All posts in Fall 2021

Americans have many special days. Some days are for religion, like Christmas. Some days are to celebrate, like New Years Day.

The Unites States Government has 11 national holidays. On those days, government offices and schools are usually closed.

The full list of national holidays is:

1. New Year’s Day on January 1st
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January
3. Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of February
4. Memorial Day on the last Monday of May
5. Juneteenth on June 19th
6. Independence Day on July 4th
7. Labor Day on the first Monday of September
8. Indigenous Peoples Day / Columbus Day on the second Monday of October
9. Veterans Day on November 11th
10. Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November
11. Christmas Day on December 25th

In 2021, President Biden signed a bill to make a new federal holiday. This holiday is called Juneteenth, and it is celebrated on June 19th.

On June 19th, 1865, the United States army freed the slaves in Galveston, Texas. Since then, Juneteenth is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and end of slavery in all of the United States.

Name two national U.S. holidays. –> Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Name three national U.S. holidays. –> Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

We also have special days for responsibilities. One important responsibility is to pay taxes. It is important to pay taxes because it is required by law.

People in the US usually have to send in federal income tax forms on April 15.

(100)When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?* –> April 15th

Why is it important to pay federal taxes? –> Required by law

The economic system of the United States is a market economy. This is another name for a capitalist economy.

This means that people and businesses are free to buy and sell things.

What is the economic system in the United States?* –> Market Economy / Capitalist Economy

When there is a war or emergency, the government can ask young men to join the military. This is called the draft or Selective Service.

All men must register for the Selective Service from age 18 to 26. Even immigrants and refugees need to register.

Registration is free and quick. And, from age 18 to 26 is only 8 years. After that, most people don’t worry about this registration.

(100) When must all men register for the Selective Service? –> 18 to 26

It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why. –> Required by law

In many schools, every class begins with the Pledge of Allegiance. This is a promise of loyalty to the United States. Loyalty means love, and never leaving someone.

Here’s an example of the Pledge of Allegiance. Don’t worry! You don’t need to memorize the words.

When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we show loyalty to the flag. This means we also show loyalty to the United States.

What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? –> The flag / The United States

These people are making a different promise. They are taking the Oath of Allegiance. This is the promise to become a citizen.

The oath is long and difficult, but you don’t have to remember it 100%. You only have to repeat it. One thing you promise is to obey or follow the laws of the United States. You also promise to be loyal to the United States.

What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? –> Obey the laws of the United States

Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance. –> Obey the laws of the United States / Be loyal to the United States

Every person born in the United States becomes a U.S. citizen. It’s in the constitution. When people take the oath and become a citizen, we say that they naturalize (nach-ral-eyes). The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service is in charge of the way that people naturalize.

How can people become United States citizens? –> Naturalize

Review

100 Questions:

1. Name two national U.S. holidays.
2. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*
3. What is the economic system in the United States?*
4. When must all men register for the Selective Service?
5. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
6. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

128 Questions:

1. Name three national U.S. holidays.
2. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
3. What is the economic system in the United States?*
4. It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
5. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
6. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
7. How can people become United States citizens? –> Naturalize

Civics + Reading

After World War 2, the United States government was worried about the Soviet Union and Communism. This time is called “The Cold War.”

Communism means that the government owns almost everything. People cannot own property.

Communism is a different form of government than the US. The US has democracy and a market economy.

During the Cold War, the communist countries and capitalist countries fought to control the world.

The United States and Soviet Union did not fight directly, so we call it a “cold” war. The Soviet Union broke up in 1991.

During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? –> Communism

During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States? –> Communism

Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War? –> The Soviet Union / Russia / USSR

The United States fought many wars to stop communism. United States leaders thought that communism would spread from one country to another country. The United States entered the Korean War from 1950 to 1954 to stop the spread of communism.

Leomonaci98 – Own work, Map of Korean war from May 1950 to July 1951, showing: Chinese and communist forces (Soviet Union) (light red) North Korean forces (red) South Korean, US and United Nations forces (green).

Why did the United States enter the Korean War? –> to stop the spread of communism

The United States entered the Vietnam war in the 1960s to stop the spread of communism. The United States exited the war in 1973, and left South Vietnam completely in 1975.

Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War? –> to stop the spread of communism

From The Civil War to the 1950s, most black people in America did not have equal rights.

White people used the law, education, and fear against black people and other racial groups. This was a terrible time of racial discrimination.

The Civil Rights Movement was a large group of protestors who tried to end racial discrimination. They protested, spoke, and got arrested.

What movement tried to end racial discrimination? –> The Civil Rights Movement

What did the civil rights movement do? –> Fought to end racial discrimination

One of the Civil Rights Movement leaders was Martin Luther King Jr. He fought for civil rights.

