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Last Updated:
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
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United States Constitution Examination
The United States Constitution examination is offered for teaching credential candidates who must take an examination demonstrating competence in the history, themes, concepts and principles of the United States Constitution. It is usually required for those who have not completed the introductory college-level American government course. At Antelope Valley College, the course is American Political Institutions, Political Science 101. There are similar courses offered at both two and four year colleges and universities in California and around the country. Usually, the teacher candidate who has taken a comparable course in another state or county will still be obligated to take the examination. It is best to check with the teaching credential program at one’s institution to determine what is required.
The examination covers the history, concepts, principles and provisions of both the American and California Constitutions. This includes the Articles of the United States Constitution---Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Judicial Branch, Interstate Relations, Supremacy Clause, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights provisions and policy incorporated within the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Other Constitutional Amendments are also examined. The examination focuses on the comprehensive aspects of American constitutionalism and institutions.
To prepare, students are encouraged to acquire any college-level American government textbook and concentrate on the chapters on the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties and civil right, all common among books of this kind. Moreover, student might consider purchasing Corwin and Peltason’s, Understanding the Constitution, published in its 17th edition in February 2007 with Sue Davis listed as the additional author. This is an Article-by-Article and Amendment-by-Amendment delineation of the American Constitution, its provisions and significance in an easy-to-follow format. Otherwise, any good college-level American government textbook will mostly likely be sufficient. The most relevant chapters are on the United States Constitution, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights. The study guide will assist students in successfully completing the examination.
It has been customary to work with students as they prepare for the examination as needed; however, there is no preparatory seminar or meeting. Students prepare for the examination on their own or with others. The examination itself is 100 multiple choice questions with a minimum of 70 correct answers to pass. Students have an opportunity to review the results and if not successful, work with the instructor on preparing to retake the examination at a later date. The success rate has been very high although not all students pass on their first try. If a student is not successful, he or she must register again for the examination. Once a student has successfully completed the examination, notice is provided for the student to submit to the appropriate credentialing authorities. Please do not register until you believe you have a reasonable change of success.
Students are required to bring a Scantron sheet available at the College bookstore as well as a number 2 pencil. Examinations will be scored immediately. Also, please bring photo identification to the examination site.
A Certificate of Completion will be provided upon passing of the exam.
If there are any questions or concerns, please e-mail Dr. Ranish at dranish@avc.edu.
Fee: $185
About the Instructor
Dr. Donald R. Ranish is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Antelope Valley College. He has taught courses in American politics, judicial process and legal systems and criminal justice for more than thirty-five years. Dr. Ranish was also the director of the administration of justice program for six years. He has published two books as well as some 100 professional articles and papers. He has lectured and presented papers at conferences in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand on American government, public opinion, comparative judicial systems, constitutional law and victimology. He has presented papers at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the American Society of Criminology, the American Sociological Association, the Society for the Study of Social Problems and the World Society of Victimology and numerous political science meetings. He is a Fulbright Scholar and taught at the School of Law of Kyung Hee University as well as the Graduate Institute of International Relations in Seoul, Korea. He was also a summer fellow at the United Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. where he worked on issues of conflict resolution and consensus building. Dr. Ranish has managed the United States Constitution examination program for almost twenty years. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
