Study Guide
Test Design and Test Objectives
Field 33: Constitutions of the United States and Arizona
Test Overview
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT) and online-proctored test |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 selected-response questions |
| Time | 2 hours and 30 minutes (does not include 15-minute tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 240 |
Test Objectives
| Subareas | Range of Objectives | Approximate Test Proportions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | U.S. Constitution | 01–03 | 60% |
| II | Arizona Constitution | 04–06 | 40% |
| Total Proportion | 100% | ||
Subarea I–U.S. Constitution
Objective 0001: Understand major constitutional principles as defined in the preamble and in the articles of the U.S. Constitution.
For example:- the structure, functions, and powers of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government
- relationships among the three branches
- major steps in the legislative process
- major principles and procedures of the election process
- terms and qualifications of U.S. senators, representatives, and the president
- the relationship between the states and the federal government
- the “supremacy clause” of the Constitution
- procedures for amending the Constitution
Objective 0002: Understand the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
For example:- the five civil liberties of the First Amendment
- historical and political context of the Bill of Rights
- ways in which the Bill of Rights limits the power of government
- due process protections
- amendments that have expanded popular participation in government, including that of historically excluded groups
- civil rights issues and election procedures
- amendments related to state lawsuits, taxation, and governmental organization
Objective 0003: Understand ways in which the U.S. Constitution has been defined through interpretation.
For example:- landmark Supreme Court decisions regarding the Bill of Rights and civil rights issues, governmental powers, and the rights of teachers and students
Subarea II–Arizona Constitution
Objective 0004: Understand the principles of the Arizona Declaration of Rights and direct democracy.
For example:- the historical and political context of the Arizona Declaration of Rights
- basic civil liberties and due process protections
- limitations on the powers of state government
- provisions related to suffrage and direct democracy (initiative, referendum, recall)
- the role of the Progressive movement in the development of the Arizona Constitution
- the procedures for amending the Arizona Constitution
Objective 0005: Understand the structure, functions, powers, and limitations of the three branches of Arizona government.
For example:- the structure, functions, and powers of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of state government
- terms and qualifications for state legislators, members of executive departments, and judges
- major steps in the legislative process
- relationships among the three branches
- the jurisdiction of Arizona courts
- procedures for electing, removing, and replacing members of government
- the relationship between sovereign tribal governments and the state government
Objective 0006: Understand other provisions of the Arizona Constitution.
For example:- provisions regarding interrelationships of state and local (municipal, county, special districts) governments
- provisions regarding education, including the structure of the Arizona public school system and the education of all pupils, including exceptional students
- provisions regarding revenues and taxation
- various other provisions of the Arizona Constitution (e.g., regarding corporations, labor, militia, English language)