United States Citizenship Test Study Guide and Fast Facts
We are providing you with this study guide as a companion to our audio lectures. Here, you will find lists of important information as well as answers to many of the test questions that we ask you. We have also put together summaries of important facts about the United States and its Federal Government.
Table of Contents The U.S. Citizenship Test: Fast Facts Benefits of and Responsibilities for Citizenship Page 3 United States Facts Page 4 Your Governor and State Capital
U.S. Flag
Federal Holidays Page 5
Pledge of Allegiance
Your Representatives in Washington D.C Page 6 The Founding Documents: Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, Constitution Page 7 Our Federal Government Page 8 Pre Colonial and Colonial U.S. History
Thirteen Colonies Page 9
Native American Tribes
U.S. History: 1800s, 1900s, and 21st Century Page 10 English Reading Test Practice Sentences Page 11 English Reading Quiz Page 12 English Writing Test Practice Page 13—14 English Writing Practice Answers Page 15—16 English Writing Quiz Page 17 English Writing Quiz Answers Page 18 Final Course Review Test Page 19—23 Course Review Test Writing Answers Page 24 Additional Resources—Oath of Citizenship Page 25
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United States Citizenship Test Four Parts: They can be given to you in any order
English Comprehension: You will talk about yourself and your N-400 form with one or more interviewing officers. The interviewer(s) will be evaluating your English speaking skills and how well you understand during this time.
English Reading: You must correctly read one English sentence from a list of three.
English Writing: You must correctly write one sentence that is read to you by the interviewing officer. The interviewer will read from a list of three possible sentences.
U.S. Civics: You must answer six questions about U.S. history and government correctly. These questions will be chosen from a list of one hundred. You can find the actual questions at: www.USCIS.gov. Once you correctly answer six, you have passed.
NOTE! Older people and people who have lived in the United States for several years may not have to take all parts of the citizenship test. Check the USCIS web site for more details about these exemptions.
United States Citizenship Benefits
Responsibilities and Obligations
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You may travel with a U.S passport
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You may register to vote in state and federal elections
When taking the citizenship oath, you give up allegiance to all other nations
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You swear to support and defend our Constitution
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You must serve on a jury if called
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Males from age 18 through 25 must register for the Draft (Selective Service)
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You should become informed about the government and vote in elections
You have certain rights for your children born outside of the U.S. of for family members you want to bring to the U.S.
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You are eligible for many jobs in the Federal Government
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You may run for many elected offices
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How can you, as a citizen, participate in your government? •
Become informed and vote in elections
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Enroll in a political party
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Write to a newspaper stating your opinion on issues
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Give public support/opposition to a policy
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Become involved in community groups
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Call your Senators or Representatives
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Get involved in civic groups
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State your opinion to an elected official
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Volunteer for a political campaign
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Run for elected office!
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General Facts about the United States of America We have 50 states and 5 territories. Canada is on our northern border. Mexico is on our southern border.
States that Border Canada
States that Border Mexico
(listing from East to West):
(listing from East to West):
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska.
Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
United States Territories Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands.
United States Geography: The Two Longest Rivers in the U.S. The Mississippi River and the Missouri River
The flag of the United States is red, white, and blue. There are 50 white stars, one for each state. There are 13 red or white stripes, one for each of the 13 original colonies.
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Where Do You Live? Where you live determines many things, such as who represents you and where you vote. You might be asked about who your Governor is and what the capital city of your state is. It should be easy to find this information, but if you have trouble, visit these web sites and write the information below. https://www.usa.gov/state-governor
Your Governor:_____________________
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/ Your
State Capital:__________________
Our National Anthem The Star Spangled Banner
United States Federal Holidays New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents’ Day.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Memorial Day
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
Independence Day (July 4th)
And to the Republic for which it stands
Labor Day Columbus Day
One nation, under God Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day
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Know Who Represents You in Washington D.C You may be asked about the important people who represent you in our government. These names can change over time because of where you live. They can also change as a result of elections. Because of that, we have provided space below for you to fill in the appropriate names of key officials. You may know them. If not, ask your friends and family. Check in the newspaper or on line. Check at your local library. You will need to know these names either for the test or to be an informed voter.
