We are looking for open/essay responses to each question. You can decide how long the answers should be, but the Thomas Jefferson Center Certification Board needs to be convinced that you have mastered the principles and basic political philosophy of the Founders. Wordiness is not necessarily impressive. Sometimes the best answers are the most succinct because that demonstrates a perfect comprehension of the material.

Your answers will demonstrate to our Certification Board how you would answer these questions if asked by somebody who is just getting started with politics and is genuinely interested in learning from you. Respond the way you might respond to a student asking these questions.

After reviewing your responses to the exam questions, a member of our Certification Board will contact you to set a time for an interview. Use the field below to describe your availability for an interview. (Please set aside 60-90 minutes to discuss these responses in depth.)

NOTICE: It is strongly recommended that you type your responses on a separate document and then paste into the question fields to avoid issues with the browser timing out causing you to lose your work.