Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. For over 200 years, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, define our government and guarantee our rights. Each year, on September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In addition, September 17-23 is also recognized as Constitution Week. During this time, USCIS encourages Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen.
We also recognize people who are taking steps to become U.S. citizens. To help them prepare, USCIS offers study resources for the civics and English portions of the naturalization interview and test. The Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship are important in the United States and prospective citizens may see these items in several places on the naturalization test. There are many questions on the civics test on these two topics, such as, “What is the supreme law of the land?” and “What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?”.
For Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, we want to highlight some of the USCIS resources for learners and teachers that are related to this important day.
Learners
USCIS has educational materials to help you learn about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process.
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Practice Tests for the Naturalization Interview (2008 version of the civics test)
Three online practice tests allow you to review the vocabulary that you might hear during the naturalization interview or read on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. -
USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test Video
This 16-minute video explains the naturalization process and test. It also follows two applicants as they interact with USCIS officers during a naturalization interview. -
100 Civics Questions and Answers with MP3 Audio (2008 version of the civics test)
This is the official list of civics questions and answers on the naturalization test in MP3 audio format. -
Civics Practice Test (2008 version of the civics test)
Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government. -
Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship (2008 version of the civics test)
This web resource provides online videos and activities on the 100 civics questions from the naturalization test and highlights museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution. Visit the “Writing the Constitution”, “Voting”, “Rights”, and “Responsibilities” themes for information on the Constitution and citizenship. -
Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide (PDF, 455.08 KB) (English)
This pocket study guide contains the list of 100 civics test questions and answers from the 2008 version of the civics test as well as the reading and writing vocabulary for the English portion of the naturalization test. - N-400 Topic Exercises: The Oath of Allegiance (PDF, 1 MB)
This educational handout describes the key principles found in the Oath of Allegiance that applicants take at their naturalization ceremonies. - A More Perfect Union (PDF, 2.66 MB)
A More Perfect Union: The USCIS Civics Test Guide to the Monuments and Memorials on the National Mall is a series of 13 interactive resources that allows applicants to learn about the individuals and events represented by the monuments and memorials in Washington, DC, while studying for the naturalization civics test. The Civics Test Guide to Constitution Gardens is the first in the series to be released, and it highlights the naturalization civics test questions relating to the principles and structures of government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens that are identified in the U.S. Constitution.
Teachers
In addition to the products highlighted above, USCIS offers free online tools and materials for educators and volunteers. Some examples include:
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Lesson Plans and Activities
Visit this page to find lesson plans, student handouts, and answer keys on a variety of topics, including beginning level lessons on Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Other Amendments, Fighting for Our Rights, and Your Government and You. An intermediate level lesson on the U.S. Constitution is also available. -
Famous Americans on the Civics Test (PDF, 1.15 MB)
Downloadable 8.5" x 11" portraits and flash cards of 12 Americans highlighted on the civics test with teaching strategies for supplementing your lessons. -
Adaptable Teaching Tools (PDF, 162.84 KB)
Activity ideas to help students practice what they learn in class. -
Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship
This web resource, described above, also has a “Teachers” section with teacher guides. The guides provide strategies and handouts for each theme. For Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, be sure to visit the teacher guides on “Writing the Constitution”, “Voting”, “Rights”, and “Responsibilities”. -
Practice Tests for the Naturalization Interview
In addition to the three online practice tests for students described above, there are downloadable supplementary materials with suggested ideas for classroom use to help you prepare your students for the naturalization interview. -
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants
This 12-minute film focuses on the history and founding of our nation and the important rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. Accompanying the video is a discussion booklet that aims to encourage discussion and review of the basic concepts of American democracy outlined in the film. -
USCIS Adult Citizenship Education Program Development Guide: Building an Adult Citizenship Program (PDF, 8.19 MB)
This guide provides a step-by-step process to create or maintain a high-quality adult citizenship education program. -
N-400 Topic Exercises: The Oath of Allegiance (PDF, 1 MB)
This educational handout describes the key principles found in the Oath of Allegiance that applicants take at their naturalization ceremonies. -
Two-Generational Family Approaches to Citizenship Education – Tip Sheet (PDF, 170.13 KB)
This tip sheet highlights ways K-12 schools and adult citizenship education programs can engage the entire family through civics education. -
A More Perfect Union (PDF, 2.66 MB)
A More Perfect Union: The USCIS Civics Test Guide to the Monuments and Memorials on the National Mall is a series of 13 interactive resources that allows applicants to learn about the individuals and events represented by the monuments and memorials in Washington, DC, while studying for the naturalization civics test. The Civics Test Guide to Constitution Gardens is the first in the series to be released, and it highlights the naturalization civics test questions relating to the principles and structures of government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens that are identified in the U.S. Constitution.