I am constantly amazed by the general lack of knowledge that seems to be prevalent regarding civics and government. Sometimes I see it on TV when there is a complete inability for someone to answer a simple question about how our democracy works and the history of our country. Granted there are some tricky questions but knowing the three branches of government is not a trick question. And, I am sometimes embarrassed to ask friends if they know when the civil war was fought and some of the issues about that war. I fear that they will simply not know and possibly not care. And maybe I am just being overly sensitive about what I think that all Americans should know about how our system works; or in some respects, does not work.
So, one thing led to another and I began to be curious about what a person seeking citizenship in the US had to know to become a citizen. I was particularly interested in what they had to know about civics and government. So, here is the scoop in a nutshell: Each candidate receives a workbook with 100 questions and the answers. The question covers war, presidents, congress, the constitution, and in general, information about how our system functions. When they take the actual test they are asked 10 questions, not multiple choice, and must answer 6 questions correctly. I initially thought that the bar was low, but considering the fact that they had to cover possibly 100 questions, maybe it is realistic. I suspect that most US schools teaching civics would consider 60% a failing grade.
I located the test questions which are multiple choice which makes the test easier, and took the test myself. And, although I missed a few, I always learn from what I get wrong. The test turns out to be a great review and a real learning experience. Of course, the test is only one part of a complicated process to become a citizen. All we have to do is be born here and we get a free pass.
Each page of the test has four multiple choice questions and at the bottom there are two boxes. "Generate Questions", and Review Answers". I found is better to answer the four question and review the answers for each page. Then hit Generate for the next four questions. The test is here. Perhaps it is unrealistic for me to expect that we should all have the same basis for discussion. But then, I still think that English should be our national language. Good luck!
So, one thing led to another and I began to be curious about what a person seeking citizenship in the US had to know to become a citizen. I was particularly interested in what they had to know about civics and government. So, here is the scoop in a nutshell: Each candidate receives a workbook with 100 questions and the answers. The question covers war, presidents, congress, the constitution, and in general, information about how our system functions. When they take the actual test they are asked 10 questions, not multiple choice, and must answer 6 questions correctly. I initially thought that the bar was low, but considering the fact that they had to cover possibly 100 questions, maybe it is realistic. I suspect that most US schools teaching civics would consider 60% a failing grade.
I located the test questions which are multiple choice which makes the test easier, and took the test myself. And, although I missed a few, I always learn from what I get wrong. The test turns out to be a great review and a real learning experience. Of course, the test is only one part of a complicated process to become a citizen. All we have to do is be born here and we get a free pass.
Each page of the test has four multiple choice questions and at the bottom there are two boxes. "Generate Questions", and Review Answers". I found is better to answer the four question and review the answers for each page. Then hit Generate for the next four questions. The test is here. Perhaps it is unrealistic for me to expect that we should all have the same basis for discussion. But then, I still think that English should be our national language. Good luck!
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