Would you pass the U.S. citizenship test?
As our hearts swell with patriotism in these days leading up to next week’s inauguration, it’s great time to reflect on what it means to be both a citizen of the United States as well as a Global Citizen.
It’s my great hope that this era of new foreign policy for Americans will provide a revitalized sense of pride in our country as well as further encouragement to us to get out into the world and act as self-appointed ambassadors.
In my hometown on Seattle, a great non-profit called El Centro de la Raza offers free naturalization classes to local members of the Latino community wishing to become U.S. citizens. This month in their newsletter they posted the following story, which gave me a surprising look at my own off-the-cuff knowledge of my home country.
Would you pass the U.S. Citizenship Test?
When you register to take the Citizenship Test you are given 100 questions to study similar to the ones below. On the day of the test you are given 10 and must answer 6 correctly. Ask yourself the following questions. If you had to take the citizenship test right now, would you pass?
Name one US territory.
Who Vetoes bills?
Why do some states have more representatives than others?
When must all men register for the selective service?
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
Who is the father of our country?
Name an American Indian Tribe in the U.S
During the Cold War what was the main concern of the U.S.?
photo courtesy of williamhartz / creative commons
5 comments
Great post.
The citizenship test is a little daunting, but the INS folks are actually very nice when they’re asking you the questions. At least that was my experience.
The naturalization ceremony itself is actually quite moving.
Hmmmm…...I think I know the answers, but I’d love to know for sure – have you thought about adding the correct answers at the bottom so we can see how we did?
Great idea Barbara!
About.com has all 100 questions and their answers. Here’s the link:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/blinstst_new.htm
I looked at the test on-line a few weeks ago after my friend received his citizenship and described the test to me. I think I’d pass with at least 6 questions right without prepping. I have Schoolhouse Rock to thank for my knowledge of U.S. government!
When I went through the interview, I don’t remember getting asked the hard questions. It was a pretty painless, and pleasant experience.