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GACECode: 738GACE®Code: 738Georgia GaPSC100 Questions · 2 Testlets · 2h 15minGrades 6–12 Political ScienceNo Reference Materials

GACE® Political Science (6–12) (738)
Practice Test

You'll prepare for two testlets — 246 Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation (40 questions, 60 min, $84.50) and 247 The Constitution and Functions of Government (60 questions, 75 min, $84.50). Combined: 100 questions, 2 hours 15 minutes, $169.00. You need a cumulative score of 220 or higher, and you must also meet the floor score for each individual testlet. No calculator or reference sheet is provided. Administered by Evaluation Systems of Pearson for GaPSC.

100
Questions
2h 15m
Time limit
220
Pass score
3
Domains
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GACE Political Science (6–12) (738): Test at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of the exam. Testlet 247 is significantly larger than Testlet 246, but both cost the same individually.

Assessment code
738
GACE Political Science (6–12)
Total questions
100
Across two testlets
Combined testing time
2h 15m
Both in one appointment
Passing score
220
Cumulative, plus each floor
Combined fee
$169
Both testlets together
Per-testlet fee
$84.50
Each taken individually
Testlet 246
Foundations of Democracy & Civic Participation
40q · 60 min
Testlet 247
The Constitution & Functions of Government
60q · 75 min · Largest
Reference materials
None
No calculator provided
Tutorial + NDA
+15 min
Per testing session

About the GACE Political Science (6–12) (738)

Here’s what you need to know before you register.

The GACE Political Science (6–12) exam is for individuals seeking admission to an educator preparation program, initial certification in Georgia, or qualification to teach political science in Georgia secondary schools. It is administered through Evaluation Systems of Pearson on behalf of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

The exam is made up of two testlets, which you can take together in one session or separately. Testlet 247 (The Constitution and Functions of Government) is the larger of the two, with 60 questions and a 75-minute time limit. Testlet 246 (Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation) has 40 questions and a 60-minute time limit. Combined, both testlets total 100 questions in 2 hours and 15 minutes. Despite the size difference, both testlets cost the same — $84.50 individually or $169.00 combined.

Plan for extra time beyond the testing minutes themselves: add 15 minutes per testing session for a tutorial and to complete a nondisclosure agreement.

The exam is delivered entirely by computer in a selected-response (multiple-choice) format. No reference materials are provided — you won’t have access to a calculator, formula sheet, or any other aid during either testlet.

To pass, you need a cumulative score of 220 or higher, and you must also meet the floor — the minimum required score — for each individual testlet. Scoring well above 220 on one testlet doesn’t make up for falling below the floor on the other. To register, create a GaPSC MyPSC account at mypsc.gapsc.org, then create an Evaluation Systems GACE testing account at gace.es.pearson.com.

Two Testlets at a Glance

Testlet 247 is the larger testlet at 60 questions. Testlet 246 has 40 questions. Both cost $84.50 individually.

Testlet 246
Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation
Questions40
Time60 min
Individual fee$84.50
Forms of government, democratic principles and values, political ideologies, civic participation and responsibility, elections and voting behavior, political parties, interest groups, media influence, and comparative government systems.
Testlet 247 — Largest
The Constitution and Functions of Government
Questions60
Time75 min
Individual fee$84.50
The US Constitution and its founding principles, the Bill of Rights and civil liberties, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the three branches of government, judicial review, the amendment process, and state and local government.

GACE Political Science (6–12) (738) Exam Outline

Below you’ll find the content areas covered in each testlet, along with the confirmed question count and time limit for each.

Testlet 246
Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation
There are 40 selected-response questions in this testlet, and you’ll be timed at 60 minutes. These questions test your knowledge and abilities regarding the following:
  • Forms of government and their defining characteristics
  • Democratic principles and values, including popular sovereignty and majority rule with minority rights
  • Major political ideologies and philosophical foundations of government
  • Civic participation, civic responsibility, and political socialization
  • Elections, voting behavior, and the electoral process
  • The role of political parties, interest groups, and media in shaping public opinion
  • Comparative government systems and international political structures
40q
60 minutes
$84.50 individual
Testlet 247 — Largest testlet
The Constitution and Functions of Government
There are 60 selected-response questions in this testlet, and you’ll be timed at 75 minutes. These questions test your knowledge and abilities regarding the following:
  • The structure and founding principles of the US Constitution
  • The Bill of Rights and civil liberties
  • Federalism and the division of power between national and state governments
  • Separation of powers and checks and balances among the three branches
  • The functions and structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
  • Judicial review and landmark Supreme Court decisions
  • The constitutional amendment process
  • State and local government structures and the public policy-making process
60q
75 minutes
$84.50 individual

High-Priority Topics by Testlet

Use this section to focus your study time. These topics are drawn from the official GACE 738 content objectives.

Testlet 246

Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation — Top Topics

40q · 60 min
Forms of government. Know how to distinguish democracy, monarchy, oligarchy, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism, and the key features that separate each from the others.
Democratic principles and values. Know the core principles of democratic governance — popular sovereignty, majority rule with minority rights, individual rights, and the rule of law.
Elections and political parties. Know how the electoral process works, the historical role of the two major US political parties, and how voting behavior is shaped by demographic and social factors.
Interest groups and media influence. Know how interest groups, lobbying, and media coverage shape public opinion and influence policy outcomes.
Testlet 247

The Constitution and Functions of Government — Top Topics

60q · 75 min
The Bill of Rights and civil liberties. Know each of the first ten amendments and the specific rights each protects, and be ready to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Federalism and separation of powers. Know how power is divided between the national and state governments, and how the three branches check and balance each other.
The three branches of government. Know the specific powers and functions of Congress, the presidency, and the federal courts, and how each interacts with the other two.
Judicial review and landmark cases. Know how Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, and be familiar with other landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped constitutional interpretation.

