U.S. Citizenship 101 Marathon | PragerU Kids

Before we start this episode, here's a quick preview of what's coming. In U.S. Citizenship 101, you'll learn about American history and culture, facts that will help you pass the citizenship test. And enjoy more free videos like this when you subscribe to PragerUKids.com. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about the principles of American democracy? Let's get into it. If you want to know about American democracy, you should probably start with a look at our two most foundational documents, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Back in the 1700s, America wasn't a country yet, but rather 13 colonies ruled by Great Britain. The British government taxed the colonists, suppressed anti-British newspapers, and even forced the colonists to provide housing for British soldiers, all without the colonists' consent. For freedom-loving people like the early Americans, this couldn't go on. The colonists soon decided to take matters into their own hands, and in 1775, the Revolutionary War began, pitting the American colonies against the great and global British Empire. In the midst of this conflict, fearing for their lives yet fighting for freedom, representatives from the 13 colonies came together in Philadelphia. This was called the Second Continental Congress, and on July 4th, 1776, they unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. What did the Declaration of Independence do? Yep, that's a question on the U.S. citizenship test. In the Declaration, these representatives announced or declared to Great Britain that the American colonies didn't want to be part of their empire anymore, that they were free from British control, free to establish their own nation. What these early Americans wanted was a desire to pursue what they believed, and we still believe, are our natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You need to know at least two of those if you want to pass the citizenship test. By winning the Revolutionary War and signing the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the colonies secured their status as the independent United States, but then came the hard work of determining how this new country should be run. The founders of the United States went to work, writing the rules for our system of government. This was no easy feat. Despite differences and divisions, these founders came together to draft the Constitution in 1787, the longest lasting and perhaps single greatest governing document ever created. As a governing document, the Constitution establishes or constitutes the supreme law and legal authority of the United States. Across its seven articles or sections, the Constitution sets up and defines our government and protects our basic rights. What type of government did the Constitution establish? A representative democracy, also known as a republic, a system of government in which the people themselves ultimately have power, not a king or a group of rulers. That's why the Constitution begins with these three words, we the people. But the Constitution story doesn't end there. Over time, the Constitution has been changed. These changes or additions are called amendments and there are 27 of them to be exact. It could be argued the most essential amendments to the U.S. Constitution are the first 10, known together as the Bill of Rights. These 10 amendments, approved in 1791, reflect the very core of who we are as Americans and the essential freedoms the U.S. stands for. The very first amendment is among the most important. It covers a lot of ground ensuring freedoms in regards to everything from speech and religion to the press, assembly, who we can associate with, and petition, our freedom to challenge the government in a peaceful manner. Now, while aspiring Americans should be able to name at least one of those rights to pass the citizenship test, any informed citizen should also have a basic understanding of what each freedom or right means. Take freedom of religion, for example. By declaring your right to religion, the first amendment says that you are free to practice any religion you want or not to follow religion at all. This concept, which might sound obvious to us today, was groundbreaking for its time. As was the concept of the rule of law, an idea the founders baked into the very heart of the American government. For the first time in human history, a nation's governing document declared that the rights and rules of the nation would apply to everyone equally, citizens, elected officials, and even the government itself. In America, no one is above the law. And for that, we have the Constitution to thank. Pretty important for a citizen to know that, wouldn't you say? So, what did we learn and test prep today about the principles of American democracy? The Declaration of Independence declared our freedom and affirmed our natural rights. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land and the very foundation of our government. The founders created America as a representative democracy, beginning the Constitution with the words, We the People. The Constitution can be changed through amendments, and there are 27 in total, including the first 10, known as the Bill of Rights. The very first amendment protects freedoms like speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. Freedom of religion means you can follow any faith or none at all. The rule of law ensures that everyone, including the government, must follow the law. These are principles that define and protect America. Hey, you made it! Whether you're studying for the citizenship test, or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for PragerU. