2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 26

 

TED-ED: The making of the American Constitution - Judy Walton

Also watch: New York Historical Society: The Constitution // The Citizenship Project [E07]

Classroom:

• ESL 4 Practice Interview for Constitution & Citizenship Week AND Adult Education & Family Literacy Week

• ESL 5 Practice Interview for Constitution & Citizenship Week AND Adult Education & Family Literacy Week

• Questions 10 and 11: Weapons
• Voices of Freedom: Ch. 8
• US Constitution Quick Quiz (picture vocabulary) pdf and Google slides (2021)
• 128: Constitution Quiz pdf
• Hao Thi Vu (Vietnam): A Quick Interview for US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014 based on the new N-400r (2014) pdf 

U.S. Citizenship Resources for April

Tulips in front of the U.S. Capitol Building

U.S. Citizenship Resources for April 2026

April is Arab American Heritage Month! page

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Arab American Heritage Month page

April is Financial Literacy Month page

Financial literacy and financial responsibility are key components of citizenship.

April is National Poetry Month post

Spotlight on Emma Lazarus' poem "New Colossus" and poetry that celebrates America and our immigrant heritage.

April 19-25: National Library Week  page
Explore the role of Libraries in supporting the formation of new American citizens!

April 1 to April 9 Passover  page

Passover Haggadah celebrating our Immigrant Nation

April 3: Good Friday page
GOOD FRIDAY Faith-Based Immigration and Refugee Resources

April 5: Easter page 

A U.S. Citizenship Quiz in honor of Western Christians

April 12: Pascha page
A U.S. Citizenship Quiz in honor of Eastern Orthodox Christians

April 15: Income Tax Day page 

15 question quiz and more

Apr 16-19: DC Emancipation Day post

Commemorates 1862 act signed by Lincoln which freed the slaves in the District of Columbia.

April 22: Earth Day page
Citizenship Resources for Earth Day, Arbor Day, and more! 

updated 2026-03-31

USCIS 128:72. It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.

OpenAI. (2026). It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, men ages 18 through 25 must register for the Selective Service. This is a list of people who could be called to serve in the military if the country needs it.

One reason to register is that it is required by law. This means men in this age group must sign up, even if there is no draft right now. Not registering can cause problems with jobs, education, or government benefits.

Another reason is that it is a civic duty. This means it is a responsibility to help and support the country. Registering shows that a person is willing to serve if needed.

Registering also helps make the system fair. If there is a draft in the future, the Selective Service makes sure people are chosen in a fair and equal way.

These reasons show why registering for the Selective Service is important for young men in the United States.  

For more information, go to SSS.gov.

USCIS 128:71. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

OpenAI. (2026). Why is it important to pay federal taxes?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Paying federal taxes is an important responsibility in the United States. It is required by law, so people must pay taxes if they meet the rules. This means paying taxes is not optional—it is part of following the law.

Taxes are used to fund the federal government. The money helps pay for services like national defense, roads, schools, and public programs. When people pay taxes, they help support these services for everyone.

Paying federal taxes is also supported by the U.S. Constitution, especially the 16th Amendment. This amendment allows the government to collect income taxes from people.

Finally, paying taxes is a civic duty. This means it is a responsibility of citizens to help their country. By paying taxes, people contribute to the nation and help it function properly.

USCIS 128:70. What is one way Americans can serve their country?

OpenAI. (2026). What is one way Americans can serve their country?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Americans can serve their country in many ways. Serving the country means helping the nation and supporting its laws and values.

One important way is to vote in elections. Voting helps choose leaders and make decisions about laws. Another way is to pay taxes. Taxes help the government provide services like schools, roads, and public safety.

People also serve their country when they obey the law. Following the law helps keep communities safe and fair for everyone. Some people choose to serve in the military, which means protecting the country.

Others serve by running for office or working for the government. They may work at the local, state, or federal level to help their communities and make decisions for the country.

All of these actions are ways Americans can serve their country and support democracy.

USCIS 128:69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?

