Every Fourth of July, thousands of immigrants complete the long and challenging process to become American citizens. Part of the process includes a civics test to find out what they know about the background of the nation that will become their future.
Since Americans, in general, don't know much about history and government, it's interesting to see how well you might do on the exam. Here are some of the types of questions prospective citizens might face, and without the luxury of multiple choice answers.
- Who is the Chief Justice of the United States?
- What are the five "freedoms" granted in the First Amendment?
- What were the original 13 states?
- How many Amendments have been made to the U.S. Constitution?
- How many members make up the U.S. House of Representatives?
- Who has the power to declare war?
- In what year was the Constitution written?
- On what day of the year does the Supreme Court traditionally begin its session?
- After the Vice President, who is next in the line of presidential succession?
- Who votes for the President of the United States?
- Who authored the Declaration of Independence?
- Who originally elected members of the United States Senate?
- What do the stripes on the American flag represent?
These are simple facts about our history and government that everyone ought to know. If you don't know these answers, look them up.
Better yet, ask someone who's applying for citizenship.