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about the American system of government? Let's get into it. America's founders feared the idea of any one individual or group having too much governing power. So they came up with a brilliant solution. Divide the government into distinct but related parts. How? Or as it's asked on the citizenship test, What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? It's a concept called separation of powers or checks and balances that's baked into the very structure of our government. Separation of powers works at the federal or national level of government by dividing responsibilities into three distinct branches. Executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch checks or restrains the others through sort of a cooperative competition, ensuring that no one part of the government becomes too powerful. Each branch is granted specific enumerated powers. They are listed or enumerated clearly in the constitution so that everyone knows what these powers are and knows that the government cannot do anything that isn't listed in the constitution. What is each branch responsible for? Let's start with the executive branch. At the head of the executive branch is the president of the United States. And you do know who the current president is, right? You probably should if you want to pass the citizenship test. Every four years in November, we hold a national election to pick a president and vice president for a new term. You should probably know who the current vice president is too. As the nation's leader, the president enforces laws, directs national defense, and serves as the commander-in-chief of the military. The president is supported by a cabinet, a group of advisors responsible for agencies of the federal government. In the cabinet, there's the secretary of agriculture, commerce, war, labor, energy, and more who help run the business of the executive branch. Now, if the president can no longer serve, who becomes president? There's something called the line of succession to account for this unlikely scenario. We start with the vice president as the next in line. But what if they can't do it? Then the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is next in line. Hold on. Speaker? House of Representatives? They're part of our next branch of government. The legislative branch, or Congress, is responsible for making federal laws. America's national legislative assembly is made of two parts, the House of Representatives, led by the speaker we just mentioned, and the Senate. So why is the branch of government split into two? It goes back to our founders' debate over how states should be represented in Congress. Should national legislators be equally assigned to each state or appointed by the number of people in each state? You can see why some states with fewer people would want the former, while states with more people would want the latter. So the founders came up with an elegant solution. Each U.S. state has the same number of senators. But on the other side of Congress, in the House, the number of representatives from each state is based on the population of that state. In this way, both large states and small states have a voice in Congress without either group fully dominating the other. For its part, the Senate has two members, or senators, from each state. With 50 U.S. states, that tallies up to 100 senators in all. Who does each senator represent? And for how many years do they serve? Each senator is elected for a six-year term to represent all the people of his or her state. Do you know who your state senators are? Over in the House, there are a lot more voting members, 435 of them, in fact, who each serve two-year terms. And do you remember, why do some states have more representatives than other states? As we discussed, they simply have more people that live there. Do you know who your representative is? All right, in addition to the executive and legislative branches, we also have the judicial branch, or the judiciary. What does the judicial branch do? They're responsible for interpreting the nation's laws and settling legal disputes in court. Now, there are several courts at the federal level, but the highest court in the country is the U.S. Supreme Court. Nine justices serve on the Supreme Court, with one serving as the head or chief justice. For good measure, you should probably know the name of the chief justice, too. Remember that idea of checks and balances? How is it that one branch of government balances or checks the other two? A good way to see this in action is with the creation of laws. Making federal laws starts with Congress in the legislative branch. A law starts as a bill in either the House or Senate. And even if both the House and Senate vote in favor of that bill, it doesn't become a law until the president signs it. In fact, the president can even veto the bill, preventing it from becoming a law at that time. But what if that law violates the Constitution? Who is going to review and explain that law? Yep, in addition to resolving disputes not involving particular laws, it falls to the judicial branch to check what the legislative and executive branch have enacted into law. The founders were wise enough to bake in this idea of separation of powers, not only at the federal level, but between the federal government and state governments, too. For example, the federal government and not-state governments can print money, declare war, create an army, and make treaties with other countries. By contrast, state governments are the ones responsible for providing their citizens with education, protection, safety, and approving land use, among other things. And pro tip, if you're going to take the citizenship test, you might want to know a few more things about your specific state, such as who your governor is and where your state capitol is located. Okay, let's recap. What did we learn in test prep today about the American system of government? We discussed how the founders instilled separation of powers among three key branches of the federal government, executive, legislative, and judicial. We learned about the key leaders and institutions in each branch, from the president, vice president, and cabinet to Congress and the Supreme Court. And we saw how this balance set up between federal and state governments, each with different powers and responsibilities, has been the cornerstone of American governance since the nation's founding. One that remains vital in ensuring that all our voices are heard. Hey, you did it! Whether you're studying for the citizenship test or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for Prager U. