COLUMBUS DAY – 2nd Monday in October
Citizenship Test questions:
#59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Columbus Day
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
On Columbus Day we remember the explorer, Christopher Columbus. In 1968 the U.S.
Congress made a law. This law makes Columbus Day a national holiday on the second
Monday in October.
Christopher Columbus (1450-1506)
Christopher Columbus was an
explorer. He wanted to find a new
route to Asia. He was from Genoa,
Italy, but he got money for new
sailing ships from Spain. The ships
were the Nina, Pinta and Santa
Maria.
The globe
#59. Who lived in America before the Europeans
arrived?
In the 15th century, Europeans (people in
Europe) did not know there were North and
South American continents. American
Indians (Native Americans) lived in America
long before the Europeans arrived. They did
not know about Europe
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
Columbus discovers America
Columbus and his crew sailed west from
Europe. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
They wanted to find a new route to India. On
October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus
landed on islands southeast of this country. He
believed that he had found the East Indies, so
he called the people Indians. He called the
island Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican
Republic).
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Vocabulary:
America = this country
American = a person who comes from America
United States of America (U.S.A.) = this country
American Indian – Native American (noun) = person who belongs to an Indian tribe
North America – North America is a continent. South America is a continent.
Europe = a continent
India = a country in Asia
European = person who comes from Europe
Indian = a person who comes from India
to discover, discovered (verb) = to find aa new land
Columbus discovered America.
discoverer = a person who discovers a new land. Columbus was a discoverer.
discovery (noun) He made a great discovery.
to explore, explored (verb) = travel to find new lands Columbus explored the new land.
exploration (noun) He made a voyage of exploration.
explorer (noun) = person who explores. Columbus was an explorer.
Read Columbus Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?________________________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays. ________________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
American Indians lived in America.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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THANKSGIVING DAY – 4th Thursday in November
Citizenship Test questions:
#58.What is one reason colonists came
to America?
#87. Name one American Indian tribe
in the U.S.
#90. What ocean is on the East Coast
of the U.S.?
#100. Name two national U.S.
holidays.
R
Thanksgiving Day
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
On Thanksgiving Day, Americans remember the first colonists, the Pilgrims.We are
thankful for our country, home, family and food. In 1863 the U.S. Congress made a law.
This law makes Thanksgiving Day a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in
November.
The Pilgrims
#58.What is one reason colonists came to America?
#90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the U.S.?
In the 1600s, King James I of England (Great Britain) wanted all his people to
go to the same church. He declared that everyone must attend the Church of
England. Some English people wanted to build their own church. They wanted
to worship God in their own way. These people were the Pilgrims.
The Pilgrims came to America from Great Britain in 1620. They
came across the Atlantic Ocean on a sailing ship, the Mayflower. They
settled on the East Coast. They began the Massachusetts Bay Colony at
Plymouth. They came to a new land to have religious freedom.
At first it was difficult for the Pilgrims to make homes and get food. Native Americans in
the area helped the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims planted corn, pumpkins and other vegetables.
In the fall they had a good harvest. The colonists were thankful for the food. They had a
feast with their friends, the Native Americans. This was the first Thanksgiving.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Native Americans - Indian tribes today
#87. Name one American Indian tribe in the U.S.
Many members of American Indian (Native American) tribes live on reservations today.
Tribe
Apache
Blackfeet Confederacy
Cherokee Nation
Eastern Band of Cherokee
Chippewa
Choctaw Nation
Creek (Muscogee) Nation
Crow Tribe
Cheyenne- Arapahoe
Hopi Tribe
Iowa Tribe
Mohegan Tribe
Navajo Nation
Oneida Nation
Pueblos
Seminole Tribe
Shawnee Tribe
Sioux
reservation
Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico
Montana
Oklahoma
North Carolina
Montana
Oklahoma
Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
Montana
Oklahoma
Arizona
Oklahoma, Kansas
Connecticut
Arizona, New Mexico, Utah
New York
New Mexico
Florida
Oklahoma
North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska,
Minnesota, Montana
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Vocabulary:
colony, colonies (noun) = land that belongs to another country. There were 13 original colonies.
Massachusetts Bay Colony, Virginia Colony
colonist (noun) = person who lives in a colony. The colonists set up a colonial government.
to colonize, colonized (verb) British people colonized Massachussetts.
settlement (noun) = a new place with homes and services. The Pilgrims had a small settlement.
settler (noun) = a person who settles in a new home. The settlers learned about the land.
to settle, settled (verb) = to make your home. The Pilgrim settled near the ocean.
farm (noun) = land used to grow crops or animals. They owned a small farm.
farmer (noun) = person who farms. The farmer’s children help on the farm.
to farm, farmed (verb) He is farming his own land.
farming (adjective) That is a farming community.
harvest (noun) = crops (vegetables or grains) that are ready to pick, In the fall they had a good
harvest.
to harvest, harvested (verb) = to pick and collect crops, They harvested the ripe corn.
Thanksgiving (noun) = to give thanks.
They had a Thanksgiving feast. Thanksgiving Day
to thank, to be thankful (verb) = to show gratitude The Pilgrims were thankful for the harvest.
religion (noun) = belief in a God or gods; Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist
religious freedom = you are free to practice any religion or no religion The Pilgrims wanted to have
religious freedom.
Read Thanksgiving Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#58.What is one reason colonists came to America? _________________________
#87. Name one American Indian tribe in the U.S. _______________________
#90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the U.S.? _____________________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays. ___________________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
Thanksgiving is in November.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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INDEPENDENCE DAY – THE FOURTH OF JULY
Citizenship Test questions:
#8. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
#9. What are two rights in the Declaration of
Independence?
#58.What is one reason colonists came to America?
#61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
#62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
#63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
#64. There were 13 original states. Name three.
#99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Independence Day
#99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
On Independence Day we remember our
freedom or independence. Americans celebrate
with parades, speeches and fireworks. Every year
we celebrate Independence Day on July 4. This
day has always been a national holiday.
The colonists
#58.What is one reason colonists came to America?
After 1620 more colonists came to settle the new
land. They came from Great Britain (England),
France, Spain, and Holland. The colonists came for
religious and political freedom. They wanted to
own land. The colonists crossed the Atlantic Ocean
in sailing ships. They settled on the East Coast.
The colonies
#64. There were 13 original states. Name three.
The colonists settled in 13 different colonies on the
East Coast. Later the 13 colonies became states.
