The Real Story of the American Revolution 

Welcome New (or Prospective ) Citizens!

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Latest Changes: 07Sep06 - created /

Welcome to the privileges and responsibilities of this great nation!
An adult citizen should know the main features of the structure and operation
of the government of the United States as well as something about the officials
who represent him/her in the House, Senate, and the Executive Branch.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

People who were born in the United States don't have to take a test in order to become a citizen. It is assumed that they received a good education about the basic facts about the history of the U.S.; the enactment and administration of laws; the court system; and current leaders, issues, and events. It is also assumed that they will remember much of what they learned and that they will update their knowledge throughout life from conversations and news reports. If these assumptions are met the citizen should be well-prepared to participate in voting or holding office.

Prospective citizens who were not educated in the U.S. need to learn the basic facts about U.S. history, governance, and current leaders because the U.S. Immigration Service administers a test that must be passed as part of the citizenship process.

This Web site (www.RSAR.org) provides educational resources about the history of the U.S. war for independence from Great Britain and the foundations of the U.S. Constitution. The following Web sites provide single-source overviews of the basic areas covered by the test.

  • The "Naturalization" Processs [U.S. Government Printing Office] describes the three steps in the process, states the requirements to be a citizen, and gives several links to helpful sites.

  • HistoryWiz has a well-illustrated presentation of the issues, people, and events of the American Revolution.

  • Basic Governing Principles of the Constitution [The National Constitution Center] gives a brief summary of the basics and provides links to many other avenues to explore the foundations and implications of the U.S. Constitution.

  • Ben's Guide to U.S. Government [U.S. Government Printing Office] is designed to help high school students learn about the operation of the U.S. government.

  • Quick Facts about Your State (under Our Nation) of Ben's Guide to U.S. Government [U.S. Government Printing Office] helps you find the names of the U.S. Senators for your state, the U.S. Representative for your election district, your state's Governor, and other state officials.
ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A CITIZEN?
Try these old questions (100 of them) that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use until then end of 2007.
Try these new questions (142 of them) that will replace the old questions starting in 2008.

How did you do on each set?

Which series do you think best captures what it means to be a U.S. citizen -- and why?

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