OpenAI. (2026). What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, people can take part in their community and government. This is called civic participation. It is an important part of democracy because it allows people to share their ideas and help make decisions that affect their lives.

One of the most important ways to participate is to vote in elections. Citizens vote to choose leaders such as the president, governors, and members of Congress. They may also vote on local issues, such as school funding or city laws. Some people choose to run for office so they can serve their community and help create laws.

Another way to participate is to join a political party or help with a campaign. People may volunteer their time to support a candidate. For example, they may make phone calls, talk to voters, share information online, or help organize events. These actions help candidates reach more people.

People can also join a civic group or a community group. Civic groups often focus on public issues, such as voting rights or education. Community groups may work on local needs, like cleaning parks, helping neighbors, or improving public services. These groups help build stronger and more connected communities.

Citizens can also share their opinions directly with leaders. They can contact elected officials by phone, email, or letter. They can give their opinion on an issue or ask for change. Some people write to a newspaper or speak at public meetings to share their ideas. Others may support or oppose a policy by attending events or joining peaceful protests.

All of these actions are examples of civic participation. They show that people care about their community and country. By taking part, citizens help protect democracy and make their voices heard.

USCIS 128:68. How can people become United States citizens?

OpenAI. (2026). How can people become United States citizens?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

People can become United States citizens in different ways. The law explains who can be a citizen and how someone can get citizenship.

One way is to be born in the United States. The 14th Amendment says that most people born in the U.S. are citizens. This is called birthright citizenship.

Another way is to naturalize. Naturalization is a process for people who were not born in the United States. They must apply, meet certain requirements, pass tests and inteviews, and take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens.

A third way is called derivative citizenship. This happens when a child becomes a citizen through their parents. For example, if a parent becomes a U.S. citizen, the child may also become a citizen if they meet certain conditions set by law.

These three ways—birth in the United States, naturalization, and derivative citizenship—are the main ways people become U.S. citizens.

USCIS 128:67. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.

OpenAI. (2026). Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

When people become U.S. citizens, they take the Oath of Allegiance. This is a promise to be loyal to the United States and follow its laws. It is an important part of becoming a citizen.

One promise is to give up loyalty to other countries. This means the new citizen chooses the United States as their main country. Another promise is to be loyal to the United States and support the country.

New citizens also promise to defend the Constitution, which is the main law of the nation.  Defending the Constitution means supporting the rights and freedoms it protects.

They also promise to obey the laws of the United States. This means they agree to follow the rules of the country. 

In some situations, new citizens may promise to serve the country if needed. This can include serving in the military or doing important work.  Not everyone will be required to do this, but the promise shows a willingness to help the country.

These promises show commitment, responsibility, and loyalty to the United States.

USCIS 128:66. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

OpenAI. (2026). What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty to the United States. People often say it in schools and at public events.  People turn towards the flag, men take off their hats, and place their right hand over their heart to say the pledge together.

Pledge of Allegiance:
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.”

When we say “I pledge allegiance,” we are promising to be loyal. The “flag of the United States” is a symbol of the country. The “Republic” means the system of government where people choose their leaders.

The words “one nation…indivisible” mean the country should stay united. The phrase “liberty and justice for all” means freedom and fairness should be for everyone. 

When we say the Pledge or salute the flag, we are also promising to respect the values of the United States, such as freedom, justice, and unity. It is a way to show respect for the country and the people who live in it.

USCIS 128:65. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?

OpenAI. (2026). What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

People living in the United States have important rights and freedoms. These rights help protect their ideas, beliefs, and safety. Many of these rights come from the U.S. Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights.

One right is freedom of speech. This means people can share their opinions and ideas. A similar right is freedom of expression, which allows people to express themselves through words, art, or actions.

People also have freedom of religion. This means they can choose any religion or choose not to follow a religion. The government cannot force people to believe something.

Another right is freedom of assembly. This allows people to gather in groups to share ideas or protest peacefully. People also have the right to petition the government, which means they can complain or ask for changes in laws.

Finally, the Constitution protects the right to bear arms. This means people can own weapons, within the limits of the law. These rights help protect freedom and allow people to take part in society.