They were North Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Delaware, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey,
South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Taxes in 1770
The Smith family were colonists. They liked to drink tea. Tea
did not grow in any of the 13 colonies. Colonial stores
imported tea from Britain. William Smith bought one pound
of tea. He paid for the tea plus 3 pennies. What were the
extra 3 pennies? The 3 pennies were a tax.
Britain said the colonies must pay a tax. Britain put a stamp
tax on goods going into (imports) and out of the colonies
(exports). The tax money was used to pay British soldiers. It
was not used to build roads or schools in the colonies.
King George and Parliament, the British government,
decided how to use the tax money. The colonies did not
have any representatives in Parliament. They thought this
was unfair. Colonists said that it was “taxation without
representation”.
The Declaration of Independence
#8. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
#9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence is an important
document. It says that the American colonies are free
from Great Britain. The British (English) king cannot
rule, tax or control the colonies. It says that the United
States of America is a free country.
The Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths
to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
inalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Writing and adopting the Declaration of Independence
#62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
#63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.
Delegates came from all the 13 colonies. Thomas Jefferson
was a delegate from the Virginia Colony. Thomas Jefferson
wrote the Declaration of Independence. The delegates to the
Second Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4,
1776.
The signers of the Declaration of Independence
rang a bell in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The Liberty Bell is a symbol of
freedom.
The Revolutionary War
#61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
The Revolutionary War was a fight between the colonies and Great Britain. The
colonists wanted to have their own government. They did not want to pay British
taxes. The Continental Army (the colonists) fought the British Redcoats from 1775
to 1783. The Commander of the Continental Army was George Washington. When
the colonies won, they were free from Great Britain.
Vocabulary:
to adopt, adopted (verb) = to accept and put into action. The delegates adopted the Declaration of
Independence in 1776.
adoption (noun) = acceptance. The date of the adoption was July 4, 1776.
declaration (noun) = formal statement written in a document. The Declaration of Independence
to declare, declared (verb) = to state. I declare it is true
independence (noun) = free from control of another Independence Day, the Declaration of
Independence
Independent (adjective) independently (adverb) The colonies wanted to be independent from Great
Britain.
free (adjective) = independent
They want to be free.
freedom (noun) = independence The colonists want their freedom from Great Britain.
to free, freed (verb) = Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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liberty (noun) = freedom, independence. The Liberty Bell is in Philadelphia.
to liberate, liberated (verb) = to free The colonies were liberated from Great Britain.
happiness (noun) = content, joyful. the pursuit of happiness
happy (adjective) We want to be happy.
to pursue, pursued (verb) = to follow with an end in view I am pursuing my career.
pursuit (noun) I am in pursuit of my career. The pursuit of happiness
revolution (noun) = overthrow of one government. The Revolutionary War was the colonies against
Great Britain.
revolt (noun) = refuse to obey an authority. The revolt was against Great Britain.
to revolt, revolted (verb) The colonists revolted against Great Britain.
Read Independence Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#58.What is one reason colonists came to America? _______________________________
#61. Why did the colonists fight the British? _______________________________
#64. There were 13 original states. Name three. _____________________________________
#8. What did the Declaration of Independence do? _______________________
#9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?_____________________________
#62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? ________________________
#63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? _________________________
#99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?___________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
Independence Day is on July 4.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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PRESIDENTS’ DAY – 3rd Monday in February
Citizenship Test questions
#69. Who is the “Father of our Country”?
#70. Who was the first President?
#72. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the
1800s.
#73. Name the U.S. war between the North
and the South.
#74. Name one problem that led to the Civil
War.
#75. What was one important thing that
Abraham Lincoln did?
#76. What did the Emancipation
Proclamation do?
#94. What is the capital of the United
States?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
George Washington
1732- 1799
Abraham Lincoln
1809-1865
George Washington
George was born on a Virginia farm on
February 22, 1732. He surveyed
(measured) new land in Virginia. He was a
Presidents’ Day
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
soldier and a leader in the Virginia Colony.
George Washington was a delegate from
We remember all past presidents on Presidents’
Virginia to the First (1774) and Second
(1775-76) Continental Congress in
Day. We specially remember George Washington’s
Philadelphia. He was the Commander of
and Abraham Lincoln’s contributions to the U.S. Both
the Continental Army in the Revolutionary
presidents have birthdays in February. In 1968 the
War. The colonists won the War and
U.S. Congress passed a law. It made Presidents’ Day became independent from Great Britain.
a national holiday on the third Monday in February.
President George Washington
#69. Who is the “Father of our Country”?
#70. Who was the first President?
#94. What is the capital of the United States?
George Washington was elected the first President of the United States of America. He
was elected for two terms. He served as president from 1789 to 1797. George
Washington is called the “Father of our Country”. Many places are named for George
Washington. The capital of the U.S. is Washington, D.C.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born in a log
cabin in Kentucky on February 12,
1809. He never went to school. He
loved to read and became a lawyer.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th
President. He was president during
the Civil War.
The Civil War
#72. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1800s.
#73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
#74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
The Civil War was a war between the North and the
South, the northern states and the southern states, from
1861 to 1865. The states in the South (Confederacy)
wanted to keep slaves to work on plantations. The states in
the North (Union) wanted to abolish (stop) slavery. The
Union soldiers had the American flag. The Confederate
soldiers had a Confederate flag. Problems with the
economy also caused the Civil War.
President Abraham Lincoln
#75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
#76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
In the 1860s, people called Abraham Lincoln “Honest Abe”, because he was a very
honest man. They also called President Lincoln “the Great Emancipator”. He helped to
emancipate (free) slaves. He wrote the Emancipation Proclamation which made all slaves
in the U.S. free. He led the U.S during the Civil War. At the end of the War all the states
were in the Union (the United States) again.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Vocabulary:
President (noun) = elected executive; head of government. The first president of the U.S. was George
Washington.
to preside, presided (verb) -to be in charge. The Vice-president presides over the Senate.
presidential (adjective) The first presidential election was in 1788.
election (noun) = chosen by a vote. George Washington won the election.
elector (noun) = person qualified to vote in an election. The electors will vote in the Electoral College.
to elect, elected (verb) = choose by voting. Americans elect a president every four years.
leader (noun) = person who is head of a group or government. George Washington was the leader of
the country.
leadership (noun) He showed signs of leadership when he was young.
to lead, led (verb) = President Washington lead the new country.
commander-in-chief (noun) = person in charge of the military. The president is the commander-inchief.
to command, commanded (verb) = to have power or control over. He commanded the soldiers to
fight.
chief (noun) = head, main. There is a chief of police. Powhatan was the chief of the Indian tribe.
slave (noun) = person who is owned by another person. Men brought slaves from Africa on ships.