He fought for civil rights by speaking. He fought for civil rights by writing. He fought for civil rights by protesting. He fought for civil rights by using civil disobedience. He was arrested almost 30 times.

Because of his work, congress and the president passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to protect the civil rights of black people and people of all races.

What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?* –> Fought for civil rights

Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one. * –> Fought for civil rights

On April 4, 1968, King was killed by a white man. King was only 39 years old, but Americans will always remember him as a hero. We remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January.

The first national celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day was in 1986. You can see the love and spirit of Dr. King in this celebration from that year.

By Unknown author – http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/image.php?id=957, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=485045

In 1990, the country of Iraq attacked and invaded the country of Kuwait. In 1991, the United States entered the Persian Gulf War to remove the Iraqi military from Kuwait.

Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War? –> To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? That morning, terrorists attacked the United States.

They flew planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York. They flew a plane into the Pentagon, the main building for the military.

They tried to fly one more plane into the White House, but the people on the plane stopped the terrorists.

What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States? –> Terrorists attacked the United States

Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks. –> War in Afghanistan / War on Terror / Iraq War

Review

1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*
2. Who was President during World War I?
3. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
4. Who did the United States fight in World War II?
5. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
6. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
7. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
8. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*
9. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

History Review

1. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
2. What is one reason colonists came to America?
3. There were 13 original states. Name three.
4. Why did the colonists fight the British?
5. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
6. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
7. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
8. What does the Constitution do?
9. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
10. What is the name of the national anthem?
11. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
12. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Unfortunately, the United States fought many wars from 1900-1999.

The United States fought in World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the first Gulf War.

(World War I means World War 1)
(World War II means World War 2)

World War I was in Europe, from 1914-1918. The United States joined world War I in 1917.

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.* –> World War One

Woodrow Wilson was president from 1913 to 1921. Many people wanted the United States to support Great Britain and France. But, many people wanted the United States to avoid the war.

Woodrow Wilson told Americans he wanted to avoid the war. However, Germany attacked US ships in the Atlantic ocean.

By The New York Times (newspaper) – (May 8, 1915). “Lusitania Sunk by a Submarine, Probably 1,260 Dead”. The New York Times: 1., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79566618

The United States entered World War 1 because Germany attacked US ships. Woodrow Wilson was president during World War 1.

(100) Who was President during World War I? –> Woodrow Wilson

Why did the United States enter World War I? –> Because Germany attacked US ships

On October 29th, 1929 the Great Depression started in the United States. The Great Depression was the longest economic recession in modern history.

What was the Great Depression? –> Longest economic recession in modern history

The stock market crashed and many banks lost all their money. This was called “The Great Crash” or “The Crash of 1929” Millions of Americans lost all their money and their jobs.

When did the Great Depression start? –>Stock market crash of 1929 / The Great Crash

In this difficult time, Franklin Roosevelt ran for president. He helped start Social Security, food stamps, and many protections for all Americans.

Roosevelt was very popular because he helped Americans during the Great Depression. He was elected president four times! He was also president during World War II.

Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II? –> (Franklin) Roosevelt

He was still president on December 7, 1941, when the Navy of Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the United States joined the fight of World War II.

Why did the United States enter World War II? –> Pearl Harbor / Japan attacked Pearl Harbor

During World War II, the United States fought Japan, Germany, and Italy.

(100) Who did the United States fight in World War II? –> Japan, Germany, and Italy

Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, before the end of the war. Because Roosevelt could no longer serve, the vice president became the president.

One important general in World War II was Dwight D. Eisenhower. After the war, he ran for president. He was president from 1953 to 1961.

Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in? –> World War II

Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one –> General in World War II

1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*
2. Who was President during World War I?
3. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
4. Who did the United States fight in World War II?
5. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?

The North won the Civil War. But after the war, Abraham Lincoln was killed by an angry man from the South. We also say that Lincoln was assassinated (a – SA – si – nay – ted).

93. The Civil War had many important events. Name one. –> Lincoln was assassinated / Emancipation Proclamation

Civics Questions

• Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
• Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
• Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
• What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*
• What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Civics Review: The Declaration and Constitution

1. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
2. What does the Constitution do?
3. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
4. When was the Constitution written?
5. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
6. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
7. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
8. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

Reading and Civics

George Washington was president for 8 years, from 1789 to 1797. One hundred years later, his birthday became a national holiday: President’s Day.

After Washington, Adams was elected president. After Adams, Thomas Jefferson was elected president. The United States in the 1800s was a young, new country.

Thomas Jefferson wanted the United States to get bigger and bigger. He helped buy the Louisiana Territory.

The Louisiana Territory was 828,000 square miles of land. It was named after King Louis (Luis) of France.

In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France for 15 million dollars. But, this did not include any deal with the Native Americans who lived in the territory.