Key Figures in the Federal Government President of the United States
Vice-President of the United States Speaker of the House of Representatives Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Your U.S. Senators Go to https://www.senate.gov/reference/Senators.htm Enter the name of your state, then write the names of your Senators .
Your U.S. Representatives in Congress Go to https://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ Enter your zip (postal) code or state and city/town. Write the name below.
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Founding Documents that Shaped Our Nation The Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson First read in public, July 4, 1776 Declared our independence from Britain Declared that all men are created equal Gave us all the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
The Federalist Papers Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and Publius These were a series of essays Their purpose was to convince people to ratify (pass) the Constitution
The United States Constitution Written in 1787 Debated and written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia Defines and sets up our government Benjamin Franklin was the oldest member there The Constitution has 27 amendments (changes or additions) The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights Determines powers specific to Federal and State governments
The First Amendment One of the most important amendments, gives us:
Freedom of speech—we can say what we want without punishment Freedom of religion—we can practice any religion or no religion Freedom of assembly—we can meet to protest peacefully without punishment Freedom of the press—newspapers and TV can report without punishment Freedom to petition the government—we can express our disagreement without punishment
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The Federal Government of the United States of America The United States Government is a representative democracy. That means that the government is controlled by We, the People (those are the first three words in the Constitution). We vote to elect people who will represent us in our nation’s capital: Washington D.C. The United States operates on an economic system of capitalism or a free market economy. Private companies and individuals have the right to make their own prices and decide what they will or will not buy. Anyone is free to start a business for the purpose of making a profit.
The Three Branches of Government Under the Constitution, we have three different branches of government. We do this so no one group can take all of the power. This is because of a system of checks and balances. If one branch tries to exceed its power, then the other branches can step in to prevent it.
The Legislative Branch U.S Senate and House (Congress)
The Executive Branch President, Vice-President, and Cabinet
100 Senators, two for each state 435 Representatives Number of Representatives based on population Senators elected for six years Representatives elected for two years Introduce, debate, and pass bills that President will sign into law or veto
President : Can sign bills into law Can veto (oppose) bills Is Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Enforces the law Cabinet members are called Secretaries The Cabinet positions are:
The Legislature works in the Capitol Building
Secretary of : Agriculture Commerce Defense Education Transportation Health/ Human Services Housing/Urban Development
Judicial Branch
State Interior Veterans Affairs Treasury Labor Energy Homeland Security
Nine Justices serve for life Highest court in the land Led by Chief Justice Settle disputes Determine if laws abide by Constitution Explain the meaning of laws
Also part of the Cabinet: Vice-President Attorney General 8
United States History Pre Colonial and Colonial Times The 13 Original Colonies
Native American Tribes
Delaware
*There are many more than those on this list.
Maryland New Jersey New York Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New Hampshire Virginia Georgia
North Carolina
Apache
Iroquois
Arawak
Lakota
Blackfeet
Mohegan
Cherokee
Navajo
Cheyenne
Oneida
Choctaw
Pueblo
Crow
Seminole
Creek
Shawnee
Chippewa
Sioux
Hopi
Teton
Huron
South Carolina
Inuit
Pennsylvania
Historic Figures from Colonial Times George Washington Revolutionary War general Our first President “Father of our Country”
Thomas Jefferson Wrote Declaration of Independence Third President
The Revolutionary War 1775—1783
Benjamin Franklin U.S Diplomat and Postmaster General Wrote “Poor Richard’s Almanac” Oldest member at Constitutional Convention Started first free libraries in U.S. 9
United States History 1800’s and 1900’s Times of Struggle
Important Historic Figures
Wars of the 1800’s
Thomas Jefferson Third President Louisiana Purchase
War of 1812 The Civil War
Abraham Lincoln
The Mexican—American War
Guided the country through Civil War Freed the southern slaves
The Spanish—American War
Susan B. Anthony
Wars of the 1900’s World War One
Fought for civil rights Fought for woman’s right to vote
World War Two
Woodrow Wilson President during World War One
The Korean War
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)
The Vietnam War
Led the country during the Great Depression President during World War Two
The Persian Gulf War
Dwight D. Eisenhower Famous general in World War Two Later became President
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Twenty– First Century
Fought for civil rights Fought to end racial discrimination “I have a dream” speech
September 11, 2001 United States attacked by terrorists
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English Reading Test Practice
Sentence One. Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War. Sentence Two. The American Flag has fifty stars and thirteen stripes. Sentence Three. The Pacific Ocean is located on the West Coast. Sentence Four. George Washington is known as the Father of our Country. Sentence Five. There are one hundred Senators in the United States Senate. Sentence Six. The capital of the United States is Washington D.C.