To slave, slaved (verb) = to work like a slave. They slaved in the fields.
slavery (noun) Abraham Lincoln wanted to stop slavery.
slave-holder (noun) = owner of slaves. The slave-holders did not want slaves to be free.
abolition (noun) = to do away with; stop. President Lincoln was in favor of abolition.
abolitionist (noun) = person who favors freeing slaves. Many abolitionists lived in the North.
to abolish, abolished (verb) = stop; end. They wanted to abolish slavery in the U.S.
emancipation (noun) = setting free. The Emancipation Proclamation set the slaves free.
emancipator (noun) President Lincoln was called the “Great Emancipator”.
to emancipate, emancipated (verb) = free from slavery; liberate The Emancipation Proclamation
emancipated the slaves in the South.
proclamation (noun) = formal statement (announcement) written as a document. The Emancipation
Proclamation
to proclaim, proclaimed (verb) = Lincoln proclaimed that all slaves were free.
civil (adjective) = public; related to citizens Civil War
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
Civil rights civil service
12
Read Presidents’ Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#69. Who is the “Father of our Country”? _________________
#70. Who was the first President? _____________________
#72. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1800s. _________________
#73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South. ____________
#74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War. ______________________
#75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?_____________________________________#76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? _______________________
#94. What is the capital of the United States? _____________________________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.___________________________
Write the sentences. Practice.
Washington was the Father of our country.
Presidents’ Day is in February.
Lincoln was the 16th president.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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FLAG DAY – June 14
Citizenship Test questions:
#44. What is the capital of your state?
#52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of
Allegiance?
#53. What is one promise you make when you become and
United States citizen?
#71. What territory did the U.S. buy from France in 1803?
#88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
#89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
#90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
#92 Name one state that borders Canada.
#93. Name one state that borders Mexico.
#95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
#96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
#97. Why does the flag have 50 stars?
#98. What is the name of the national anthem?
Flag Day on June 14 is a time to
honor the United States flag.
The first American flag
In 1777, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The
delegates talked about a flag for the new country. They passed the Flag
Act of 1777. It said that the flag . . . “be made of thirteen stripes,
alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue
field, representing a new Constellation.” George Washington and some
other delegates asked Betsy Ross to sew the flag.
Symbols in the U.S. flag
#96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
#97. Why does the flag have 50 stars?
The flag is red, white and blue. Red represents courage. White represents truth. Blue
represents justice. Other names for the American flag: “Old Glory” and “the star-spangled
banner” and “the stars and stripes”.
The flag has thirteen stripes – seven red stripes and six white stripes. The stripes
represent the thirteen original states of the U.S. They are (north to south): New
Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
The flag has a blue square with white stars. Each star represents one of the 50 states. A
new star was added as each state came into the Union.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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50 States – 50 stars
#71. What territory did the U.S. buy from France in 1803?
#92 Name one state that borders Canada.
#93. Name one state that borders Mexico.
#44. What is the capital of your state?
1803. The U.S. buys the
Louisiana Territory (land) from
France.
Here is the date when each state was admitted to the Union. This is when a star was
added to the U.S. flag. You can see the capital of each state.
Year star
added to flag
1787 - #1
1787 - #2
1787 - #3
1788 - #4
1788 - #5
1788 - #6
1788 - #7
1788 - #8
1788 - #9
1788 - #10
1788 - #11
1789 - #12
1790 - #13
1791 - #14
1792 -#15
1796 - #16
1803 - #17
1812 - #18
1816 - #19
1817 - #20
1818 - #21
1819 - #22
1820 - #23
state
Delaware
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Georgia
Connecticut
Masssachussetts
Maryland
South Carolina
Virginia
New Hampshire
New York
North Carolina
Rhode Island
Vermont
Kentucky
Tennessee
Ohio
Louisiana
Indiana
Mississippi
Illinois
Alabama
Maine
Dover
Harrisburg
Trenton
Atlanta
Hartford
Boston
Annapolis
Columbia
Richmond
Concord
Albany
Raleigh
Providence
Montpelier
Frankfort
Nashville
Columbus
Baton Rouge
Indianapolis
Jackson
Springfield
Montgomery
Augusta
1821 - #24
1836 - #25
1837 - #26
1845 - #27
1845 - #28
1846 - #29
1848 - #30
1850 - #31
1858 - #32
Missouri
Arkansas
Michigan
Florida
Texas
Iowa
Wisconsin
California
Minnesota
Jefferson City
Little Rock
Lansing
Tallahassee
Austin
De Moines
Madison
Sacramento
Saint Paul
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
capital
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Year star
added to flag
1859 - #33
1861 - #34
1863 - #35
1864 - #36
1867 - #37
1876 - #38
1889 - #39
1889 - #40
1889 - #41
1889 - #42
1890 - #43
1830 - #44
1896 - #45
1907 - #46
1912 - #47
1912 - #48
1959 - #49
1959 - #50
state
Oregon
Kansas
West Virginia
Nevada
Nebraska
Colorado
North Dakota
South Dakota
Montana
Washington
Idaho
Wyoming
Utah
Oklahoma
New Mexico
Arizona
Alaska
Hawaii
capital
Salem
Topeka
Charleston
Carson City
Lincoln
Denver
Bismarck
Pierre
Helena
Olympia
Boise
Cheyenne
Salt Lake City
Oklahoma City
Santa Fe
Phoenix
Juneau
Honolulu
The Pledge of Allegiance
#52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise to be loyal to the United States of America. The flag
is a symbol of the U.S. When Americans say the Pledge of Allegiance, they stand, put their
hand over their heart, and face the flag. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The National Anthem
”#98. What is the name of the national anthem?
The national anthem is “The Star-Spangled
Banner”. Francis Scott Key was on a ship near
Baltimore in the War of 1812. It was early in the
morning. He saw the large American flag
(banner) at Fort McHenry. British and American
ships were fighting. Key wrote about what he
saw. He wrote the words of the “Star-Spangled
Banner”. The flag seemed to be covered with
stars, so he said it was star-spangled. The song is a symbol of patriotism. Americans
stand and face the flag when they hear the national anthem.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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The Statue of Liberty
#95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
The statue of Liberty is a symbol freedom. It is in New York Harbor.
Loyalty
#53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
When you become a citizen, you promise to be loyal to the U.S. You promise
to give up loyalty to other countries. You promise to obey the laws of the U.S.
and to defend the U.S. Constitution.
U.S. map – oceans
#89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
#90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
#92 Name one state that borders Canada.
