Civic Literacy Workshop 1: U.S. Constitution and Founding of the Country

Introduction

• Presenter: Jennifer Biebergau, Associate Dean for Retention and Academic Support at FAU
• Purpose: Prepare students for the Civic Literacy exam, a graduation requirement
• Focus: U.S. Constitution, history, and government

Workshop Outline

1. Civic Literacy Requirement
2. Basics of U.S. History
   • Colonists' arrival and reasons for coming
   • Declaration of Independence
   • Constitution and Amendments
3. Government Structures and Concepts
   • Three branches of government
   • Federalism and separation of powers
4. Review and Practice Tests
5. Information on Future Workshops

Civic Literacy Requirement

• Established: 2018 by Florida legislature
• Requirement: Demonstrate proficiency in civic literacy
  • Options: Complete specific courses, pass AP tests, or take the Civic Literacy exam
• Exam Details:
  • 100 multiple-choice questions
  • 60% required to pass
  • No penalty for guessing
  • Free and retakeable at no cost

Basics of U.S. History

Colonists' Arrival

• Reasons:
  • Religious freedom
  • Escape persecution
  • Economic opportunities

Declaration of Independence

• Date: July 4, 1776
• Main Author: Thomas Jefferson
• Key Concepts:
  • All men are created equal
  • Unalienable rights: life, liberty, pursuit of happiness

Articles of Confederation

• Early form of government, weak central power

U.S. Constitution

• Ratified: 1789
• Features:
  • Establishes a representative democracy
  • Federalism: balance between state and federal powers
  • Supreme Law of the Land

Bill of Rights

• First 10 amendments ratified in 1791
• Protects individual liberties

Key Amendments

• 1st Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition
• 2nd Amendment: Right to bear arms
• 3rd Amendment: No quartering of soldiers
• 4th Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches
• 5th Amendment: Due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination
• 6th Amendment: Right to a fair, speedy trial
• 13th Amendment: Abolishes slavery
• 14th Amendment: Citizenship, due process, equal protection
• 15th Amendment: Voting rights regardless of race
• 19th Amendment: Women's right to vote
• 26th Amendment: Lowers voting age to 18

Government Structure

Three Branches

1. Executive: President, enforces laws
2. Legislative: Congress, makes laws
3. Judicial: Supreme Court, interprets laws

Checks and Balances

• Designed to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power

Practice and Testing

• Test Signup: Through FAU Office of Testing
• ID Required: Bring valid identification
• Testing Environment: Strict rules on attire and items allowed

Conclusion

• Emphasis on understanding key concepts for the Civic Literacy test
• Encouragement to attend future workshops and prepare for the exam

This workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the foundations of American government and history, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution and its amendments.