At the caucus the other night we had one newly naturalized citizen in attendance. This year four of our friends have become citizens.  As you know they must pass a test on our history and government. Remember these are usually people who were never exposed to US history or government until they arrived here. Yet most do quite well on their tests because they want to be a citizen so badly. Rumor has it that they can usually beat natural born citizens.

So, here is a sample. A smart group like you should do well!

1) What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
A. The Founding Fathers had dinner together.
B. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Constitution.
C. The meeting was interrupted by the British Army.
D. The Constitution was written.

2) The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
A. The People We
B. We American People
C. We the People
D. The American People

3) There were 13 original states. Name three.
A. Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine
B. Connecticut, Delaware and Pennsylvania
C. Rhode Island, Florida and Georgia
D. New Hampshire, West Virginia and Virginia

4) What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? *
A. life
B. bear arms
C. own land
D. petition the government

5) What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
A. Movement against Racism
B. Native Indian movement
C. Slave rights movement
D. Civil rights movement

6) Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
A. to provide safety such as fire departments
B. to provide protection such as police
C. to provide schooling and education
D. to create an army

7) What is freedom of religion?
A. You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
B. You must practice at least a religion of your choice.
C. It is a freedom to stay in any region of the United States.
D. Your family members can practice any religion, but it must be the same religion.

8) Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
A. to create an army
B. to print money
C. to approve zoning and land use
D. to make treaties

9) Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
A. because there were 13 founders
B. because there were 13 original colonies
C. because the stripes represent the 13 Indian tribes
D. because the nation was found in July 13th

10) What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? *
A. serve on a jury
B. serve in the army
C. volunteer as a social worker
D. live and work in the United States

11) What does the judicial branch do?
A. amends the Constitution
B. runs the government
C. makes the laws
D. explains laws

12) When was the Constitution written?
A. 1780
B. 1776
C. 1778
D. 1787

Answers? Show me your birth certificate first!
BTW, this whole test is here.  There are many more sample tests online.

Here we go:

1) D – constitution written
2) C – We The People
3) B
4) D – petition the gov’t
5) D – civil rights movement
6) D – create an army
7) A
8) C
9) B
10) A
11) D
12) D

Well – would you be a new citizen?