Constitution Test

Each student must pass an examination on the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use of the American flag. A student may meet this requirement by successful completion of Political Science 105 (American Government and Politics) or pass the Illinois State University Constitution Examination. On November 8, 2000, the Academic Senate passed an amendment to the Constitution graduation requirement which states that students who are following the General Education Program instituted in 1998 may also use any course in the Middle Core: Individuals and Civic Life group (CJS 102, PHI 104, POS 101, POS 106) to meet the requirement.

The Constitution exam is offered Monday-Friday. Students should call University College Testing Services, (309) 438-2100, to schedule an appointment. Once the exam has been taken, a $3.50 fee will be charged to the student's account. 

In order to be admitted to the testing room you will need to present a picture I.D. such as your Illinois State student I.D. or driver's license.

The Constitution Exam may only be taken once per day.

Test Structure

There are 60 questions on the test: 35 on the U.S. Constitution and 25 on the Illinois Constitution. A passing score for each of the two parts of the test is required. Minimum scores are "21" for the U.S. section and "15" for the Illinois section. Students who do not attain the minimum score for one of the sections may retest only on that section.

Study Materials

On the links below, students will be able to:

• Find out general information about the exam.
• Get general advice for passing the exam.
• Link to sites to read the text of the U.S. Constitution.
• Link to a site to get a brief explanation of the U.S. Constitution.
• Link to sites to read the text of the Illinois Constitution.
• Take a practice exam

General information about the Illinois State University Constitution Exam

General advice about passing the Illinois State University Constitution Exam

Download a practice exam for the Illinois State University Constitution Exam

The purpose of the links below is to provide additional study material for the Constitution exam. These links may contain other information not relevant to Illinois State University students.

The links below provide additional information about the U.S. Constitution:

• U.S. Constitution Study Guide
• The National Archives
• National Constution Center
• Ben Franklin's Guide to the U.S. Government

To get a brief explanation of the U.S. Constitution plus amendments click on:

• The U.S. Constitution Explained

The links below provide additional information about the Illinois Constitution:

• Illinois Constitution Study Guide
• Illinois Constitution Webquest

There is also a short textbook, The Meaning of the Constitution, on reserve at Milner Library. This book may be helpful in preparing for the U.S. Constitution exam.

If you need a special accommodation to fully participate in this test administration, please contact University College Testing Services at (309) 438-2100.  Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.