4 Studying for the FCLE
Lisa Taylor
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
In this chapter you will learn:
- Resources to address each of the four competencies required to pass the FCLE
- How to access those resources
Chapter Content
Now that you’ve taken the practice test (Chapter 2), scored it (Chapter 3), and have a good idea of which competencies you should study, we have suggestions for materials and websites that will help you prepare. Schedule your exam and set a timeline to study. Consider forming a study group and meeting at the Library and Learning Commons where you will have access to print materials and in-person assistance.
Remember, although it’s called the Florida Civic Literacy Exam, it does not cover Florida history or government except in cases where it has an impact on the whole country, e.g., Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), in which the Supreme Court reaffirmed a Florida man’s claim to his Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel, setting a precedent for the entire country.
Competency One: Understanding of the basic principles and practices of American democracy
and how they are applied in our republican form of government
Suggested sources:
- The Handy American Government Answer Book : How Washington, politics, and elections work – a book in print or online “A practical, accessible, engaging, and comprehensive guide to how American democracy works…” (requires FSCJ student access)
- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services Civics Practice Test – this 2008 test is still in use by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is an excellent introduction to the basics of our democracy; the site also has flash cards (available to anyone)
- American Government, Second Edition – an open source book that “explores the role of government, politics, and policy in American lives” (available to anyone)
Competency Two: Understanding of the United States Constitution and its application
Suggested sources:
- The U.S. Constitution – a short 2-minute video about the history of the Constitution from the Films on Demand database (requires FSCJ student access)
- The Constitution of the United States – a webpage of The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (available to anyone)
Competency Three: Knowledge of the founding documents and how they have shaped the
nature and functions of our institutions of self-government
Suggested sources:
- U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation Guide – Skill Surfer (brainfuse.com) – a collection of materials on US Citizenship from the Brainfuse platform under Academic Tools, SkillSurfer (requires FSCJ student access)
- Origins of American Government – a playlist of short videos from FSCJ’s Bloomsbury American Government database (requires FSCJ student access)
- America’s Founding Documents – a webpage of The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, which highlights and explains three of our founding documents (available to anyone)
Competency Four: Understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases, landmark legislation,
and landmark executive actions and their impact on law and society
Suggested sources:
- Supreme Court Landmarks – a webpage of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts that highlights some of the landmark decisions of the United States Supreme Court (available to anyone)
- The Supreme Court: 20 Cases That Changed America – an online book by Tony Mauro (requires FSCJ student access)
- The Supreme Court in Action – a playlist of short videos from FSCJ’s Bloomsbury American Government database (requires FSCJ student access)
- The Presidency in Action – a playlist of short videos from FSCJ’s Bloomsbury American Government database (requires FSCJ student access)
- 10 of the Most Consequential Executive Orders and Proclamations in Presidential History – a History Channel webpage authored by Dave Roos (available to anyone)
Crash Course U.S. Government and Politics – a video series produced by PBS Digital Studios
This video series covers all of the competencies on the FCLE. If you learn well using YouTube videos, this is an excellent place to start.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Some points to remember
- Consider studying with a partner or group
- Choose the type of study resources that best suit your learning style, e.g., videos, flashcards, print materials
- Use credible and reliable resources; verify with the SIFT method if you’re unsure
- Try not to worry—a passing score is 60% or 48/80 questions
