Eleanor Finch
The GED, or General Educational Development test, is a high school equivalency diploma that allows individuals who did not graduate high school to enroll in college and apply for better jobs. In the state of Illinois, candidates looking to obtain a high school diploma are required to take and pass the Illinois Constitution test in addition to the GED. This requirement was suspended between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, due to the COVID pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma |
| Requirements | Passing the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, also known as the "Constitution Test" |
| Applicable Exams | GED, HiSET, or TASC |
| Legal Basis | Illinois Compiled Statutes – School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-3) |
| Cost | Free |
| Timing | Can be taken at any time, preferably after at least one section of the GED |
| Registration | www.ilconstitution.org |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois State Constitution Requirement
In Illinois, GED® test takers are required to complete an Illinois Constitution Module in addition to their GED® exam. The module is available at the ICCB website. The Illinois Constitution Module is a new online module that students can take independently and does not require proctoring at a testing center. It is estimated to take two hours to complete.
The State of Illinois requires test takers to take a Constitution Test before receiving their High School Diploma. The Constitution test is a 60-question multiple-choice test (with a passing score of 36) covering the U.S. Constitution, Illinois Constitution, U.S. Flag, and Declaration of Independence. The test can be taken online at ilconstitution.org. There is no fee to take the Constitution Test, and it may be taken at any time. It is recommended that you take the Constitution Test after taking at least one section of the GED.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a suspension of the Constitution Test requirement between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. Anyone who completed and passed their GED based on the State of Illinois requirements during this period will be issued an Illinois High School Diploma without needing to complete the Constitution requirement.
To take the GED test in Illinois, you must be a resident of the state for 30 days or more and will be required to prove residency on the day of your exam. You must also be 18 years old to take the test. However, 17-year-olds can take the test if they provide a withdrawal letter from their last school, and 16-year-olds are eligible if they are enrolled in a Regional Safe Schools Program, an Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, or the Lincoln's Challenge Academy.
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Legislative branch
The Legislative Branch is outlined in Article I of the US Constitution. It is one of three branches of government, alongside the Executive and Judicial branches. The Legislative Branch consists of Congress, which is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This two-house legislature was established by the Constitutional Convention.
Congress has the power to make laws, and these laws can be vetoed by the president. However, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority. Congress's power to regulate commerce has been contested in several Supreme Court cases, including United States v. Lopez, United States v. Morrison, Gonzales v. Raich, and NFIB v. Wickard v. Filburn (1942) dealt with Congress's authority.
The GED Constitution Test assesses knowledge of the Legislative Branch and other aspects of the US government and its history. The test covers the structure and function of the Legislative Branch, including the process of how a bill becomes a law. Test-takers must also demonstrate knowledge of the primary documents that underpin the US system of government, such as the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.
Some states, such as Illinois and Arizona, require GED test-takers to pass the United States and state constitution tests. In Illinois, this is called the United States and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, and it assesses knowledge of American patriotism and the principles and organisation of representative government.
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Executive branch
The Executive Branch is outlined in Article II of the US Constitution. The Executive Branch is comprised of the President, Vice President, and Cabinet.
The role and powers of the President are central to the Executive Branch. The President is directly elected by the people. Signed, written, and published directives by the President are known as executive orders, which tell executive branch officials what to do. The President's powers are at their greatest when acting in accordance with the will of the people. The Supreme Court has ruled that executive orders must be supported by a specific clause in the Constitution granting that power to the President, or by an Act of Congress delegating that power.
The role of the Electoral College in electing the President is also important. In modern times, there is debate about whether to keep or eliminate the Electoral College. If no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College, the matter is decided by other means. To win a presidential election, a candidate must receive a certain number of electoral votes.
The Constitution Test covers knowledge of the Executive Branch and its role, as well as the powers of the President. Test-takers should be familiar with the primary documents, such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, as well as the functions and roles of various elected officials.
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Judicial branch
The GED, or General Educational Development test, is a set of exams that, when passed, certify that an individual has met high-school level academic skills. The GED Constitution Test is likely to refer to the Social Studies component of the GED, which covers topics relating to the US government and civics.
The Judicial Branch is one of three branches of the US government, along with the Executive and Legislative Branches. The Judicial Branch is made up of the US court system, with the US Supreme Court at its apex. This branch interprets laws, ensures that laws are applied fairly, and decides if a law breaks the rules of the US Constitution.
The US Constitution outlines the role and powers of the Judicial Branch. The Judicial Branch has the power to review and try cases, interpret laws, and punish those who break the law. It also has the power to overturn laws that it deems unconstitutional. This power of judicial review was established by the Supreme Court in 1803 in the case of Marbury v. Madison.
The structure of the federal court system is also outlined by the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the only court established by the Constitution, with all other federal courts created by Congress. There are 94 federal judicial districts across the US, each with a district court. There are also three levels of appeals courts, with the Supreme Court at the top.
The Judicial Branch plays a crucial role in the US system of checks and balances. It can limit the powers of the Executive and Legislative Branches by declaring their actions unconstitutional. The system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
The GED Social Studies test may also cover the role of state courts, which deal with the majority of legal cases in the US. These courts apply state laws and the US Constitution to legal disputes.
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Amending the constitution
The General Educational Development (GED) test is an alternative path to a high school diploma. It allows individuals who haven't graduated from high school to obtain an equivalent qualification, enabling them to pursue college education and apply for better jobs. Now, let's focus on the topic of amending the US Constitution.
The authority to amend the Constitution stems from Article V of the document. There are two ways to propose an amendment: firstly, through a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or secondly, by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Notably, all 27 amendments have been proposed by Congress, and no amendment has yet been proposed through a constitutional convention.
Once an amendment is proposed by Congress, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50) to become part of the Constitution. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), specifically the Office of the Federal Register (OFR), plays a crucial role in this process. The OFR adds legislative history notes, publishes the proposed amendment, and assembles information packages for the states. Once the OFR verifies the required number of authenticated ratification documents, it drafts a formal proclamation for the Archivist to certify the amendment's validity.
The certification process has become a ceremonial event witnessed by dignitaries, including, on some occasions, the President. While the President does not have a constitutional role in the amendment process, their presence underscores the significance of the occasion. The certification is then published in the Federal Register and U.S. Statutes at Large, serving as official notice that the amendment process is complete.
In summary, amending the US Constitution is deliberately challenging, requiring supermajority support in Congress and ratification by a significant majority of states. This process ensures that amendments are reserved for significant changes that impact all Americans or secure the rights of citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The GED is a high school equivalency diploma that allows individuals who did not graduate from high school to enroll in college and apply for better jobs.
The GED Constitution Test consists of the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, also known as the "Constitution Test". The test covers topics such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, the supreme law of the land, ratification, and the first ten amendments.
To take the GED Constitution Test, individuals must meet the requirements for the GED test itself. They cannot be a high school student and must have either a diploma or an equivalency. Additionally, specific to the Constitution Test, individuals must have completed at least one section of the GED.
You can register for the GED Constitution Test at www.ilconstitution.org. There is no fee to take the test, and it can be taken at any time.
If you do not pass the GED Constitution Test, you can still be issued a State of Illinois High School Diploma. Due to COVID-19, there was a suspension of the Constitution Test requirement between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. During this period, individuals who completed and passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam are still eligible for the diploma without needing to complete the Constitution Test.
