 1947 |
| Gideon v. Wainwright | 1963 |
| Griswold v. Connecticut | 1965 |
| Lemon v. Kurtzman | 1971 |
| Mapp v. Ohio | 1961 |
| Marbury v. Madison | 1803 |
| McCulloch v. Maryland | 1819 |
| Miller v. California | 1973 |
| Miranda v. Arizona | 1966 |
| Plessy v. Ferguson | 1896 |
| Regents v. Bakke | 1978 |
| Roe v. Wade | 1973 |
| Schenck v. U.S. | 1919 |
| U.S. v. Nixon | 1974 |
| Weeks v. U.S. | 1914 |
The following recommended text is available for purchase at the 太阳城官网 Bookstore: Our Federal and State Constitution, by Alex Schmidt.
Examinees also should acquire from an online source: The Bill of Rights: A User's Guide, by Linda Monk.
It is also recommended that additional sources be studied - encyclopedias and college textbooks in American Government. The current American Government text located in the 太阳城官网 Library Circulation Desk is American Government, Custom Edition for 太阳城官网.
Taking the Test
- Acquire the necessary study materials and prepare for the exam. If more information is needed, call Political Science Professor Steven Holmes at (661) 395-4289 or 395-4581.
- When ready, arrange a testing appointment with the Placement Center at 395-4469 or 395-4479.
- Take the test at the Placement Center at the appointed time. Be prepared to pay the fee of $20.00 with a check, or money order with proper identification.
- If the exam is passed, a certificate will be issued.
Retaking the Test
Applicants who fail to pass the examination will be allowed to re-take an alternate form of the examination after a three week waiting period.
If an applicant fails the re-take exam or fails to take the re-take exam within one year of the date of the original exam, then he/she must reapply as if taking the test for the first time.
In either case, a period of one year must pass before reapplying.