What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? –> Louisiana

In 1812, there was more war with England. One man saw a terrible fight all night long. But in the morning, the US flag was still there.

He wrote a poem called The Star Spangled Banner. The Star Spangled Banner means “the flag with a lot of stars.”

The Star Spangled Banner became a very popular song. It became the national anthem for the United States. You can hear it before important events and sports games.

What is the name of the national anthem? –> The Star Spangled Banner

African people were brought to the United States as slaves from 1619 to 1821. Even after 1821, slavery continued in the south United States.

There were 4 million slaves in the United States. More and more, people said: “This is wrong. All people have the rights of life and liberty.”

More and more people wanted civil rights for all Americans. Civil rights means protecting the rights of all people.

One important civil rights leader was Susan B. Anthony. Susan B. Anthony fought for civil rights for all people, black and white.

Also, Susan B. Anthony fought for women’s rights. For example, in the 1700s and 1800s, women in the United States did not have the right to vote.

What did Susan B. Anthony do? –> Fought for women’s rights.

Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s. –> Susan B. Anthony

In 1920, Americans made a change to the constitution. The 19th (nineteenth) Amendment means that all women citizens of the United States get the right to vote.

---

But what about the millions of slaves in the US in the 1800s? The evil problem of slavery was like a bomb waiting. And in 1861, the bomb went off.

We call this time The Civil War.

Questions

• What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
• What did Susan B. Anthony do?
• What is the name of the national anthem?

Review: The Declaration of Independence

1. When do we celebrate Independence Day?
2. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
3. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
4. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
5. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

A new country

The Declaration of Independence said “the United States is free!”

But, Britain still wanted to keep the 13 colonies.

The British military sent more and more soldiers and ships to America.

The new United States fought the British military. We call this fight The Revolutionary War.

What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain? –> The Revolutionary War

The American Revolution had many important events. Name one. –> The Declaration of Independence

George Washington was the military leader for the United States. He was the general of the United States Army.

Washington was a hero and a strong leader during this difficult time. He was very, very popular with Americans.

He helped win the Revolutionary War, and he helped lead the Constitutional Convention. We call him “the father of our country.”

Who is the “Father of Our Country”? –> George Washington

George Washington is famous for many things. Name one. –> Father of our country

George Washington and the new US army fought the British for 8 years.

The US army won the war, and the British left the United States.

After the war, George Washington became the first president.

Who was the first president? –> George Washington

Benjamin Franklin also helped the new United States. He was a U.S. diplomat.

Benjamin Franklin went to France. After that, France helped the US fight the British.

What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? –> US diplomat / inventor

Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one. –> US diplomat / inventor

The new country needed new laws, so the leaders wrote the Constitution. The Constitution was the supreme law of the new country.

(100 and 128) What is the supreme law of the land? –> The Constitution

Can you answer these questions about the new United States?

1. Who is the “Father of Our Country”?
2. Who was the first President?*
3. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
4. What is the supreme law of the land?

Can you answer the civics questions about this information?

Civics and Reading: The United States is free

Colonists came to America for freedom. But, the colonies were still part of the British Government.

The British Government and the King of England chose the leaders of the colonies. Many colonists wanted to choose their own leaders.

The British Government and the King of England made taxes higher and higher. More and more colonists were unhappy with the government.

More and more American colonists made plans to overthrow the British Government. They fought the British because of high taxes and because they wanted to choose their own leaders.

Why did the colonists fight the British? –> High taxes

Some colonists made a new government to fight the British and make a new country.

They made the Declaration of Independence. It said that the United States is free.

What did the Declaration of Independence do? –> It said the United States is free

The Declaration of Independence is a break-up letter with the British government and King of England. It has a list of all the problems with the British government.

It says that all people have the rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The American colonists said that the British did not give them life or liberty.

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence? –> Life and Liberty

Many American colonists talked about the ideas in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? –> Thomas Jefferson

The new American congress had a vote to agree with the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776.

Be careful: was adopted = in the past, in history, in 1776.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? –> July 4th, 1776

That’s why we celebrate Independence Day every July 4th. Be careful: we celebrate = in the present, every year.

When do we celebrate Independence Day?* –> July 4th (July fourth)

Civics Review

1. Why did the colonists fight the British?
2. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*
3. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
4. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
5. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
6. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

From Tuesday:

1. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
2. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
3. What is one reason colonists came to America?
4. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
5. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
6. There were 13 original states. Name three.

More than 15,000 years ago, people came to North America, Central America, and South America.

They spread all over America, and created many different cultures and civilizations.

These people were the Native Americans, or American Indians.

(100 and 128) Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? –> American Indians or Native Americans

There were thousands of different American Indian groups, called tribes.

Many tribes are still here today. More than 5 million Native Americans and mixed race Native Americans live in the United States now.