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about our rights and responsibilities as Americans? Let's jump in. When we say that this or that is our right as a citizen, do you know what that really means? A right is more than just a word. It's a guaranteed freedom granted to us by God that no one, neither the government nor your neighbor, can take away. This is why our Declaration of Independence says, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. Unlike so many people in the world, American citizens have the freedom to choose our own religion, speak our mind without fear, and express ourselves in any creative way we like, as long as we don't violate anyone else's rights. It's the wisdom of our founders and the U.S. Constitution that enshrined these rights and many others too, like protecting our right to own a gun, gather together for a cause, and peacefully challenge the government. The freedom to do these things or choose not to isn't only something that every American citizen enjoys. These freedoms are the very foundation of our country. It's what our founding fathers fought for. And it's something you should know if you want to pass the U.S. citizenship test. At least be able to name two of those rights. Now, in addition to those rights, U.S. citizens have some important responsibilities too. We have a duty, after all, to participate in the running of our country. There are lots of ways to do that, but among the most important are citizens' requirements to serve on a jury when called and to file federal income taxes each year by April 15th. Mark that date on your calendars and on your citizenship test guide. Beyond those, U.S. citizens also have additional privileges, like voting in elections and running for office if we want to. While voting isn't required, it really is the most basic way to participate in the democratic process. Speaking of voting, right now, all citizens, no matter their race or sex, have the right to vote if they are 18 years or older. But that wasn't always the case. A handful of amendments or additions to the Constitution over the years has changed who is and isn't eligible to vote in America. Something else you might get asked about on the citizenship test. Even after slavery was abolished in 1865, some people, such as Black Americans, were denied the right to vote. The 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870 to ensure that no one could be denied the vote because of their race. More than 50 years later, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. And the 24th Amendment, which became law in 1964, got rid of what were called poll taxes, basically a fee required to vote. The elimination of the poll tax made sure that no one had to pay in order to cast their vote. Another expansion of representative democracy in keeping with the spirit of our founding. It wasn't until the 26th Amendment of 1971 that the minimum age to vote was reduced from 21 years to 18, as it is now, including elections for the president. Turning 18 means something else for American males, too. Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants who are 18 through 25 are required to register for the Selective Service as a sign of their willingness to support the nation in times of conflict. That means service in the armed forces under conscription, if called upon by Uncle Sam. People who aren't born but become U.S. citizens go one step further, taking an oath to the country that's more than just a formality. They actually have to pledge to put aside their allegiance to other nations and commit to both obeying U.S. laws and defending the Constitution. It's a promise to be loyal to this great nation and to serve it if needed. So is the vow we take whenever we pledge allegiance to the flag and to the republic for which it stands. That's every citizen's way of demonstrating commitment to the United States, its people, and its principles. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Of course, being an American is about more than just a list of rights and duties. It's about being part of a dynamic, ever-evolving representative democracy. Whether you're casting a vote, joining a political party, supporting local campaigns, contacting elected officials, running for office yourself, or simply speaking up about issues that matter, every citizen's actions fuels the spirit of our nation. So what did we learn in Test Prep today about the rights and responsibility of U.S. citizens? A right is a guaranteed freedom granted by God that no one, not even the government, can take away. The U.S. Constitution protects key rights like freedom of religion, speech, expression, assembly, petition, and the right to bear arms. With these rights comes responsibility. For example, U.S. citizens must serve on a jury when called and file federal income taxes by April 15th. Citizens also have privileges, including voting and running for office. Voting rights have evolved through amendments, expanding eligibility beyond white males to include women, minorities, and citizens 18 and older. At 18 years old, men must register for the Selective Service, a commitment to serve if needed. Naturalized citizens take an oath of loyalty to the U.S., Being an American isn't just about rights and duties. It's about actively participating in a democracy, whether by voting, running for office, or speaking up for what matters. Hey, you made it! Whether you're studying for the citizenship test or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for Prager U. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about early U.S. history? Let's find out. We begin with the arrival of European colonists to the shores of America before the United States was even an idea, way back in the late 1500s and early 1600s. The trip they made across the Atlantic Ocean was long and punishing. Many died just trying to make it here. And for what? Why did those early colonists brave the harsh seas to come to this land? Or, as it's asked on the U.S. Citizenship Test, what is one reason colonists came to America? There really are several answers. First and foremost, they wanted freedom, freedom of religion and political freedom. Some traveled to America to escape persecution, while many others came here for economic opportunity. They thought they could make a better living here than back in Europe. Now, these settlers weren't the first to live here. Upon arrival, they met numerous tribes of American Indians or Native Americans who had been here long before any Europeans. And the settlers were not the only group of people to make the trip to America. In fact, some were forced to make the journey. During a period of world history in which slavery was a grim reality and slavery-free societies were extremely rare, slaves from Africa were brought to the colonies, beginning in the 1600s. This practice would plant the seeds of the American Civil War about 200 years later. In the meantime, the mostly British colonists who had come to America became outraged over unfair treatment by the British government. They had come here for freedom, but over time, they felt their freedoms were being ripped away. Not only were the colonists subjected to high taxes, but they had no say, no representation in the passing of those taxes. The British even forced colonists to provide housing for soldiers without consent. Things became so bad that by 1775, the colonists felt they had no choice but to take up arms to defend their freedom. In 1775, fighting between the Americans and the British broke out near Boston, Massachusetts, beginning what we now call the Revolutionary War. For the colonists, victory was far from a sure thing, unlikely even as the war began. If anything, the American Revolution seemed doomed to fail. The fledgling colonies versus the great British Empire. Still, on July 4th, 1776, representatives from all 13 original colonies met and risked their lives to declare, once and for all, their independence from British rule. Originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson, their Declaration of Independence set forth for the first time in world history the ideal of a nation founded on freedom, on rights given not by the government, but by God. And with it, the colonists proclaimed themselves as an independent nation. The 13 colonies situated along the Atlantic coast were now 13 states united together. The United States, from New Hampshire, New York, and Massachusetts in the north, down to South Carolina and Georgia in the south. The Revolutionary War raged for another seven years until 1783, when, with the Treaty of Paris, the British finally recognized U.S. independence. Against all odds, America had won, and thanks in large part to the leadership of figures we now collectively refer to as the Founding Fathers. Among them was an important negotiator in the war's peace settlement. Benjamin Franklin, a fascinating man who, in addition to being an American diplomat, started the first free library, was the first U.S. Postmaster General, wrote the famous Poor Richard's Almanac, and was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention. At the Constitutional Convention, delegates from each of the states came together to hammer out the details of the new nation's government. Early attempts to outline our form of government hadn't worked. So it was in 1787 in Philadelphia, representatives wrote what became the U.S. Constitution. This incredible document, the Constitution, still holds and binds us as the supreme law of the land to this very day. It's easy for us today to not fully appreciate how novel, how brilliant the Constitution was with its balance of power between the federal government and the states, and within the federal government itself. These concepts were so novel that even the general public wasn't entirely convinced it was right. It took Founding Fathers including Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay who together wrote under the fictional name Publius, what are called the Federalist Papers, to help get the Constitution approved by the 13 states. There is only one person, however, who is considered by many the father of our country, George Washington. George Washington not only led the Continental Army to victory over the British, but he served as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention and was later elected to serve as the first president of the United States. He is often described as the indispensable man who did more to create America than any other figure. So what did we learn today in Test Prep about early U.S. history? The early colonists came to America for a number of reasons, including political and religious freedom, and eventually fought the British to preserve those freedoms through self-government. Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted July 4, 1776. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, representatives from the original 13 states wrote the Constitution. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers, which supported the passage of the Constitution. George Washington is called the father of our country and served as our great nation's first president. Hey, you made it! Whether you're studying for the citizenship test or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Luz for PragerU. