IEOC U.S. Government Content Coverage
Interactive released items
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released items
The Iowa End-of-Course assessments are designed to assess student knowledge and
skills in a variety of subject areas. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice items
and is designed to be administered during a single class period. The test items,
which are aligned to the Iowa Core Curriculum, reflect educator input and a rigorous
quality-control process to ensure appropriateness, content accuracy, and clarity.
A summary of the content covered within the U.S. Government test is presented below.
Foundations of U.S. Government
Topics may include philosophical foundations, values, and consequences of the U.S.
constitution; principles of limited government, separation of powers, checks and
balances, federalism, republicanism, civil liberties, and civil rights; and the
ways these ideas have changed over time.
Individuals and Groups in U.S. Politics
Topics may include levels and patterns of political knowledge and beliefs; effects
of nongovernmental actors such as individuals, political parties, news media, and
interest groups on U.S. politics; and strategies for effective political action
at the national, state, and local levels.
Institutions and Elections
Topics may include election and campaign process; effects of the Electoral College;
purpose and function of each of the three branches of government; party and committee
systems within Congress; organization of the Executive Office of the President and
bureaucratic agencies; and judicial philosophies.
Public Policy
Topics may include the policy process at the local, state, and national levels,
including social, economic, and foreign policy issues; the role of the U.S. in world
affairs; and strategies for affecting public policy.
State and Local Government
Topics may include the role of state and local government within the federal system;
the changing role of the national government in relation to the states; branches
of government at the state and local levels; and citizens’ rights and responsibilities
to the state and local governments.