#93. Name one state that borders Mexico.
Look at the map of the U.S. Find the Atlantic Ocean. It is on the East Coast of the U.S.
Find the Pacific Ocean. It is on the West Coast of the U.S.
Canada is a country
that is north of the
United States. The
states of Alaska,
Washington, Idaho,
Montana, North
Dakota, Minnesota,
Michigan, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New
York, Vermont, New
Hampshire and
Maine border
Canada.
Mexico is a country
that is south of the
United States. The
states of California,
Arizona, New Mexico
and Texas border
Mexico.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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U.S. map – rivers.
# 88 Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
Find the rivers on the map of the United States. The Mississippi River is the longest river
in the country. It runs through ten states from north to south. It begins in Minnesota and
ends in Louisiana at the Gulf of Mexico. The Missouri River is another very long river. It
begins in the Rocky Mountains in Montana and enters the Mississippi River in Missouri.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Vocabulary:
flag (noun) = a symbol of a nation made of cloth Every country has a flag.
American flag Flag Day
banner = flag
pledge (noun) = promise
the Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance = promise of loyalty
to pledge, pledged (verb) I pledge allegiance to the flag.
allegiance (noun) = loyalty
loyal (adjective) = faithful; complete and constant support. We promise to be loyal to the U.S.
loyalty (noun) = allegiance. Our loyalty is to the U.S.
patriotism (noun) = love of your country The flag is a symbol of patriotism.
patriotic (adjective) When we sing the National Anthem, we are patriotic.
patriot (noun) = person who is patriotic George Washington was a patriot.
indivisible (adjective) = cannot be divided
The Union is indivisible.
divisible (adjective) = can be divided.
Land is divisible.
to divide, divided (verb) = distribute equally. I will divide the pie in four parts.
nation (noun) = country, land.
This nation is the United States. United Nations
national (adjective) = federal; the federal government. The National Anthem
admission (noun) = allowed to join. 1788 was the year of Virginia’s admission to the Union.
to admit, admitted (verb) Each state was admitted to the Union.
Read Flag Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#44. What is the capital of your state? ________________________
#52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?_________________________
#53. What is one promise you make when you become and United States citizen? ________________________
#71. What territory did the U.S. buy from France in 1803? ___________________________
#88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. ______________________
#89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?__________________________
#90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States? __________________________
#92 Name one state that borders Canada. __________________________
#93. Name one state that borders Mexico. __________________________
#95. Where is the Statue of Liberty? __________________________
#96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? ____________________________________________
#97. Why does the flag have 50 stars? _________________________________________
#98. What is the name of the national anthem? __________________________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
The flag is red, white and blue.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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CONSTITUTION DAY – CITIZENSHIP DAY – September 17
Citizenship Test questions:
#1. What is the supreme law of the land?
#2. What does the Constitution do?
#3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of
the Constitution. What are these words?
#4. What is an amendment?
#5. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the
Constitution?
#6. What is one right or freedom from the first Amendment?
#7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
#10. What is freedom of religion?
#13. Name one branch or part of the government.
#14. What stops one branch from becoming too powerful?
#15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
#16. Who makes federal laws?3
#17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
#30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes
President?
#31. If both the President and the Vice President can no
longer serve, who becomes President?
#33. Who signs bills to become laws?
#34. Who vetoes bills?
#35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
#36. What are two cabinet level positions?
#37. What does the judicial branch do?
#38. What is the highest court in the land?
#39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
#41. Under our constitution, some powers belong to the
Federal Government. What is one power of the Federal
Government?
#42. Under our constitution, some powers belong to the
States. What is one power of the states?
#48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about
who can vote. Describe one of them.
#54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
#65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
#66.When was the Constitution written?
#67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S.
Constitution. Name one of the writers
#68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
Constitution Day – Citizenship Day
celebrates the adoption of the U.S.
Constitution on September 17,
1787. It also celebrates new
citizens. People obtain the rights
and responsibilities of citizens when
they turn 18 and when they become
naturalized citizens.
The Articles of Confederation
In 1776, delegates to the Second
Continental Congress wrote the
Declaration of Independence. In 1777,
they wrote the Articles of
Confederation. This made 13 states. It
was the beginning of a national
government for the states.
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The Constitution
#1. What is the supreme law of the land?
#2. What does the Constitution do?
A constitution is a document that sets up the government. The U.S. Constitution is the
supreme law of the land. The Constitution sets up all the rules.
The Constitutional Convention
#65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
#66.When was the Constitution written?
#68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in the spring of 1787.
Fifty-five (55) delegates from 12 states met to write a constitution. They
had to develop a strong central (federal) government. The delegates are
called the ‘Founding Fathers’. George Washington was elected president of
the Convention. James Madison was the main writer of the Constitution.
He is called the “father of the Constitution”.
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional
Convention. On September 17, 1787, all the delegates to the
Constitutional Convention adopted the Constitution.
How the Constitution begins
#3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are
these words?
The first words in the Constitution are “We the people”. (This
means that Americans will govern themselves. They have selfgovernment by electing a president, vice-president, Senators
and Representatives.
The U.S. government
#13. Name one branch or part of the government.
#14. What stops one branch from becoming too powerful?
The federal (national) government has three branches (parts): the Executive branch, the
Legislative branch and the Judicial branch. The three branches provide checks and
balances for each other. No one branch can become too powerful.
The Executive branch - President, Vice-president and Cabinet
#15. Who is in charge of the Executive Branch?
#30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
#31. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The President and the Vice-president are in the Executive Branch of government. The
president has the highest office. He is in charge of the Executive Branch. The ViceCitizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
21
president has the second highest office. The Vice-president is also the leader (president)
of the Senate.
According to the Constitution, if the President gets sick, resigns, is removed or dies, the
Vice president becomes President. If both the President and Vice-president die, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives becomes president. S/He is an elected
Representative from his/her state.
The Cabinet
#35. What does the President’s cabinet do?
#36. What are two cabinet level positions?
The Cabinet advises the president. The Vice-president and the Secretary (head) of each
government Department are in the Cabinet. The Secretary of each department is
appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. Cabinet positions include:
Secretary of Agriculture (farming), Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Defense
(military), Secretary of Education, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Health & Human
Services, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Housing & Urban Development,
Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of State (foreign affairs),
Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of the Treasury (money), Secretary of Foreign
Affairs, and the Attorney General.
Legislative Branch
#16. Who makes federal laws?
The Legislative branch is Congress. The two parts of Congress are the Senate and House
of Representatives. Congress makes bills that become federal laws. Congress meets in
the Capitol.
