Years ago I knew a Turkish man who obtained US citizenship. Shortly after his induction ceremony, he told me about the test he had to take AND pass as part of his path to US citizenship. I remembering thinking at the time that I was not sure I could have passed that test, and I am from a generation that was required to take Civics in high school and then again in college. Plus for a while I majored in History, and I have always had an interest in the subject, especially the revolutionary period of American history.
All this came back to mind as there was an article on the da ‘net: Do you know the 3 branches of US government? Many don’t, leading to a push for civics education
In the article there is a link to a very short quiz that gives a small sampling of the type of questions on the citizenship exam. It also stated that the actual test was not multiple choice like the one connected to the news article. I managed to get all 10 correct, but, most likely, only because it was multiple choice.
Here is the link: Could YOU pass a citizenship test?
I am definitely of the opinion that all students in the USA should have to take Civics course before high school graduation as well as American History. While I am on the subject, why not Home Economics, not matter what your gender. They all definitely are needed in our quotidian lives. As an outsider looking in, I am not so sure all the super concentration of STEM subjects is benefiting our children or our country. I say this as a person with a science degree and a technology degree, and as someone who worked in these fields for most of their adult life.
Take my opinion and $2 and change, and you will be able to buy yourself a soda pop. Eso lo que hay.