Sentence Seven. New York is the name of a city and a state. Sentence Eight. Independence Day is celebrated on July fourth. Sentence Nine. The first three words in the Constitution are , “We, the People”. Sentence Ten. There are three branches of the U.S Government. Sentence Eleven. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Sentence Twelve. The Statue of Liberty is in New York City. Sentence Thirteen. We observe Flag Day in the month of June. Sentence Fourteen. A Senator’s term lasts six years. Sentence Fifteen. Apache is the name of a Native American tribe. Sentence Sixteen. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Sentence Seventeen. A citizen must be eighteen years old in order to vote. Sentence Eighteen. Vermont is a state that borders Canada. Sentence Nineteen. Texas is a state that borders Mexico. Sentence Twenty. The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Sentence Twenty-One. U.S. is a short way to write or say “United States”.
Sentence Twenty-Two. Delaware was the first state to join the Union. Sentence Twenty-Three. The Cabinet is a group of people who advise the President. Sentence Twenty-Four. The Constitution gives us the right to practice the religion of our choice. Sentence Twenty-Five. In the Civil War, the states from the South fought against the states from the North.
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English Reading Quiz Sentence One. We celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in November.
Sentence Two. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is also known as FDR.
Sentence Three. We elect our President every four years.
Sentence Four. The U.S. joined World War Two when we were attacked at Pearl Harbor.
Sentence Five. Mount Rushmore is located in South Dakota.
Sentence Six. Canada and Mexico are countries that border the United States.
Sentence Seven. If the President can no longer serve, then the Vice –President takes over.
Sentence Eight. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States.
Sentence Nine. The Supreme Court decides if laws follow the Constitution.
Sentence Ten. Hawaii was the last state to join the Union.
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English Writing Test Practice. When instructed to, please write the sentence you hear on the numbered line.
Sentence One. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Two. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Three. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Four. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Five. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Six. ____________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Seven. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Eight. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Nine. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Ten. ____________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Eleven. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twelve._________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Thirteen. ________________________________________________________________________
Continued on the next page. 13
English Test Writing Practice Continued Sentence Fourteen. ________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Fifteen. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Sixteen. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Seventeen. _______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Eighteen. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Nineteen. ________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twenty. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twenty-One. ______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twenty-Two. ______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twenty-Three. ____________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twenty-Four. ______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Twenty-Five.______________________________________________________________________
The answers are presented on the next page. Please do not turn until the instructor directs you to.
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English Writing Practice Correct Sentence Answers Sentence One. Native Americans are also called American Indians. Sentence Two. We elect our President in the month of November. Sentence Three. The first amendment gives us freedom of speech. Sentence Four. There are fifty (50) states in the United States. Sentence Five. You can find the White House in Washington D.C. Sentence Six. There are thirteen (13) stripes on the American flag. Sentence Seven. John Adams was the second President of the United States. Sentence Eight. The Civil War took place while Lincoln was President. Sentence Nine. The state of California is on the West Coast of the U.S. Sentence Ten. One reason we declared our independence was because of high taxes. Sentence Eleven. Early settlers came to America to practice religion without fear of punishment. Sentence Twelve. The Constitution was written in seventeen eighty-seven (1787). Sentence Thirteen. The United States had thirteen (13) original colonies. Sentence Fourteen. Independence Day is celebrated on July fourth (4th). Sentence Fifteen. A one dollar bill has the picture of George Washington on it. Sentence Sixteen. Susan B. Anthony helped women get the right to vote. Sentence Seventeen. The Legislative Branch makes our laws. Continued on the next page.
