Civic Literacy Exam Preparation Workshop

Introduction

• Presenter: Jennifer Bieber Gal, Associate Dean, Center for Teaching and Learning, Florida Atlantic University
• Workshop Series: Third and final in the civic literacy exam preparation series
• Objective: Review and practice for the civic literacy exam

Workshop Agenda

1. Take individual practice test
2. Answer discussion questions
3. Discuss test results and questions
4. Review resources for additional practice

Civic Literacy Requirement

• State Requirement: All students graduating with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Florida must fulfill this requirement.
• Completion: Prior to graduation; no grade, just a completion checkmark.

Ways to Fulfill Requirement

• Courses: POS 2041 (Government of the US) or AMH 2020 (US History since 1877)
  • Must have been taken after Fall 2018 in Florida
• Exams: AP US History or AP Government with appropriate scores, CLEP exam

Civic Literacy Test Details

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Location: On-campus at Florida Atlantic University
• Scheduling: Monday-Friday, typically at 9 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, or 2 PM
• Duration: 2 hours, but most finish sooner
• Scoring: Pass with 60% (60/100 questions correct)

Practice Test Review

• Number of Questions: 48
• Sample Questions and Answers:
  • US Constitution: Does not define state powers
  • First Amendment: Does not grant the right to vote
  • Amendments: Currently 27
  • Declaration of Independence: Rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
  • Economic System: Capitalism
  • Rule of Law: No one is above the law
  • Federal Lawmaking: Legislative branch
  • Senate Term: 6 years
  • House of Representatives: 435 members
  • Commander-in-Chief: President
  • Supreme Court: Current Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.

Important Supreme Court Cases

• Judicial Review: Marbury vs. Madison
• Desegregation: Brown vs. Board of Education
• Free Speech in Schools: Tinker vs. Des Moines
• Miranda Rights: Miranda vs. Arizona
• Abortion Rights: Roe vs. Wade

Additional Resources

• Practice Tools: Quizlet, Kahoot
• Test Registration:
  • Visit FAU Testing
  • Select exam date and time

Discussion Questions

1. Bills in House of Representatives: Reflects voice of the people
2. Checks and Balances: Required for bill passage and judiciary appointments
3. Senators: 2 per state, 6-year term
4. House of Representatives: Varied representation based on state population
5. US Citizens' Rights: Voting, running for office, serving on jury
6. State Powers: Education, safety, licensure, etc.

Landmark Concepts

• Federalism: Shared state and federal powers
• Consent of the Governed: Authority from the people
• Eminent Domain: Government can take private property with compensation
• Supremacy Clause: Federal laws supersede state laws

Conclusion

• Final Tips: Relax, practice, and review resources
• Feedback Request: Contact via email at [email protected]
• Encouragement: Confidence in passing the civic literacy test

These notes serve as a comprehensive summary and study guide for anyone preparing for the civic literacy exam. They encapsulate the key points and resources discussed during the workshop, emphasizing the importance of understanding civic concepts and being prepared for the test.