Presidents Day
Washington’s Birthday, more commonly called Presidents Day, gives Americans the opportunity to honor George Washington and the fascinating history of the American presidency.
Did you know that there are 18 USCIS civics test questions about U.S. presidents? For Presidents Day, we want to highlight some of the resources we offer for learners and teachers on U.S. presidents.
Learners
USCIS has educational materials to help you learn about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process. Here are some products that have information about the powers of the presidency and about leaders who shaped our country:
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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. -
Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test (PDF, 8.93 MB) (2008 version of the civics test)
This study booklet will help you study for the civics and English portions of the naturalization interview. It contains the 100 civics questions on the naturalization test including background information as well as the vocabulary from the English portions of the naturalization test. -
Civics Practice Test (2008 version of the civics test)
Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government. -
The Citizen's Almanac (PDF, 8.53 MB)
This publication includes information on prominent foreign-born Americans, presidential quotes on citizenship, patriotic songs and poems, and several of our essential founding documents. -
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants
This short video presents information about U.S. history, civics, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. -
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 “Symbols and Holidays” themes for information on Presidents Day.
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 these lessons that discuss presidents:-
American Symbols and Celebrations (Beginning Level)
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George Washington (Beginning Level)
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Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence (Beginning Level)
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Abraham Lincoln (Beginning Level)
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Executive Branch (Beginning Level)
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Executive Branch (Intermediate Level)
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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. -
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 encourages discussion and review of the basic concepts of American democracy outlined in the film. -
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 Presidents' Day, be sure to visit the teacher guide on “Symbols & Holidays”. -
Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills: A Framework for Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum (PDF, 181.92 KB)
This guide provides content and progress standards for the Pre-Interview, Interview and Test, and Post-Interview phases of the naturalization process. It assists program administrators and teachers in developing a citizenship curriculum and thematic lessons, choosing textbooks, and creating effective learning activities.