MCCCD Program Description

U.S. and Arizona Constitution

Course: POS220

First Term: 2025 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Examination of the constitutions of the United States and the state of Arizona.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain how our current constitution was designed to remedy the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation. (I) 2. Explain the Founders` application of the principles of federalism, separation of power, republicanism and constitutional protections of civil liberties. (I) 3. Explain the importance of the bicameral organization of Congress. (I) 4. Identify the powers and limitations granted to Congress in Article I. (I) 5. Discuss the election processes outlined in the constitution, including the electoral college. (I) 6. Identify the powers and limitations granted to the President in Article II. (I) 7. Explain the importance of Marbury vs. Madison and the constitutional role of the courts. (I) 8. Identify the powers and limitations granted to the courts in Article III. (I) 9. Identify the checks and balances between the three branches of government. (I) 10. Explain the procedures for amending the Constitution. (I) 11. Explain how the Bill of Rights was adopted into the constitution. (II) 12. Discuss the civil liberties and civil rights protected by the constitution. (II) 13. Discuss Arizona`s major historical periods from Pre-Columbian to early statehood. (III) 14. Compare and contrast the Arizona and U.S. constitutions. (III) 15. Compare and contrast the three branches of the Arizona and US governments. (III) 16. Describe the elements of direct democracy in the Arizona constitution, including initiative and recall. (III) 17. Discuss how a bill becomes a law in Arizona. (III) 18. Explain the organization and powers of county, municipal, and tribal governments. (III)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The U.S. Constitution A. The Revolutionary War and the Articles of Confederation B. Founding Principles 1. Republicanism 2. Federalism 3. Separation of power 4. Checks & balances C. The Congress 1. Bicameralism 2. The powers and limitations of Congress D. The Presidency 1. The powers of the President 2. Electing the President and the Electoral College E. The Courts 1. Judicial review and Marbury vs Madison 2. Judicial appointment and the power of the Courts F. Amending the Constitution II. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights A. The Bill of Rights 1. Freedom of speech 2. Freedom of religion 3. Procedural liberties B. Civil Rights 1. The 14th Amendment 2. Affirmative action III. The Arizona Constitution A. History of Arizona 1. Pre-Colombian to Territorial status 2. Statehood B. The Arizona Constitution and the US Constitution 1. The plural executive branch 2. Term limits C. The Three Branches of Government in Arizona 1. The state legislature 2. The governor 3. The courts D. Direct Democracy in Arizona 1. Initiative 2. Referendum 3. Recall E. How a Bill becomes a Law in Arizona F. Local Government in Arizona 1. Counties 2. Municipalities 3. School districts 4. Tribal governments

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 25, 2025

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.