Checks and balances
#33. Who signs bills to become laws?
#34. Who vetoes bills?
The president must sign a bill before it becomes law. The President can veto (not sign) a
bill. Then it does not become a law. That is part of the checks and balances in the three
branches of government.
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Judicial Branch
#37. What does the judicial branch do?
#38. What is the highest court in the land?
#39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
The Judicial branch explains laws. The Judicial branch is the Supreme Court. The Supreme
Court is the highest court in the land. The 9 justices (judges) on the Supreme Court
decide if a law is constitutional or not. The Supreme Court meets in the Supreme Court
building.
Federal and State Powers
#41. Under our constitution, some powers belong to the Federal Government. What is one power of the Federal
Government?
#42. Under our constitution, some powers belong to the States. What is one power of the states?
The U.S. Constitution in Articles I to VII divides power between the federal government
and state governments. Only the federal government has the power to print money. Only
the federal government can have armed forces (army, navy, Marines, Air Force), declare
war on another country or make a treaty (agreement) with another country.
The Tenth Amendment says that all powers that do not belong to the federal government
belong to the states. States have the power to provide schools and education. They have
the power to provide protection, police, sheriff, and fire departments. They regulate state
highways and driver’s licenses. They approve land use and zoning (purpose – commercial,
residential, industry)
The first 10 Amendments to the constitution – the Bill of Rights
#4. What is an amendment?
#5. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?
#6. What is one right or freedom from the first Amendment?
#10. What is freedom of religion?
An amendment is a change to the constitution. The first ten amendments to the
Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They were added to the Constitution in 1791. The
First Amendment says that all Americans will have freedom of religion, speech, press, the
right to assemble, and petition.
Freedom of religion means that Americans can practice any religion or no religion.
Freedom of speech means you can talk about whatever you want and the government
cannot stop you. Freedom of the press means the government cannot control what is in
the media (newspapers, TV). Freedom of assembly means that people can meet together
to protest something they don’t like. Freedom of petition means that people can request
(petition) the government to make changes.
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The Federalist Papers
#67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the
writers.
The Constitutional Convention adopted the Constitution. Then each state
legislature had to adopt it. The Constitution would take effect when 9 of the
13 states approved it. People in each state discussed whether to adopt the
Constitution or not. The Federalist Papers are essays (writings) in favor of the
Constitution. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote the
essays.
Voting Amendments
#7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
#48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
#54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
There are 27 Amendments to the Constitution. Four amendments are about who can
vote.
1) 15th Amendment, 1870 – a male citizen of any race can vote
2) 19th Amendment, 1920 – women and men, all citizens can vote
3) 24th Amendment, 1964 – citizens do not have to pay a poll tax to vote
4) 26th Amendment, 1971 – citizens who are 18 years old or older can vote
Vocabulary
convention (noun) = a meeting of delegates/representatives. There were 55 delegates at the
Constitutional Convention
to convene, convened (verb) = to meet. The delegates convened in Philadelphia.
government (noun) = system of ruling a country, state. The U.S. government has 3 branches
governor (noun) Each state has a governor. He is elected by the people of the state.
to govern, governed (verb) He governs the state.
governmental (adjective) That is a governmental building.
constitution (noun) = document that sets up a government. The U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1787.
constitutional (adjective) The Constitutional Convention met in 1787.
Congress (noun) = branch of government that makes laws. Continental Congress. U.S. Congress
to congregate, congregated (verb) = meet; assemble. The Continental Congress congregated in
Philadelphia.
congressional (adjective) The congressional committee meets soon.
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representative (noun) = a person who acts in place of another. The House of Representatives has 435
representatives.
House of Representatives = one branch of Congress
representation (noun) There is a representation from each state.
to represent, represented (verb) Each representative represents the people of his district in the state.
Senate (noun) = one branch of Congress. The Senate meets in the Capitol.
Senator (noun) = person who serves In the Senate. There are 100 Senators.
Read Constitution Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#1. What is the supreme law of the land? ________________________
#2. What does the Constitution do? ______________________________
#3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? ________
#4. What is an amendment? ___________________________
#5. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution? ___________________
#6. What is one right or freedom from the first Amendment? ____________________________
#7. How many amendments does the Constitution have? ____
#10. What is freedom of religion? ______________________________________
#13. Name one branch or part of the government. ___________________
#14. What stops one branch from becoming too powerful? _________________________________
#15. Who is in charge of the executive branch? ___________________
#16. Who makes federal laws? _____________________________
#17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? ________________________________
#30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? ___________________
#31. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? ______________
#33. Who signs bills to become laws? ___________________
#34. Who vetoes bills? ___________________
#35. What does the President’s Cabinet do? ________________________
#36. What are two cabinet level positions? _________________________
#37. What does the judicial branch do? ____________________________
#38. What is the highest court in the land? ___________________
#39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?_______
#41. Under our constitution, some powers belong to the Federal Government. What is one power of the Federal
Government?___________________________________
#42. Under our constitution, some powers belong to the States. What is one power of the states? ___________
#48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them._____________
#54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? ______
#65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention? ________________________________________
#66. When was the Constitution written? ________
#67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.__________
#68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?____________________________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
Congress meets in Washington, D.C.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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VETERANS DAY – November 11
Citizenship Test questions:
#78. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the
1900s.
#79. Who was President during World War I?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Veteran’s Day
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
On Veterans’ Day we remember all veterans both living and dead. We remember their
service to our country. In 1954 the U.S. Congress made a law. This law makes Veterans’
Day a national holiday on November 11.
World War I
#78. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1900s.
#79. Who was President during World War I?
The First World War (World War I) was mainly in
Europe, but it included countries all over the world.
The United States military fought in the war from
1917 to 1918. Woodrow Wilson was President
(1913-1921) during the war. World War I ended
Veterans
The armed forces protect our country
and fight in wars. The military are the
armed forces. The armed forces are the
men and women in the Army, Navy,
Marines and Air Force. The Coast
Guard is also part of the military in war
time. Any person who was in the
armed forces is a veteran (vet).
with the armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th day
of the 11th month. This was called Armistice Day. This was a holiday for many years.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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Vocabulary
Military = Armed forces = Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard (in war)
arms (noun) = weapons. to bear arms - Americans have the right to bear arms.
to arm, armed (verb) = to have weapons, guns. The soldiers are armed with guns.
Army – The U.S. Army (USA) is the largest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It performs land-based military
operations. It began with the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. Soldiers are stationed at an Army
base. Each state has an Army National Guard and Army Reserve units.
