Competency Two:

Understanding of the United States Constitution and its application

Students should be able to identify the articles, amendments, and structures of the United States Constitution. This includes the principles of the Constitution and how they apply to various aspects of government and life. Click the hyperlinks for relevant CPALMS or support references where applicable.

Which aspects of the United States Constitution should students be familiar with?

1. Articles
   1. What each Article of the United States Constitution contains
      1. Article I: The Legislative Branch
      2. Article II: The Executive Branch
      3. Article III: The Judicial Branch
         1. Federal Courts
      4. Students should also be familiar with the general content of Articles IV-VII
         1. Article IV: The Full Faith and Credit Clause and the admittance of new states
         2. Article V: The Amendment Process
         3. Article VI: The Supremacy Clause
         4. Article VII: Ratification
   2. Expressed/Enumerated/Delegated and Implied Powers
2. Amendments and Selective Incorporation
   1. The Amendment Process
   2. Bill of Rights and later amendments
      1. Identify the Rights in the Bill of Rights and Later Amendments
      2. How the Constitution Safeguards and Limits Individual Rights
      3. Reserved Powers in the 10th Amendment
   3. How amendments have impacted civic participation over time and/or changed government and society
      1. How the Constitution Safeguards and Limits Individual Rights
      2. Constitutional Provisions that Impact Citizenship
      3. Factors that Contribute to Voter Turnout
   4. How the amendments apply to the federal government and the state governments
      1. How the Constitution Safeguards and Limits Individual Rights
      2. Federalism and Selective Incorporation
3. Federalists vs Anti-Federalists
   1. Arguments in Favor of and Against Ratification of the United States Constitution
      1. A bill of rights as a necessary addition for ratification
4. Clauses of the United States Constitution
   1. Knowing the significant clauses of the Constitution and how have they been interpreted and applied over time
      1. Including Supremacy Clause; Full Faith and Credit Clause; Commerce Clause; Emoluments Clause; Due Process Clause; Equal Protection Clause; Necessary and Proper/Elastic Clause; First Amendment Clauses