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about U.S. history during the 1800s? Let's find out. After the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the approval of the Constitution in the late 1700s, America began the 1800s as a new nation with what they hoped was an enduring form of government. But the young country was quickly growing and the nation struggled with several issues, such as what to do about slavery, whether to expand across the continent, and who should be able to participate in voting. Throughout the 18th and into the 19th century, new American immigrants continued to settle the country, many wanting their own land to farm or raise cattle. Where were they going to find that land? In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased what was called the Louisiana Territory from France. It nearly doubled the size of the country and marks the first critical event from the 19th century that is covered on the U.S. Citizenship Test. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? Now, with greater access to the Mississippi River and all that fertile land and resources, the United States was poised to increase its influence in world affairs. From that newly acquired territory, new states like Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma reformed. Would these states allow slavery or not? This question continued to plague the nation to the point where many of the states in the South wanted to break away from the country altogether. Eventually, the northern states, seeking to preserve the country and not allow the southern states to break away, went to war with those southern states in what became called the American Civil War. One reason that led to the Civil War was that the southern states wanted to preserve slavery. Those states saw it as a states' rights issue, meaning they believed the federal government or northern states could not tell them to abolish slavery. There were also economic reasons because of the differences in the northern and southern economies. The Civil War began in 1861 and ended when the southern states were defeated by the northern states after four years of conflict in 1865. It's important to note, however, that this was not the only war fought by the United States during the 1800s. Even before the Civil War, the U.S. went to war with Britain for a second time in the War of 1812. The U.S. also fought against the Mexican government in the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848. That war was the result of a border dispute between Mexico and the state of Texas, which had joined the U.S. in 1845. At the end of the century, the U.S. fought in another war, the Spanish-American War of 1898, largely over the independence of the Caribbean island of Cuba. Now, while each of these wars was significant in U.S. history, it was the Civil War that proved most pivotal for who America is as a nation. Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. president during the Civil War, is credited both with saving the Union through the North's victory over the South and freeing the slaves across America. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which was, in effect, an executive order. It declared all slaves in the Southern states free and recalled the principles of freedom and equality for all, championed at America's founding. Because the slaves' freedom was declared right in the middle of the war, the Northern or Union soldiers still had to fight to end the war, which went on for another two years. But Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was the shining light, the stake in the ground that set in motion what would later become the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments officially abolished slavery throughout the country, granted citizenship to former slaves, and granted voting rights to all free males. About 50 years later, women earned the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This was in large part thanks to the ardent, passionate work of women's rights advocates like Susan B. Anthony, another American every citizen should know about. So what did we learn and test prep today about U.S. history during the 1800s? During Thomas Jefferson's presidency, America nearly doubled in size with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. The United States fought four major wars during the 1800s, but none more important than the Civil War. The Civil War pitted the northern states of the Union against a number of southern states that wanted to secede in order to preserve what they believed was their right to continue the practice of slavery. Abraham Lincoln was the president during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared slaves in the southern states were free. A number of 19th century women like Susan B. Anthony played vital roles in the fight for the right for women to vote. Hey, that's it for this time. Whether you're studying for the citizenship test or simply brushing up on what it means to become an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for PragerU. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about recent U.S. history? Let's get started. The United States has faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout its history. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in its wars and conflicts throughout the 20th century. You probably know about World War I and World War II, but the United States participated in other conflicts throughout the 1900s, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and in the 90s, the Persian Gulf War. And while knowing the history of these wars is important, it's also important that citizens know these conflicts so they can appreciate the many sacrifices of the brave men and women of the United States military, not just in the past, but today too. The U.S. Citizenship Test references this responsibility by asking this question. As for those world wars, World War I began in 1914 during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. But America didn't enter the war until 1917, about a year and a half before the deal was signed that ended fighting between the enemy Germans and the Allies, which included the U.S. A little over a decade after the end of that war, the United States and the whole world entered into a dark time called the Great Depression, when economies across the globe saw a severe downturn and experienced high unemployment, large-scale business failures, and incredible hardships for millions of people. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the president for much of this period in U.S. history and was the president when the United States entered World War II in 1941. The U.S. entered that war soon after the Japanese bombed the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. That compelled the U.S. to join the war effort Together, the Allies fought against Imperial Japan, Nazi Germany, and Fascist Italy. World War II came to an end in 1945, thanks in part to the U.S. Army General Dwight Eisenhower, who later became president of the United States. It was after World War II that the Cold War began, a period where the United States competed against the Soviet Union and its evil system of communism. To understand why democratic societies like the United States resisted the spread of communism, you first have to appreciate the foundations of U.S. society and government, which enshrines God-given rights such as life, liberty, and property. Communism, while it claims the ideals of equality and prosperity, suppresses individual liberty. Under communism, the government controls all levels of society, from business and the economy to families and individuals. Citizens living under communist rule are denied fundamental rights, brutalized, and even killed in order to advance the agenda of the state, a stark contrast compared to America's founding principles. The long-running fight between the democratic world led by the United States and the communist world led by the Soviet Union and after 1949 China continued for decades through the 1980s. It encompassed the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The United States feared the spread of communism into both Korea and Vietnam and entered the wars to support liberty and democracy. In addition to America's effort to support freedom abroad, throughout the 20th century, the U.S. continued to advance its own understanding of freedom at home. In particular, a broad effort to end racial discrimination sprung up in the early 1950s through the late 1960s, which we now call the Civil Rights Movement. The most notable leader of that movement was Martin Luther King Jr., whose campaign for equal rights for all Americans tragically ended when he was shot and killed in 1968. Fast forward to even more recent history and one of the most tragic, shocking, and transformative events in American history happened on September 11, 2001. That day, a group of 19 Islamic terrorists hijacked commercial airplanes and deliberately crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed in the field in southern Pennsylvania after passengers courageously fought back against the hijackers. This single terrorist attack killed thousands of innocent Americans. While 9-11 tested the nation like never before, it did not destroy it. In the aftermath of the devastating attacks, Americans came together to preserve the ideals of American democracy. So what did we learn in Test Prep today about recent U.S. history? The United States has continued its effort to maintain liberty throughout the world by fighting in a number of wars in the 1900s, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War. After the Second World War, in which America fought against Imperial Japan, Nazi Germany, and Fascist Italy, the country entered what is called the Cold War, in which it fought to stop the spread of communism. The Civil Rights Movement, led most prominently by Martin Luther King, Jr., sought to end racial discrimination that still existed in the United States. On September 11, 2001, Islamic terrorists committed a heinous act, deliberately crashing a series of commercial airplanes, killing thousands of innocent Americans. We now commemorate their deaths annually on September 11. Hey, that's it on recent U.S. history. Whether you're studying for the citizenship test, or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for PragerU. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about U.S. geography? Let's find out. It's remarkable to think how much the United States has grown since it gained independence from England. From 13 original states to now 50 states, spanning an entire continent and even the Pacific Ocean. Have you ever heard the phrase, from sea to shining sea? It comes from one of America's most treasured songs and poems, but it's also an accurate depiction of the country's place on the global map. The United States is bookended by oceans on either side, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. On the U.S. citizenship test, they ask what oceans are on the east and west coast of the United States. On the northern end of the U.S. lies several states that share a border with Canada. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York. And further west, there's Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. And let's not forget Alaska, which the U.S. acquired from Russia in 1867 for a cool $7.2 million. Not a bad deal. To the south, there are four states that share a border with Mexico. They are California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. 