Registration, Test Day & Scoring

Here’s what to expect when you register, show up on test day, and receive your scores.

Registration & Fees

Step 2Submit testing eligibility request
Combined (both testlets)$169.00
Per testlet (246 or 247)$84.50 each

Scoring

Cumulative passing score220 or higher
Per-testlet requirementMust meet each testlet’s floor
Wrong answer penaltyNone — answer every question
After testingReceipt of completion provided
Question formatSelected-response only

Test Day

Combined questions100 (2 testlets)
Combined testing time2 hours 15 minutes
Tutorial + NDA+15 min per session
Delivery formatComputer-delivered

Reference Materials

CalculatorNot provided
Formula sheetNot provided
Applies toBoth testlets
Test datesBy appointment, year-round

Who Needs the GACE Political Science (6–12) (738)?

Find out if this is the right exam for your teaching goals.

Georgia Requirement: You need the GACE Political Science (6–12) (738) if you are seeking a Georgia teaching certificate in Political Science for grades 6 through 12. You must pass both testlets (246 and 247) to earn the full certification — meaning a cumulative score of 220 or higher, plus meeting the floor score on each individual testlet.

How to register: Start by creating a GaPSC MyPSC account at mypsc.gapsc.org to get your Georgia certification number. After your eligibility is confirmed, create an Evaluation Systems GACE testing account at gace.es.pearson.com/test/738 and register for your testlets. You can take both testlets together in one appointment or separately. Always verify current certification requirements at gapsc.com.

How to Prepare for the GACE Political Science (6–12) (738)

Here are some tips to help you get ready for each testlet.

  • Testlet 247 is your larger testlet at 60 questions — prioritize your study time accordingly. At 60% of the total questions on the exam, a strong showing on constitutional structure, the three branches, and landmark court cases carries more weight toward your cumulative score than Testlet 246.
  • Because you must meet the floor on both testlets, don’t neglect Testlet 246 just because it’s shorter. At 40 questions, this testlet carries fewer points than Testlet 247, but falling below the floor here means you don’t pass — regardless of how well you scored on the Constitution testlet.
  • For Testlet 246, focus on comparing and contrasting different forms of government and ideologies. Questions often ask you to identify which system a described scenario represents, so practice recognizing the defining features of democracy, authoritarianism, and other government types quickly.
  • For Testlet 247, know the Bill of Rights amendment by amendment, not just as a general concept. Many questions test your ability to match a specific right to its amendment number and apply it to a realistic scenario, so rote familiarity with all ten amendments pays off.
  • Because no calculator or reference sheet is provided, don’t expect to look anything up during the exam. Both testlets rely entirely on your recall and reasoning — there’s no formula sheet or reference document to fall back on if you forget a specific detail.
  • Use the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies as your primary content reference. The Georgia GSE for Political Science/Civics tells you what depth of content is expected at the secondary level, and it’s the standard the GACE Political Science exam is built around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the GACE Political Science exam? Here are answers to the most common ones.

How many questions are on the GACE Political Science (6-12) (738)?
There are 100 selected-response questions in total. Testlet 246 has 40 questions in 60 minutes. Testlet 247 has 60 questions in 75 minutes. Combined testing time is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
What is the passing score for the GACE Political Science (738)?
You need a cumulative score of 220 or higher, and you must also meet the floor — the minimum required score — for each individual testlet. Meeting the cumulative total alone isn’t enough if you fall below the floor on either testlet.
How much does the GACE Political Science (738) cost?
The fee for both testlets in one appointment is $169.00. If you take testlets individually, each one costs $84.50.
Is a calculator or reference sheet provided for the GACE Political Science exam?
No. No reference materials are provided for this exam. You won’t have access to a calculator, formula sheet, or any other aid during either testlet.
Are the two testlets the same size?
No. Testlet 247 (The Constitution and Functions of Government) is significantly larger, with 60 questions and a 75-minute time limit. Testlet 246 (Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation) has 40 questions and a 60-minute time limit. Despite the size difference, both testlets cost the same — $84.50 individually.
How do I register for the GACE Political Science (738)?
To register, you’ll need your MyPSC account. If you don’t have one, create an account at mypsc.gapsc.org to receive your Georgia certification number. Once your eligibility is confirmed, create an Evaluation Systems GACE testing account at gace.es.pearson.com/test/738 and register for the testlets you want to take.

Ready to Start Practicing?

Practice questions covering both testlets — Foundations of Democracy and Civic Participation (246) and The Constitution and Functions of Government (247) — aligned to the official GACE 738 blueprint. Detailed answer explanations so you understand not just the right answer, but why it’s right.

Get Free Access — No Credit Card Needed
Sources: GACE Political Science (6–12) (738) official test page (Evaluation Systems of Pearson, 2025–26) — primary source; GACE Assessment Fee Schedule (official PDF) (Evaluation Systems of Pearson) — testlet codes and fees verified; GaPSC — Georgia Professional Standards Commission; Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies (Georgia Department of Education); National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS); C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards. GACE® is a registered trademark of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Evaluation Systems is a division of Pearson. Not affiliated with or endorsed by GaPSC, Pearson, or any state licensing agency. Always verify current requirements at gapsc.com.
Last Updated: September 21, 2026