1.02 Being an American

Which definition correctly identifies immigration?

• traveling to many different countries over the course of one’s life to experience multiple cultures

• moving from the country of one’s birth to a new country to settle and live there permanently

• visiting a foreign country for a brief time to improve one’s perspective and understanding of the world

• returning to the country of one’s birth to reconnect with the values and principles of its culture

Which statement about the origins of the American population is true?

• About 98 percent of Americans live in this country due to the waves of Irish and German people who came in the mid-1800s.

• Immigration expanded the American population before 1807, but has not significantly contributed to it since then.

• Most Americans descend from people who first populated this continent about 20,000 years ago.

• The vast majority of Americans either descended from immigrants or are immigrants themselves.

Why is America’s population among the most diverse of any nation?

• The country was founded so that only those people and groups who shared the background of its Founding Fathers would be welcome.

• The social institutions that exist in America, such as churches, schools, and various service organizations, do not exist in other countries.

• America’s long history of immigration resulted in a citizenry composed of people from many different racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds living together.

• Geographically, America is bordered by dozens of countries, which has made it a natural crossroads for the people of those countries.

Which social institution is the most important in American life?

• the family

• the schools

• the government

• the media

Which shared American values did the Declaration of Independence enshrine?

• Everyone should be treated equally by the law.

• Everyone must adhere to one religion.

• Everyone has the right to freedom.

• Everyone is entitled to American citizenship.