REVIEW GUIDE

THE TAFT BAR EXAM

Everything there is to know about the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

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It's time to start reviewing for the Taft Bar Exam on Thursday, Rocktober 14.  Use this site as a guide. 

The Structure of the Constitution and The Preamble-yellow notes The Seven Principles of the Constitution - gold homework Federalism - gold notes The Legislative Branch - red Constitution homework and notes The Executive Branch - blue Constitution homework and notes The Judicial Branch - yellow Constitution homework and notes Constitution Review I - fun and easy homework The Federal Lawmaking Process - cartoons and  notes from class presentation    The Bill of Rights - readings, class notes, activity from web The Bill of Rights and School - class activity The Amendment Process / Checks and Balances -  completed orange handout The Constitution Today - scrapbook The Role of the Citizen - homework

Structure of the Constitution - What is a constitution? Why do we like constitutions? What is THE Constitution? You should know the basic outline of the Constitution. What are the goals listed in the Preamble?

Basic Principles of the Constitution - Be able to identify, define, and apply all 7.

Federalism - How is power divided between the national government and the state and local governments? Exclusive, reserved, and concurrent powers - what are they? Be able to give examples of each! Why is federalism a successful system in the US?　 Why does it make sense?

The Legislative Branch - Where is it established? Be able to compare and contrast both houses (Senate and House of Reps.) What are definitions and examples of the delegated or enumerated, implied, and nonlegislative powers of Congress? How is Congress organized?

The Executive Branch - Where is it established? What are the qualifications, duties, roles and powers for the President? What do the Vice President and Cabinet do? What else makes up the Executive Branch?

The Judicial Branch - Where is it established? What is the jurisdiction of federal courts? What do District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court do? What is judicial review?　 How can a Supreme Court decision be changed? How does the Supreme Court make a decision?

How does a bill become a law? – What are the basic steps of the legislative process? Why are committees important?　 What can the President do in the process? Where does the judicial branch fit in? What are the positives and negatives of the process? How is it an example of checks and balances?

Checks and Balances - Be able to give specific examples of legislative, executive, and judicial checks on each branch of government - it's guaranteed to be on the test.

The Amendment Process – How does it work? How is a constitutional amendment different than a federal law? Why is the amendment process so important?　

The Bill of Rights - What is the Bill of Rights?　 Why do we have a Bill of Rights?　　 What are the "Five Freedoms" in the First Amendment?　 What other rights and protections do Americans have? Where does the 14th Amendment fit in? How are our rights protected?　 How are our rights limited?　

The Bill of Rights in School - Why does the Bill of Rights apply to public schools?　 What has to be balanced in public schools?　 How does the Bill of Rights affect students in public schools?　

The Constitution Today - What are some examples of constitutional issues in the news today? You should be able to apply the Constitution to specific situations.

Citizenship - What are the duties and responsibilities of a model citizen?

Reviewcasts - Reviewcast 1 - Structure and Basic Principles / Reviewcast 2 - The Three Branches / Reviewcast 3 - Lawmaking, Amendments, Checks and Balances / Reviewcast 4 - The Bill of Rights.