Monday, December 4, 2023

What Is the State Department?

National Museum of American Diplomacy: What Is the State Department? The U.S. Department of State is the government agency dedicated to protecting Americans and advancing U.S. interests abroad. 

In 1789, the U.S. Department of State, or the State Department, was established with the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Over the past 200 years, this federal agency has evolved to meet the new challenges of the 21st century. Throughout its history, the State Department has led the U.S. government’s foreign policy decisions and assisted Americans all over the world. In this video, understand how the State Department functions. LESSON PLAN

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Nearly 900 new U.S. citizens welcomed in Roseville ceremony

CBS Sacramento: Nearly 900 new U.S. citizens welcomed in Roseville ceremony

The National Anthem and the presentation of the Color Guard welcomed nearly 900 people during a naturalization ceremony at The Grounds in Roseville.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Hundreds of Volunteers Get White House Ready for Christmas

VOA News: Hundreds of Volunteers Get White House Ready for Christmas

Every year, thousands of people from across the United States volunteer for a very exclusive holiday experience – the chance to decorate the White House for Christmas. Of all of those applicants, only 300 lucky people are chosen. VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports.

Learn more:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for the Winter Holidays page
  • Holiday Stamps and Religious Freedom pdf (2021)
  • A Citizenship Quiz for Christmas  (2021) mp3 / pdf / video

Friday, December 1, 2023

Rosa Parks Day

What does it mean to stand up for something?
How do you show your support for causes you believe in?



TED-ED: The hidden life of Rosa Parks - Riché D. Richardson

Learn about the life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks— her work with the NAACP, bus boycotts, and her lifelong fight against racial inequality.

Throughout her life, Rosa Parks repeatedly challenged racial violence and the prejudiced systems protecting its perpetrators. Her refusal to move to the back of a segregated bus ignited a boycott that lasted 381 days and helped transform civil rights activism into a national movement. But this work came at an enormous risk— and a personal price. Riché D. Richardson details the life of Rosa Parks.

Lesson by Riché D. Richardson, directed by Eido.

Learn more:

Rosa Parks Day is a U.S observance that celebrates the famous civil rights leader Rosa Parks. In different parts of the United States, this day is celebrated on different days. In some areas, it’s celebrated on Rosa Park’s birthday—which is February 4th, and in other areas, it’s celebrated on December 1st. No matter what day it’s observed, however, it’s a good day to learn about the civil rights movement or to take part in activities that support the civil rights movement.

POP QUIZ:

12. What is the “rule of law”?

42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states? 

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

37. What does the judicial branch do?

23. Name your U.S. Representative.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Happy National Native American Heritage Month!




Native American history IS American history, and it is only by recognizing that history that we can build a future that is equitable and inclusive. Happy National Native American Heritage Month!

Resources from US Citizenship Podcast

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Happy Birthday San Jose, California!


A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the Double Birthday of San Jose, CA  mp3 | pdf

Happy Birthday San Jose! Today we are going to celebrate the Double Birthday of San Jose, California.

Today we are going to listen to eight questions from the USCIS 100 questions plus 2 extra credit questions. There is so much to say about San Jose, that I could have asked many more questions, but ten questions in total is just enough. Remember you only have to get 6 out of 10 questions correct to pass the citizenship exam along with the questions from you N-400 plus reading and writing one sentence.

Today when I ask the questions, there will be no answers--you will have to answer the questions yourself. Check your copy of the USCIS questions to make sure that you are correct. Let's get started!

Monday, November 27, 2023

Indigenous People Answer Commonly Googled Questions About Native Americans

Buzz Feed: Indigenous People Answer Commonly Googled Questions About Native Americans

USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? Question 59 Audio (MP3, 192.74 KB)

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. Question 87 Audio (MP3, 1.13 MB)

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion? Question 10 Audio (MP3, 174.83 KB)

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays. Question 100 Audio (MP3, 977.39 KB)

USCIS 100:64. There were 13 original states. Name threeQuestion 64 Audio (MP3, 659.02 KB)

USCIS 100:71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? Question 71 Audio (MP3, 252.61 KB)

USCIS 100:91. Name one U.S. territory. Question 91 Audio (MP3, 348.71 KB)

USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada. Question 92 Audio (MP3, 624.4 KB)

USCIS 100:93. Name one state that borders Mexico. Question 93 Audio (MP3, 287.63 KB)