Maricopa Community Colleges  POS099   19986-99999 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 04/28/98
POS099 19986-99999 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
United States Citizenship Preparation
Introduction to American history, constitution, and political institutions as required for the Naturalization (admission to US citizenship) exam. Prerequisites: None.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
POS099   19986-99999 United States Citizenship Preparation
1. Describe in terms appropriate for the Naturalization Exam the early political history of the United States including key individuals who contributed to the creation of the nation. (I)
2. Describe in terms appropriate for the Naturalization Exam the basic structure of American democracy including federal and state powers as provided by the United States Constitution. (II, III)
3. Describe in terms appropriate for the Naturalization Exam the basic principle of American Government: republican vs. democratic government, federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. (II, III)
4. Explain in terms appropriate for the Naturalization Exam individual rights and responsibilities described in the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution. (II-VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
POS099   19986-99999 United States Citizenship Preparation
    I. Political History of the United States Constitution
        A. Historical background of the United States Constitution
        B. American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
        C. Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention
      II. United States Constitution
          A. Republican vs. democratic government
          B. Federalism: state and local governments
          C. Separation of powers
          D. Checks and balances
        III. US Government Principles and Structure
            A. Article I - Legislative Power
            B. Article II - Executive Power
            C. Article III - Supreme Court and the Constitution
            D. Article IV - Relations Among the States
            E. Article V - Amendment Procedure
            F. Articles VI and VII - National Supremacy and Ratification
          IV. Bill of Rights - First Ten Amendments
              A. Civil liberties
              B. Other rights
            V. Civil Rights
                A. Civil War amendments (Amendments 13-15)
                B. The right to equal treatment
              VI. Other Amendments to the Constitution
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