Navy – The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Navy has
combat ships and aircraft carriers. It began with the Continental Navy in the Revolutionary War. Sailors are
stationed at a naval base.
Marines - The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the U. S. Armed Forces. It provides
amphibious, expeditionary and aerial support in warfare. Marines are stationed at Marine bases.
Air Force - The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It
provides air support for ground forces. Airmen, pilots are stationed at an Air Force base.
Coast Guard –The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the U. S. Armed Forces. It protects the
coast, ocean, rivers, and ports in peacetime. In World War I and World War II, the Coast Guard became part
of the Navy. Coast Guard stations are on the coast, rivers and big lakes.
Veteran, vet (noun) = a person who served in the armed forces. Veterans are buried at Arlington National
Cemetery.
Armistice (noun) = a break in fighting. Armistice Day is November 11.
fight (noun) = battle. The fight was between the Allies and the Axis Powers.
fighter(noun) = person who fights. Soldiers are fighters.
to fight, fought, fought (verb) = combat. The U.S. fought in World War I.
Read Veterans Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#78. Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1900s. ___________________
#79. Who was President during World War I? _________________________
Write this sentence. Practice
We live in the United States.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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MEMORIAL DAY – last Monday in May
Citizenship Test questions:
#32. Who is Commander-in-chief of the military?
#78. Name one war fought by the United States in the
1900s
#80. Who was president during the Great Depression
and World War II?
#81. Who did the U.S. fight in World War II?
#82. Before he was president, Eisenhower was a
general. What war was he in?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Memorial Day
100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
On Memorial Day we remember all the
people in the armed forces who died in
American wars. We remember their service to
the U.S. In 1971 the U.S. Congress made a
law that Memorial Day is a national holiday on
the last Monday in May.
World War II
# 78. Name one war fought by the United States in the
1900s
#81. Who did the U.S. fight in World War II?
Memorials
Arlington National Cemetery is a memorial to
America’s heroes. It is in Virginia across the
Potomac River from Washington, D. C.
Thousands of military men and women are
buried there. Men and women who died
serving their country in World War I (19171918), World War II (1941-45), Korean War
(1950-53), Vietnam War (1964-75). PersianGulf War (1990-91) are buried there.
There are many memorials to people who died
in American wars. The World War II Memorial,
Iowa Jima Memorial, Navy Memorial, Air Force
Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and
others are in Washington, D.C.
The Second World War (World War II) was a
war between the Allies and the Axis Powers from 1939 to 1945. The Allies were Great
Britain, France, Belgium, Holland, and the Soviet Union. The Axis Powers were Germany,
Italy and Japan. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 11,
1941, the U.S. joined the Allies. The U.S. fought against Germany, Italy
and japan.
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World War II leaders
#32. Who is Commander-in-chief of the military?
#80. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
#82. Before he was president, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) served as the 32nd president of the U.S. for three terms:
1933-36, 1936-41, and 1941-45. He was President during the Great Depression (192933) and during World War II. The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S.
military at all times.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower was a Commander in World War II. In 1950 he was the
head of NATO forces in Europe. He was elected to two terms as the 34 th president of the
U.S. from 1953 to 1961.
Vocabulary
memorial (noun) = something by which the memory of a person or an event is kept alive. The Lincoln
Memorial helps us remember President Lincoln.
memory, memories noun) = the store of things kept in the mind; remembered. Do you have some
memories of your childhood?
memorialize (adjective) We memorialize heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.
to remember, remembered (verb) = to keep in mind. We remember President Lincoln.
to commemorate, commemorated (verb) = to observe with a ceremony. We commemorate our fallen
heroes on Memorial Day.
attack (noun) = strong action. No one expected an attack.
to attack, attacked (verb) = to strike, hit. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
ally, allies (noun) = nations untied together for a common purpose. The United States joined the Allies.
to ally, allied (verb) = to form a connection. The U.S. allies with Canada.
alliance (noun) Nations want to be in alliance with each other.
Read Memorial Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice
#32. Who is Commander-in-chief of the military? __________________
#78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. _________________
#80. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II? ____________________
#81. Who did the U.S. fight in World War II? ___________________________
#82. Before he was president, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in? ______________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays. _____________________
Write this sentence. Practice
Memorial Day is in May.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY – 3rd Monday in January
Citizenship Test questions:
#60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as
slaves?
#75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln
did?
#76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
#77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
#84.What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
#85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
We remember Martin Luther King, Jr. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We remember his
contribution to the U.S. as a civil rights leader. In 1986 the U.S. Congress made a law.
This law makes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a national holiday on the third Monday in
January.
BACKGROUND OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Slaves
#60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
In the early days of the colonies, some men brought
black people from Africa to the colonies. The
Europeans sold the Africans as slaves. The slaves
worked on cotton and tobacco plantations (big farms)
in the southern colonies. A slave is the property of
another person and must work for him.
The Civil War
Abraham Lincoln was the President during the Civil War. The Civil War was
between the northern states and the southern states from 1861-65. The states in
the South (Confederacy) wanted to keep slaves to work on plantations. The states
in the North (Union) wanted to abolish slavery. States’ rights became a common
issue. Problems with the economy also caused the Civil War. The Union Army had
the American flag, the Confederate Army had a Confederate flag.
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The Emancipation Proclamation
#75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
#76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
In 1865 President Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. This freed the slaves.
Everyone in the U.S. was free. In 1868, the 14th Amendment gave citizenship to former
slaves.
Race – racial discrimination
Race: any one of the groups that people can be divided into based on shared distinct physical or genetic
traits. A person’s race was either white or black or Indian.
Racial discrimination is unfair treatment of other people because of prejudice (bias) against their race.
Today the U.S. Census Bureau uses the following categories for race:
White – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
Black or African American – A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
American Indian or Alaska Native – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South
America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
Asian – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine
Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii,
Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
Ethnicity (ethnic origin) categories: “Hispanic or Latino” and “Non-Hispanic or Non-Latino”
Segregation
Segregation is keeping people of different races
and religion separate from each other. In the
segregation era (1865- 1960s) in the southern
states, children had to go to different schools
based on their race. There were white schools,
colored (Negro, Black) schools and Indian
schools. Restrooms, drinking fountains,
restaurants, movie theaters and hotels were
segregated. It was ‘separate, but equal’. All
Americans did not have the same (equal)
opportunities for jobs and education.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
Voting rights
In 1865, all the slaves were free, but they
could not vote. Only white men could
vote. In 1870, the 15th Amendment gave
every male citizen of any race the right to
vote. Southern states passed laws to
prevent African-American men and poor
whites from voting. Example: You must
pay a poll-tax in order to vote.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement
#85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
Civil rights are those rights which everyone has regardless of
race, religion or sex.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an African-American minister
(preacher). He was the most important civil rights leader. He
wanted everyone to have equal rights. He wanted to end
segregation and racial discrimination against African-Americans.
