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
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
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.
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.
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
U.S. Citizenship Resources for Native American Heritage Month page (2023)
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!