The civics exam immigrants must pass to become American citizens has been revised for the first time since 1986, and the new questions will go into effect next year. The Bush administration wanted the test to be more challenging, but the revision also pays more attention to diversity, the achievements of women, and current events. My question is, when are we going to get serious about teaching this information to kids in American schools? Here's a sampling of questions I've culled from the full exam:
- What is the economic system in the United States?
- What are two Cabinet-level positions?
- What is one power of the Federal government?
- What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives?
- What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
- Name one of the writers of the Federalist Papers.
- What did Susan B. Anthony do?
- Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
- Name one U.S. territory.
--Dana Goldstein
