The Very Simplest of Citizenship Tests

In part 1 of this BLOG, I proposed that a simple citizenship test be a requirement to hold any Federal office that might impact the citizenry of this country in general. That means that Representatives, Senators, Justices, and both the President and Vice President would take this test. I propose that it be part of the process required to become a candidate for such office.After all, there are no other requirements that prove the ability of said 'public servants' to understand the nature of their job or the depth and gravity of its responsibilities.

Now, there are not trick questions here. I've adopted the exact same civics test used to qualify immigrants for status as U.S. citizens. It's only proper that those wishing to be a part of their government should have at least this much knowledge. The test administered to an immigrant is oral and consists of 10 of the 100 questions listed. They must get 6 correct answers.

Given the importance of this test to those wishing to become public servants, I propose that a candidate for office answer the first 53 questions, in writing, and for the public record. I propose a passing minimum standard of 75% correct answers: that's 40 correct answers. (Remember, the candidate doesn't have to prove any capability for basic arithmetic, so I did the math for them.)

Here are 5 of the questions. I know the answers. I'm betting you do, too. I'm not sure of some of those serving in Congress today.

• 1.What is the supreme law of the land?
• 2.What is the rule of law?
• 3.What is Freedom of Religion?
• 4.What does the Constitution do?
• 5.The basis for our form of government is embodied by the first three words of the Constitution. What are those three words?

Here is a link to the test questions? Who thinks I'm being unreasonable?

U.S. Citizenship Civics Test Questions and Answers

In truth, I would rather there be a much higher bar to claim the privilege of U.S. Citizenship, but the Founders thought otherwise: and I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution.

My next Monday BLOG will deal with a simple conversation about two words which are often defined as synonyms, but which are anything but the same … 'rule' vs 'govern'.