1. Brief history prior to the drafting of the Constitution (American Revolution, Articles of Confederation, Compromises in Philadelphia, Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact)
2. Basic structure of the U.S. Constitution (Preamble, Articles of Government, Amendments Bill of Rights)
3. Doctrines in the Constitution (Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Enumerated vs. Implied Powers)
- Recent Issues and Court Decisions of Each Article
- Election of a President (Electoral College)
- War Powers Act
- Judicial Review and Structure of Federal Court System
- Full Faith and Credit Clause & Privileges and Immunities
- Amending the Constitution (Recent Proposals, i.e., ERA and Balanced Budget Amendment)
- Supremacy Clause
4. Bill of Rights - Be familiar with various scenarios that could correspond with the right delineated in the following amendments in the Bill of Rights
- 1st Amendment-Expression Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause
- 4th Amendment-Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
- 5th Amendment- Due Process, Withholding self-testimony, Double jeopardy and punishment
- 6th Amendment- Rights in Court/Trial
- 8th Amendment- Cruel and Unusual Punishment, Right to Bail.