SOL CE 3 Part A - The Basics

What amendment to the U.S. Constitution defines the means of becoming a U.S. Citizen?

• 1st

• 5th

• 10th

• 14th

Answer explanation

The 14th Amendment was part of the Civil War amendments. It made all slaves automatically citizens by stating that anyone born in the United States was a citizen. This amendment has been a source of debate even today as some want to make it less broad.

Choose the two means for becoming a U.S. citizen.

• Being born in the United States.

• Marrying a U.S. citizen.

• Completing the naturalization process.

• Serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Getting a job with a company in the United States.

Answer explanation

There are only two ways to become a citizen. You must be born one or complete the naturalization process. Individuals get VISAs that allow them to stay here legally for many different reasons such as jobs, marriage, or school, but to become a permanent citizen there are only two ways.

You must do all of the following steps to complete the naturalization process EXCEPT?

• Live in the United States legally for at least 3-5 years.

• Complete a test on American history, principles, and government.

• Be able to speak, write, and read English.

• Be of good moral character and swear allegiance to the United States.

• Hold valid employment for at least 6 months.

Answer explanation

Naturalization is a difficult process. First you must declare your intent to become a citizen and live here for at least 3-5 years. During that period you must learn the English language and prepare to take a test on your knowledge on our history, customs, and government. You must not have ever been convicted of a felony and you have to complete a ceremony where you swear allegiance to our nation.

What two processes give the United States a diverse population?

• Immigration

• Segregation

• Naturalization

• Emancipation

Answer explanation

People have been immigrating to the United States since it was founded. Those individuals today must undergo the naturalization process if they want to become citizens. We have individuals whose heritage is from all over the world living in our nation. Many of our holidays and celebrations reflect that diversity.

What amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants the freedoms of speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly?

• 1st

• 3rd

• 5th

• 8th

Answer explanation

The first amendment grants some of the most important freedoms that we are given as U.S. citizens. Each of these freedoms places limitations on the actions of the government, but it is important to realize that no freedom is absolute because they are also limited by the rights of others.

What freedom allows someone to contact their government officials to make their opinions known?

• Press

• Religion

• Petition

• Assembly

Answer explanation

The Freedom of Petition covers many means of expressing your opinions to government officials such as letters, phone calls, making an address at government meetings, and contacting officials as a group through formal petition.

What freedom allows you to worship any faith you choose?

• Press

• Religion

• Assembly

• Speech

Answer explanation

The freedom of religion is very important in our society. Unlike most European nations the United States has never had an official religion. This has kept us out of much of the conflict over faith in our history.

What freedom allows you to meet with others who share your opinions?

• Speech

• Assembly

• Press

• Religion

Answer explanation

The freedom of assembly allows us to meet with those who share our opinions. In many countries meetings between those who disagree with the government is an act that may result in imprisonment.

What freedom allows us to gather and publish information even if it criticizes the government?

• Petition

• Assembly

• Press

• Religion

Answer explanation

From the founding of our nation individual's have published images and writings that criticized our leadership. This criticism has shaped who we are as a nation and provided a reflection of the public mood at the time.

What freedom allows us to express our beliefs and opinions?

• Speech

• Religion

• Assembly

• Press

Answer explanation

Speech is a freedom that is connected with all other freedoms. It is our ability to let others know how we fee. This is not always just words, but symbolic of our thoughts even when quiet.