48 of the 50 United States exist squarely between those boundaries. East, west, north, and south. But two, Alaska and Hawaii, are situated apart from what's called the continental United States. There's more to the land of the United States than just the 50 states. There are a number of U.S. territories both near and far from the mainland. These include Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Perhaps you're scratching your head and wondering, what's the difference between a U.S. state and a U.S. territory? States are full members of the U.S. Union, while territories are under U.S. control, but not fully represented in the federal government. Territories have a local government and constitution, but the U.S. Congress has final authority. There is one other area under the federal government that every citizen should know and perhaps visit at least once. The District of Columbia, also known as Washington, D.C. As the capital of the United States, D.C. is home to the White House, the residence, and the office of the president. Both houses of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, and many other federal agencies. The size of the United States is enormous. It is one of the largest countries in the world and boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The sheer diversity is incredible. There are windswept dunes and rocky shorelines of the East Coast, through the vast plains in the center of the country, ending at the mighty Rocky Mountains of Colorado. And on the West Coast, you have the misty shores of Oregon, stretching down to the golden beaches of California. And let's not forget the deserts of the Southwest, the rugged wilderness of Alaska, and the tropical beauty of Hawaii. Cutting through the middle of the country, you have the two longest rivers in the United States, the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. Both have been massively important to the country's ecosystem, agriculture, and economy. As a whole, the United States is a land of contrast. Wild and refined, ancient and ever-changing. Whether standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, hiking through a towering forest, or gazing across a golden prairie, the country's landscapes inspire awe and wonder at every turn. All these rich landscapes awaited the vast number of immigrants who sailed to America in the late 1800s and into the 20th century. And they still inspire American citizens today. So what did we learn and test prep today about U.S. geography? The United States extends from the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast to the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast. In addition to the 50 states, the U.S. includes a number of federal territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. Another U.S. federal area, Washington, D.C., is our nation's capital. As one of the world's largest countries by landmass, the U.S. is home to an incredible diversity of majestic landscapes and is home to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Hey, you made it! Whether you're studying for the citizenship test or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for PragerU. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should every citizen know about American symbols and holidays? Let's find out. Perhaps you've seen the images or videos, immigrants swelling with pride, hand over heart, pledging their allegiance to the United States in front of the American flag. This scene marks the culmination of their journey in becoming a U.S. citizen. That verse they're reciting is a pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And if you step back for a moment, you might wonder, why recite a pledge to the flag itself? That's because the American flag represents all that the country stands for. Its history and its values of liberty and justice for all. And this symbolism is baked into the very design of the flag itself. The 13 stripes on the flag represents the original 13 colonies that banded together to form the Union, the United States. Over time, the country has grown from 13 to 50 states, now represented by the 50 stars in the upper corner of the flag. The colors red, white, and blue stand for some of America's core ideals. Blue stands for perseverance, loyalty, devotion, truth, justice, and friendship. Red stands for courage, zeal, and passion. And white symbolizes purity and correct conduct. In addition to the pledge of allegiance, U.S. citizens should be familiar with our national anthem, which is sung before most major sporting events and during patriotic national events. The lyrics to the song were originally written as a poem by Francis Scott Key, while he watched the British bombard Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. After witnessing the relentless attack through the night, he was awestruck by the sight of the U.S. flag still flying over the fort the following morning. Key was inspired to write about American resilience, strength, and bravery as he saw the flag and its stars practically glittered or spangled in the sunlight, inspiring the name of our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. Another key symbol of the United States is the Statue of Liberty, which stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The people of France gave this gift of friendship to the United States in 1884. Since its completion in 1886, millions of seafaring immigrants to America have looked upon this immense copper statue before arriving on U.S. soil, knowing that their dreams for a better life were now in reach. In addition to these important symbols that represent the ideals of our country, there are a number of federal or national holidays that Americans observe. The most central of these from our nation's history is Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, a day that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and marks the official founding of the country. There are several other federal holidays that citizens know well, like New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Washington's Birthday, and Labor Day. There are also federal holidays that commemorate specific people or events that helped make our country great. For example, there's Memorial Day, where Americans honor men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, and Veterans Day, honoring all those who have served in the military, whether or not they've died while serving. Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life of one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus's historic voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and landing in the Americas on October 12th, 1492. More than dates on a calendar, these holidays remind us of important events and figures in American history that have shaped and continue to inspire the nation we call home. So, what did we learn and test prep today about American symbols and holidays? The 13 stripes in the U.S. flag represent the original 13 colonies, while the 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the Union. The name of our national anthem is the Star-Spangled Banner. We celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. There are a number of other U.S. federal holidays too, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, among others. Hey, that's a wrap on U.S. symbols and holidays. Whether you're studying for the citizenship test or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for PragerU. Welcome to U.S. Citizenship 101. What should everyone know about U.S. citizenship? Let's find out. Becoming a U.S. citizen is more than just paperwork. It's a journey of understanding the rights and responsibilities that come with it, of learning about American history, government, and society, and ultimately of testing that knowledge through a citizenship test. What if I told you that every American, whether born here or not, should know the answers to the test? Shouldn't each and every U.S. citizen have a basic grasp of America's past, its culture, and its system of government? Being a U.S. citizen is one of the most coveted statuses in the world today. It's an honor and a privilege to live in the United States. Shouldn't we know why it's so special? We call this body of knowledge civics. The study of rights and responsibilities of citizens, the working of government at local, state, and national levels, and the participation in civic life through voting, advocacy, public service, and community involvement. And the idea of testing citizens on civics isn't new. In fact, civics tests have been used in the United States for over a century, but not always for the right reasons. After the Civil War, some states implemented literacy and civics tests, not to educate, but to exclude. These tests were designed to keep Black voters from exercising their rights, filled with impossible questions like, name all 67 county judges in the state. White voters often got a pass thanks to so-called grandfather clauses. But these tests effectively suppressed Black political participation until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 banned them. Fast forward to today, and the U.S. still requires a civics test, but now it's part of the naturalization process. A precursor to the citizenship test originated with the passage of the Basic Naturalization Act of 1906. With the law's passage, judges were allowed to ask immigrants questions regarding U.S. history and civics. You may have heard the term naturalization before, in connection with citizenship. On its face, it is the process by which a foreign-born person becomes a citizen of another country. At its core, naturalization means to make natural. It's not just about being accepted into a new country. It's about embracing that country's values, culture, and way of life as your own. Becoming a U.S. citizen, the naturalization process, for those not born American, involves meeting several important criteria. For those 18 years of age or older, they have to be a legal resident of the U.S. for a number of years, be able to write and speak basic English, be a person of good character, and not be convicted of murder or of an aggravated felony. And among other things, immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship must pass the citizenship test. Here's a shocking stat. Surveys show that many born and raised Americans would fail their country's own citizenship test. One recent study found that barely a third of U.S. citizens could name all three branches of government. So, should civics education be stronger? Some states think so. Today, a number of states in the U.S. require high school students to pass a civics test similar to the citizenship test before graduating. All to ensure that every student understands the foundations of American democracy before they enter adulthood. Other states have taken a different approach, integrating civics into middle and high school curricula rather than requiring a test. Whether it's a test for graduation or simply part of the school's social studies program, the intent is the same. Civics knowledge is essential for every citizen. A good and comprehensive knowledge of U.S. governmental structures, democratic principles, and the responsibilities of citizens better ensures informed and engaged members of our society. So, whether you're a high school student, an aspiring citizen, or someone who wants to understand America better, maybe it's time to test yourself. Because being an informed citizen isn't just for immigrants, it's for everyone. So, what did we learn in Test Prep today about U.S. citizenship? Civics is the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the workings of government at local, state, and national levels, and the participation in civic life through voting, advocacy, public service, and community involvement. The U.S. Citizenship Test is administered to immigrants who aspire to becoming U.S. citizens. Naturalization is the process by which foreign-born people become citizens of another country. The Citizenship Test consists of a pool of questions covering U.S. history, the American system of government, U.S. geography, and American culture. More states are now requiring high school students to pass a form of the Citizenship Test or Civics Test in order to graduate. Hey, you made it! Whether you're studying for the Citizenship Test or simply brushing up on what it means to be an American, you're now that much more informed on the things every U.S. citizen should know. I'm Selena Lewis for Prager U. Can you pass the U.S. Citizenship Test? Find out now at prageru.com or click the link below to test your knowledge.