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English Writing Practice Correct Sentence Answers
Sentence Eighteen. During World War One and World War Two, many people lost their lives. Sentence Nineteen. The colors of our flag are red, white, and blue. Sentence Twenty. The city of New York is on the East Coast. Sentence Twenty-One. Doctor Martin Luther King Junior was a famous Civil Rights leader.
Sentence Twenty-Two. We decide how many Representatives a state gets by its population. Sentence Twenty-Three. Federal is another word for national. Sentence Twenty-Four. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Sentence Twenty-Five. The United States Government is a representative democracy.
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English Writing Test Quiz When asked by the instructor, please write the sentence you hear on the numbered line.
Sentence One. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Two. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Three. ________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Four. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Five. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Six. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Seven. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Eight. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Nine. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Ten. ___________________________________________________________________________
The sentences you were asked to produce are on the next page. Please do not turn to those sentences until instructed to do so.
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English Writing Test Quiz. Correct Sentences Sentence One. The supreme law of the land is the U.S. Constitution.
Sentence Two. There are nine (9) Justices on the Supreme Court.
Sentence Three. The Star Spangled Banner is our National Anthem.
Sentence Four. People from Africa were brought to America as slaves.
Sentence Five. Hopi is the name of a Native American tribe.
Sentence Six. Benjamin Franklin was a diplomat for the United States.
Sentence Seven. The Civil War is also known as the War between the States.
Sentence Eight. A citizen must be eighteen years old to vote.
Sentence Nine. April fifteenth (15th) is known as Tax Day.
Sentence Ten. The Spanish—American War took place in the eighteen hundreds (1800s).
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Final Course Review Test Part of your final course review test requires you to read or write sentences. When the instructor asks you to do so, read or write the sentence on the line number you are given. Questions 1—10 are civics questions. The instructor will ask a question and you will say or think of an answer. Then the instructor will tell you the correct answer.
Questions 11—15 are reading sentences. Please read the numbered line when the instructor asks you to. Sentence 11. There are four amendments to the Constitution about voting. Sentence 12. On our flag, there is one star for each state. Sentence 13. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Sentence 14. The term of a U.S Representative is for two years. Sentence 15. Native Americans lived in America before European settlers arrived. Questions 16—20 are writing sentences. When asked, write the sentence the instructor reads on the numbered line.
Sentence 16_________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 17. ________________________________________________________________________
Sentence18. ________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 19. ________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 20. ________________________________________________________________________ Questions 21—30 are civics questions. The instructor will ask the question. Think about your answer. Questions 31—35 are reading sentences. Please read the numbered line when asked. Sentence 31. George Washington was the first President of the United States. Sentence 32. With the Louisiana Purchase, we bought land from France. Sentence 33. The Pacific Ocean is on the West Coast of the United States. 19
Final Course Review Test Continued Sentence 34. The capital of the United States is Washington D.C. Sentence 35. Freedom of religion means a citizen may practice or not practice any religion.
Questions 36—40 are writing sentences. Please write the sentence that the instructor reads on the numbered line.
Sentence 36. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 37. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 38. _________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 39. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 40. __________________________________________________________________________
Questions 41—50 are civics questions. The instructor will ask a question. Think about your answer.
Questions 51—55 are reading sentences. Please read the sentence on the numbered line when asked.
Sentence 51. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Sentence 52. The Declaration of Independence was first read on July 4, 1776. Sentence 53. Our Constitution was written at the Constitutional Convention. Sentence 54. Slaves in the Confederate states were freed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Sentence 55. Woodrow Wilson was the President during World War One.
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Final Course Review Test Continued Questions 56—60 are writing sentences. Please write the sentence that the instructor reads on the numbered line.
