Every four years, national elections draw much attention and scrutiny to the United States government, the Constitution and what they mean to Americans.

Many U.S. citzens, however, are ignorant of the document that establishes the laws and affirms the ideals of America and how they affect Americans’ daily lives. For this reason, a state law was passed in 1954 making it a requirement for students in institutions of higher education to pass a test that covers the basic principles of this country’s guidelines.

Chapter 122, Section 27-3 of the Illinois School Code (Senate Bill 195) requires that prior to graduation, students must show proof of knowledge of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, balloting procedures and the proper use and display of the flag.

Political Science Professor Robert Albritton said very few people, not just students, know how the American system operates. NIU’s introductory political science class and Constitution test help dispel the myths about our government.

NIU students must take a Constitution test apart from or through POLS 100 (The American Political Order) class or an equivalent course at another Illinois college or university.

No fee is charged for the first test registration. However, a $7 fee will be charged for each subsequent registration. The test is usually offered once a week, but at this time it is offered twice weekly through final exam week at the end of the semester.

Gary Glenn, an associate professor of political science who constructs the several versions of the NIU exam, said, “A politically literate citizenry is important, a citizenry with a knowledge about basic principles of government.”

Norman Gilbert, director of the Office of Testing Services, said, “Having just gone through an election, it is very important to have knowledge of the Constitution.”

Gilbert said the spring 1988 test results show that Northern had an 81 percent passing rate for that semester and students have a “fairly decent grasp of constitutional principles.”

Inga Lambert, a senior majoring in communications and journalism, said of the exam, “The test was fairly standardized. I didn’t have trouble passing, but Poli-Sci 100 was the only government class I’ve taken and it was very beneficial.”