Dr. King believed in peaceful, non-violent protests and marches.
Dr. King made a speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. “I
have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out
the true meaning of its creed: ’We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal.’”
As a result of the civil rights movement, Congress passed laws
to end discrimination. In 1964, the 24th Amendment said that citizens do not have to pay
a poll tax to vote. The Civil Rights Act in 1964 banned (made illegal) discrimination based
on “race, color, religion or national origin” in employment or public accommodations
(restrooms, motels, restaurants). The Voting Rights Act of 1965 protected voting rights.
The Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965 allowed immigrants from countries
other than Europe to enter the U.S. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 banned discrimination in
renting or selling houses. The Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education
(1954) ended segregated schools. It began the process of integrating public schools all
across the country.
Dr. King won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964. A man killed Dr. King in 1968. The Martin
Luther King, Jr. Memorial is in Washington, D.C.
Voting rights for women
#77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) protested and campaigned for laws to give women the
right to vote (women’s suffrage). In 1869 Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
founded (began) the National Woman’s Suffrage Association. Miss Anthony became a
symbol for women’s rights. The 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1920.
This gave women the right to vote the same as men.
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Vocabulary
movement (noun) = a series of actions working toward a desired end. There were many leaders in the
Civil Rights movement.
to move, moved (verb) = action taken to accomplish something. The Civil Rights leaders moved forward.
equal (adjective) = exactly the same Everyone has equal rights under the law.
equality (noun) Americans want equality for all people.
protest (noun) = a complaint against an idea. It was a peaceful protest.
protester (noun) = person who protests. The police arrested some protesters.
to protest, protested (verb) = to complain strongly about. People protested in many cities at the same
time.
demonstration (noun) = a parade or gathering to show public feelings. The demonstration began at 9
o’clock.
demonstrator (noun) = person who demonstrates The demonstrators held up signs.
to demonstrate, demonstrated (verb) = to make a public display. The people demonstrated near the
Capitol.
march (noun) = the action of marching; a protest. There was a march on Washington.
marcher (noun) = person who marches. The marchers stopped at the gate.
to march, marches, marched (verb ) = to keep in step with others. The protesters marched to the
Capitol.
discrimination (noun) to discriminate (verb), discriminatory (adjective)= unfair treatment because of race
segregation (noun), to segregate (verb), segregated (adjective) = enforced separation by race
integration (noun), to integrate (verb), integrated (adjective) = open to all races
Read Martin Luther King Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? ________________
#75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did? _________________
#76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? _________________
#77. What did Susan B. Anthony do? _________________
#84 .What movement tried to end racial discrimination? _________________
#85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do? _________________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
_________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
All Americans have equal rights
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Patriot Day
National Day of Service and Remembrance - September 11
Citizenship questions:
#86. What major event happened on Sept. 11, 2001 in the U.S?
Patriot Day
#86. What major event happened on Sept. 11, 2001 in the U.S?
On September 11, 2001 foreign terrorists hijacked four
American planes. They wanted to attack the U.S. One plane destroyed the World Trade
Center in New York City. This place is now called Ground Zero. Another plane crashed
into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. One plane crashed
near Shanksville, Pennsylvania killing passengers and crew.
Nearly 3000 people were killed. We call this day “9-11’’.
Life changed in the U.S. Tight security procedures on
planes and in public buildings became the law.
The first Patriot day was on September 11, 2002. Congress
and President Bush made this a law. Americans observe
Patriot Day with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. This is a
time to think about all the people who died that day.
Americans can volunteer to help in their community on this day.
Vocabulary
terror (noun) = a state of great feat. Terror is a strong feeling.
terrorist (noun) = person who causes terror. The terrorist had a bomb.
terrorism (noun) = use threat or violence to force others to do something. There are many laws against
terrorism.
to terrorize, terrorized (verb) = use threat or violence. The terrorist terrorized the people in the church.
hijacker (noun) = person who hijacks. There were two hijackers on the plane.
to hijack, high jacked (verb) = to take control over a vehicle by force. They high jacked the plane.
Read Patriot Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#86. What major event happened on Sept. 11, 2001 in the U.S?___________________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
We live in America.
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
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ELECTION DAY – 1ST TUESDAY AFTER THE 1ST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
Election Day
Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat.
Every four years, American citizens elect a new president. They
get out and vote for the candidate of their choice. In 1845,
Congress made Election Day the first Tuesday following the first
Monday in November. The first election on that day was
November 7, 1848.
Citizenship Test questions:
#18. How many U.S. Senators are there?
#19. We elect a U. S Senator for how many years?
#21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
#22. We elect a U.S Representative for how many years?
#24. Who does a U.S Senator represent?
#25. Why do some states have more representatives than other states?
#26. We elect a president for how many years?
#27. In what month do we vote for President?
#45. What are two major political parties in the United States?
#54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
#91. Name one U.S Territory.
Voting and elections
#54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
Only citizens can vote in most elections. You must be 18 years or older to vote. When you
vote, you chose one person for the office (job). You choose one from the list of candidates
on the ballot (list of candidates).
Presidential candidates
#26. We elect a president for how many years?
#27. In what month do we vote for President?
According to the Constitution, a president of the U.S. must be at least 35 years old. He
must be a native-born American. He must have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. A
president’s term of office is four years. So there is a presidential election every four years.
A president may only be elected to two terms. Presidential elections are always the first
Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
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Political parties, conventions and primaries and caucuses
#45. What are two major political parties in the United States?
The two major political parties in the U.S. are the Democrats and
Republicans. The symbol for the Democrats is a donkey, and the
symbol for the Republicans is an elephant.
In the summer before the election in November, both parties hold a
national convention. A political convention is a meeting of delegates
from all the states and territories. Republicans in each state hold
primaries or caucuses (meetings) in the spring. They choose delegates to go to the
Republican National Convention in the summer. Democrats in each state hold primaries or
caucuses in the spring. They choose delegates to go to the Democratic National
Convention in the summer.
The national ballot is decided on at each Convention. Delegates vote for the best
candidate for president and vice-president to represent the party. The president and vicepresident run together. They are on the ticket. They campaign to get votes all over the
country. They campaign until Election Day.
