Omar Bennett
To graduate from a Missouri public school, students are required to take and pass a Missouri Constitution Test. This test is mandated by state statute and required for all students graduating from a Missouri public or charter school. The test is locally created and administered, and it covers various aspects of the Missouri Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, the distribution of powers, the legislative and executive branches, and the judicial system. The test is designed to assess students' knowledge of the structure and function of Missouri's government and its unique provisions. It is presented in a multiple-choice format, with questions covering a range of topics related to the state's constitution and its historical context.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Test Type | Multiple choice |
| Number of Constitutions in Missouri | 1 |
| Year Missouri Became a State | 1821 |
| Capitol of Missouri | Jefferson City |
| Number of Counties in Missouri | 114 |
| Number of Representatives Sent to Congress from Missouri | 8 |
| Maximum Number of Terms the Governor of Missouri May Serve | 2 |
| Current Missouri Constitution Adopted in | 1945 |
| Local Law Called | An Ordinance |
| Reserved Power | Power for the State |
| Similarity Between Federal Government and Missouri's Government | They both have 3 branches |
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What You'll Learn
Missouri Constitution test requirements
To graduate from a Missouri public school, students need to take and pass a US Constitution Test, a Missouri Constitution Test, and a Missouri Civics Initiative Test. These tests are mandated by state statute and required for all students graduating from a Missouri public or charter school. The Missouri Constitution Test is a multiple-choice exam that covers a range of topics related to the state's constitution and government.
One of the key requirements of the Missouri Constitution Test is knowledge of the different branches of government established by the state constitution. These include the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch, which consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and Municipal Courts. Students should also be familiar with the articles of the Missouri Constitution, such as the Bill of Rights, the Distribution of Powers, and the Amending Process.
The test also covers the structure and functions of Missouri's government, including the roles of the governor, state senators, and representatives. For example, students may be asked about the term limits for different positions, the requirements to hold office, and the powers granted to each branch of government. This includes understanding the governor's power to veto state bills and call special sessions of the General Assembly.
Additionally, the Missouri Constitution Test may include questions on Missouri's history, geography, and local laws. Students might be asked about the year Missouri became a state, the capital of Missouri, the number of counties in the state, or the process for proposing a state amendment. The test may also cover the similarities and differences between the Missouri government and the Federal Government, including the number of Supreme Court justices in each system.
Overall, the Missouri Constitution Test is designed to assess students' understanding of the state's constitution, government, and history. By covering a range of topics through multiple-choice questions, the test helps ensure that students graduating from Missouri public schools have a well-rounded knowledge of the state's foundational documents and the functions of its government.
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Missouri's Judicial Branch
The Missouri Constitution Test is indeed a multiple-choice test. One of the topics covered in the test is Missouri's Judicial Branch, which I will outline below.
The Judicial Branch of Missouri consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and Municipal Courts. The Missouri Supreme Court, located in Jefferson City, is the highest court in the state and serves as the final arbiter of disputes involving the state's constitution and laws. It ensures a stable and predictable system of justice. The Supreme Court hears cases related to criminal law, civil law, and the US and Missouri constitutions.
The Circuit Courts in Missouri have a municipal division with original jurisdiction to hear and determine municipal ordinance violations. The Missouri State Public Defender provides legal representation to all indigent citizens at the State Trial Court level, which is part of the Circuit Court system.
The Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) provides administrative support to the Missouri state court system. The Crime Victim Services Unit (CVSU) is another important component of the judicial system, providing guidance and support to crime victims and communities.
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The Bill of Rights
The Missouri Constitution Test is indeed a multiple-choice exam, and while taking the test, students are presented with a selection of possible answers for each question, from which they must choose the correct one. Now, here is some detailed information about The Bill of Rights in relation to the Missouri Constitution.
The Missouri Constitution also has its own Bill of Rights, which is outlined in Article I, consisting of 30 sections. This Bill of Rights is tailored to the specific needs and concerns of Missouri citizens, while also reflecting the principles enshrined in the US Bill of Rights. It guarantees rights such as freedom of religion, speech, and the press, as well as the right to keep and bear arms, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
One key difference between the US Bill of Rights and Missouri's Bill of Rights is that the latter often provides more expansive protections. For instance, while the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, Missouri's Bill of Rights goes further by explicitly guaranteeing the right to privacy and requiring warrants for electronic surveillance.
The Missouri Constitution's Bill of Rights also includes unique provisions that reflect the state's history and values. It guarantees the right to educate children and establishes a system of free public schools. Additionally, it prohibits the granting of privileges or immunities based on ancestry, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally regardless of their background.
In conclusion, the Bill of Rights, both at the federal and state level, serves as a cornerstone of individual liberties, ensuring that the government respects and upholds the rights of its citizens. The Missouri Constitution's Bill of Rights demonstrates how states can expand upon the protections offered by the US Constitution to meet the unique needs of their citizens.
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Missouri's Legislative Branch
Missouri's state government is organised into three branches: the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Executive Branch. The Missouri General Assembly is the state legislature and is made up of the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. The Missouri House of Representatives has 163 members, while the Missouri Senate has 34 members. Each senator is limited to two four-year terms, while representatives are limited to four two-year terms.
The Missouri General Assembly meets at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The Assembly must convene on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January following the state general election and adjourns on May 30, with no consideration of bills after 6:00 pm. Elections are conducted using first-past-the-post voting in single-member districts of roughly equal population. Polling from Saint Louis University showed that the General Assembly enjoyed a 45% approval rating in 2024, which was considered relatively high compared to other government institutions.
As a part-time legislature, compensation is low, and most senators and representatives hold jobs outside their legislative duties. Members of both houses of the General Assembly are subject to term limits. Neither the House nor the Senate, without the consent of the other chamber, can adjourn for more than ten days at any one time, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses may be sitting. Missouri elects 8 out of a total of 435 members to the United States House of Representatives.
The LegiScan legislative dashboard for Missouri provides tracking details on recent legislation, popular bills, sponsors, and committees, with weekly downloadable snapshots of session data.
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Missouri's Executive Branch
The Cabinet of the governor of Missouri is a body of the most senior appointed officials of the executive branch. The governor appoints Cabinet officers, subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. Once confirmed, all members of the Cabinet receive the title "Secretary" and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The Cabinet is responsible for advising the governor on the operations and policies of the State government. The current Cabinet is serving under Governor Mike Kehoe and consists of 16 departments each headed by an official appointed by the Governor.
The following state executive offices were up for election in Missouri in 2020: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer.
Some notable members of Missouri's executive branch include:
- Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who was re-elected in November 2020 and assumed office in January 2019.
- Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who succeeded Gov. Mike Parson as second-in-command of Missouri in June 2018 and was elected to a full term in November 2020.
- Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who assumed office prior to becoming Missouri's 40th secretary of state.
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Donald Kauerauf, who assumed his role in September 2021 after a lengthy tenure with the Illinois health department.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Missouri Constitution Test is a multiple-choice test.
Students in Missouri public schools are required to take the test to graduate.
The test covers the Missouri Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, the Judicial Branch, and the Legislative Branch.
The number of questions on the test is not specified, but each multiple-choice question is worth 1 point.
There is no information on what the passing grade is, but students can retake the test as many times as they need to.