Sentence 56. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 57. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 58. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 59. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 60. ____________________________________________________________________________
Questions 61—70 are civics questions. The instructor will ask a question. Think about your answer.
Questions 71—75 are reading sentences. Please read the sentence on the numbered line when asked.
Sentence 71. On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by terrorists. Sentence 72. Martin Luther King Junior fought for civil rights for all. Sentence 73. The Selective Service is also known as the Draft.
Sentence 74. Two responsibilities only for U.S. citizens are to serve on a jury and to vote in national elections. Sentence 75. The Cabinet is a group of people who advise the President.
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Final Course Review Test Continued Questions 76—80 are writing sentences. Please write the sentence that the instructor reads on the numbered line.
Sentence 76. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 77. ____________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 78. ____________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 79. _____________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 80. ______________________________________________________________________________
Questions 81—90 are civics questions. The instructor will ask a question. Think about your answer.
Questions 91—95 are reading sentences. Please read the sentence on the numbered line when asked.
Sentence 91. The Chief Justice is in charge of the Supreme Court. Sentence 92. The Declaration of Independence gives all people the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Sentence 93. The separation of powers stops one branch of government from becoming too strong. Sentence 94. Under the Constitution, the Federal Government can declare war. Sentence 95. Thomas Jefferson was the third President, and he wrote the Declaration of Independence.
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Final Course Review Test Continued
Questions 96—100 are writing sentences. Please write the sentence in the numbered line when asked.
Sentence 96. __________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 97. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 98. ___________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 99. ____________________________________________________________________________
Sentence 100. ___________________________________________________________________________
The sentences you were asked to write for the writing test are all presented on the next page. Please do not turn to that page until you have written all of the sentences when asked by the instructor. When you finally turn to the next page to see how you performed, make sure that what you wrote matches each sentence.
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Final Course Review Test Writing Test Sentences Sentence 16. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Sentence 17. The Atlantic Ocean is on the East Coast of the United States. Sentence 18. George Washington is known as the Father of our Country. Sentence 19. Susan B. Anthony fought for the rights of women. Sentence 20. The Statue of Liberty is located in New York Harbor. Sentence 36. The U.S economy is a capitalist economy. Sentence 37. The United States Constitution has twenty-seven (27) amendments. Sentence 38. We vote for President every four (4) years in the month of November. Sentence 39. The President is also known as the Commander in Chief. Sentence 40. The President can sign a bill or veto a bill.
Sentence 56. The Civil Rights Movement worked to end racial discrimination. Sentence 57. Texas is a state that borders Mexico. Sentence 58. FDR was President during the Great Depression. Sentence 59. Guam is a territory of the United States. Sentence 60. On Memorial Day, we honor those who died in war. Sentence 76. Most people must live in the United States for five (5) years before they can become a citizen. Sentence77. The rule of law means that everybody must obey the law. Sentence 78. The Bill of Rights is the first ten (10) amendments to the Constitution. Sentence 79. The U.S. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House. Sentence 80. A United States Representative serves for two (2) years.
Sentence96. The Mexican– American War took place in the eighteen hundreds (1800’s). Sentence 97. Naturalization is when a person from another country becomes a U.S. citizen. Sentence 98. The United States fought against the spread of Communism in the Cold War. Sentence 99. The White House is located in Washington D.C. Sentence 100. Presidents’ Day is a national holiday. 24
Additional Resources All of the information you need to know for the Citizenship Test is common knowledge that all citizens should know. We referred to the web site of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services extensively to make sure that the information we have given you is what you may see on the test. Remember, that web site is: www. USCIS.gov. We used their guide to make sure we assembled helpful questions for you. The guide is available for download or purchase on the USCIS web site. On the site, you will also find a list of the exact questions from which your civics questions will be chosen. You can find lists of the words you are expected to know for the English tests. There is even a video where actors show you what an interview might look like. Finally, there is information about eligibility for naturalization, including many special situations for older people, armed services members, or those with any type of physical or mental impairment.
The United States Oath of Allegiance I hereby declare on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; That I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God. 25