The Legislative branch - Congress – Congressional elections
Senate
#18. How many U.S. Senators are there?
#19. We elect a U. S Senator for how many years?
#24. Who does a U.S Senator represent?
The Senate is made up of 100 senators. Each state elects two Senators. They represent
the people in their state. Citizens of the state elect their Senator for 6 years.
House of Representatives
#21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
#22. We elect a U.S Representative for how many years?
#25. Why do some states have more representatives than other states?
#91. Name one U.S Territory.
The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. The number of representatives
each state has is based on its population. More people live in some states than in others.
For example, Virginia has 11 representatives, while California has 53, and Idaho has 2
representatives. Citizens of each district in a state elect their Representative for 2 years.
The 50 states are represented in the House. In addition the U.S. has five territories where
people live. They are Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana
Islands and Guam. Each of these territories has representatives in the House, but they
cannot vote.
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The federal government is responsible federal election laws. Each state government is
responsible for state election laws.
Presidential Election process
There are two major political parties in the U.S. – the Republican
Party and the Democratic Party.
A member of a political party announces that s/he is a candidate,
running for office (usually before election year)
Delegates to state primaries select their candidates for president and
vice-president
Candidate campaigns to get support
Each state and territory holds primaries or caucuses to choose
delegates to the party National Convention
At the party National Convention (summer of election year) –
- Delegates from all states and territories meet
- Candidates make speeches
-The delegates decide/agree on a party platform (a list of the values
and actions the party supports)
-Delegates vote for one candidate for president. They nominate the
party candidate for president. S/he selects running-mate for vicepresident
Candidates campaign on the party platform all over the country
(nation-wide)
Election Day – 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November
Voters go to polls to vote in private for candidate of their choice
Votes are counted in each precinct, in each state, results of popular
vote announced –winner will be president
Electoral college- electors elected by citizens of each state
Number of electors for a state = Senate and House members
combined (538)
Electors vote for candidates receiving most votes in their state –
candidate receiving majority of votes becomes president
New President is inaugurated (sworn-in as president) on January 15
of next year
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
Voting process
-You register to vote in your
district in the state: Show proof
of citizenship and residency
-Receive Voter Card – lists voting
precinct, Congressional district,
state legislative districts
-You learn about candidates for
office, decide best candidate to
vote for
-On Election Day go to your
voting location (polling place),
show Voter Card, identification
You cast your ballot – vote in
private space – paper or
computer ballot
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Vocabulary
vote (noun) = a formal expression of opinion on a ballot. There was a light vote in some
districts.
voter (noun) = person who votes. The voters go to the polls.
to vote, voted (verb) Each citizen votes for the best candidate.
ballot (noun) = paper or computer with list of candidates to vote for. There were three
candidates for senator on the ballot
cast your ballot = to vote. I went early to cast my ballot
poll, polling place (noun) = place where you vote. The polls open at 7 a.m. My polling place
is at the elementary school.
to poll, polled (verb) = to receive and record votes.
candidate (noun) = person who is running for office., There are five candidates for governor.
political party/parties (noun) = a group of people who share the same political beliefs. There
are two major political parties in the U.S.
Democrat, Democrats, Democratic Party = one major political party. He is a Democrat, and is
a member of the Democratic Party.
democracy (noun) = government by the people, majority rule. The U.S. is a democracy.
Republican, Republicans, Republican Party = one major political party. They are Republicans
and members of the Republican Party.
republic (noun) = government by the people through voting. Pledge: And to the Republic for
which it stands.
campaign (noun) = a series of actions leading to an election. The candidate for Senator
began her campaign in her home town.
to campaign, campaigned (verb) She campaigned in all parts of the state.
term of office = time in elected office. A representative’s term of office is two years.
Read Election Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#18. How many U.S. Senators are there? ___
#19. We elect a U. S Senator for how many years? ____
#21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members? ______
#22. We elect a U.S Representative for how many years? ___
#24. Who does a U.S Senator represent? ___________________________________
#25. Why do some states have more representatives than other states? ________________________________
#26. We elect a president for how many years? ___
#27. In what month do we vote for President? _______________
#45. What are two major political parties in the United States? ___________________________________
#54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? _____
#91. Name one U.S Territory. ___________________________________
Write this sentence. Practice.
We elect a president.
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LABOR DAY –1ST MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER
Citizenship Test questions:
#11. What is the economic system in the U.S?
#41. Under our Constitution, some powers
belong to the federal government. What is one
power of the federal government?
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Labor Day
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Labor Day is a national holiday when we remember everyone who labors (works). In
1894, Congress made a law that Labor Day is a national holiday on the first Monday in
September.
Economic systems
U.S. economy
#11. What is the economic system in the U.S?
The U.S. has a capitalist economy. People are free to
own land, businesses and industries.
Labor Unions
In the
century, many people worked in
factories. Workers labored for many hours for
low pay (not much money). Children worked
too. Labor unions helped to change that. Labor
unions organized to represent the workers in
different industries. (Example: steel workers
union) Labor leaders negotiated with owners
to get higher pay and better hours. In 1884,
there was a big parade of workers in New York
City. This was the beginning of Labor Day.
19th
Citizenship Test Integrated Guide. © E. Johnson, 2015
Capitalism is an economic system
based on private ownership of
property.
Socialism is an economic system
based on shared ownership of
property.
Communism is a system of
government in which the state
(government) controls the
economy.
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American money
#41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal
government?
Only the federal government can print money. There are pictures of presidents on bills
and coins. Look at a dollar bill ($1). It has President George Washington. Look at a five
dollar bill ($5). It has President Abraham Lincoln. Look at the ‘heads’ side of coins.
Cent, penny (1 Cent, 1₵) – President Lincoln
Nickel (5 cents, 5₵) – President Jefferson
Dime (10 cents, 10₵) – President Roosevelt
Quarter (25 cents, 25₵) – President Washington
Vocabulary
economy (noun) = System in which goods & services are produced, sold, bought
economics (noun) = the science that explains the making, selling and using of goods and services. I am
taking a course in economics.
economist (noun) = person who is an expert in economics. Economists work in the Department of
Labor.
to economize, economized (verb) = to reduce expenses. We do not have much money, so we must
try to economize.
economical (adjective) = using what you have carefully and without waste. We will be more
economical in using water.
Read Labor Day. Write the answers to the Citizenship Test questions. Practice.
#11. What is the economic system in the U.S? ________________________________
#41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal
government? _____________________
#100. Name two national U.S. holidays. ____________________________
Write this sentence. Practice
President Washington is on the one dollar bill.
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