Each tribe has its own traditions, leaders, art, culture, and languages, too.

Many Native Americans are leaders in the United States. One example is Deb Haaland, who is a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe. She was part of Joe Biden’s cabinet. She was the Secretary of the Interior.

(100 and 128) Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. –> Pueblo

People from Europe are called Europeans. Christopher Columbus was one of the first Europeans to come to America.

Europeans fought American Indians, took their land, and brought diseases. Some Europeans did business with the Indians, made friendships, and even married with them. But, millions of American Indians died from these problems.

Europeans started colonies in America. These were new cities, but they still had a connection to their home country.

For example, Spain, Portugal, and England started many colonies. The people who live in colonies were called colonists.

In England, the leader of the government was a king. The British king had a lot of power, and many people did not have freedom.

We use the words British and English to describe the same place.

Many English people became colonists, and came to America for more freedom.

What is one reason colonists came to America? –> Freedom

The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one. –> Freedom

On the other hand, many people lost their freedom in America. European businessmen took more than 12 million African people to North and South America and sold them as slaves.

(100 and 128) What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? –> African people

By the year 1700, America was home to Native Americans, colonists, and slaves. 13 British colonies in North America are now part of the United States.

We remember those 13 original colonies in the 13 stripes of the United States.

(100 and 128) Why does the flag have 13 stripes? –> There were 13 original colonies

There were 13 original colonies that became states. Good news: you don’t have to remember all of them!

You can remember the 3 NEW states: New York, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.

Or, you can remember the 3 beautiful sisters: Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

There were 13 original states. Name three. –> New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire

There were 13 original states. Name five. –> New York / New Jersey / New Hampshire / North Carolina / South Carolina / Virginia

1. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
2. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
3. What is one reason colonists came to America?
4. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
5. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
6. There were 13 original states. Name three.

Review: Questions about the president

1. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*
2. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?*
3. What is the political party of the President now?
4. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*

Reading and Civics

The constitution defines the United States government. It sets up the legislative branch and the judicial branch.

We have read and learned about Congress and the Courts. There is one more major part of the American government. Do you know what it is?

The executive branch is the final part of the US government. The President is the leader of this part. The President is in charge of the executive branch.

Who is in charge of the executive branch? –> The President

The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government? –> Executive branch

The executive branch has many parts. Name one. –> The President

The executive branch has many important departments and offices. The President has a lot of power in this part of the government.

The President is responsible for these departments, including:

• The State Department
• Homeland Security
• The Department of Justice
• The Department of Education
• The Department of Defense

The Department of Defense includes the military. The President is the Commander in Chief of the military. This means they are the #1 boss of the military.

(100 and 128) Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? –> The President

The President cannot make new federal laws. Congress makes federal laws. But, Congress must work with the President.

A new law is called a bill. If the Senate and the House agree on a bill, they send it to the President. If the President signs the bill with their name, it becomes a law.

(100 and 128) Who signs bills to become laws? –> The President

But, sometimes the President does not agree with Congress. If the President does not sign the bill, it will not become a law.

When the Presidents says “no!” to a bill, it is called a veto. Only the President can veto a bill.

(100 and 128) Who vetoes bills? –> The president

Name one power of the president. –> Sign bills / veto bills

Another power is appointing federal judges. When the federal courts need a new judge, the president chooses the judge. The senate votes to agree or disagree with that choice.

Who appoints federal judges? –> The president

The writers of the Constitution did not want the United States to have a king. They did not want to have presidents serve for life.

So, we have a democratic election for President. We elect a President for 4 years.

We elect a President for how many years? –> 4

The President of the United States is elected for how many years? * –> 4

George Washington served two terms as president. He was president for eight years. Thomas Jefferson also served two terms as president. For a long time, everyone followed their example.

Roosevelt was president during the Great Depression and World War 2. He was elected four times. After that, congress and the states made a change to the constitution. The 22nd amendment says that presidents can only serve two terms. It keeps the president from becoming too powerful.

The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why? –> To keep the president from becoming too powerful / 22nd amendment

We vote for President almost at the end of the year. We vote for President in November. Election day is usually on the first Tuesday in November.

(100 only) In what month do we vote for President?* –> November

Citizens in every state vote for president. But, the system for deciding who is president is strange and complicated.

The Electoral College is the system for deciding who is president. Every state (and Washington DC) has a number of votes in the Electoral College.

What do you think is better? The Electoral College, or counting all the votes directly?

Why is the Electoral College important? –> It decides who is president

1. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
2. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
3. Who signs bills to become laws?
4. Who vetoes bills?
5. We elect a President for how many years?
6. In what month do we vote for President?*

Bonus: How does the US elect a president?

This information helps us understand more about voting.

Questions for listening:

• Who votes for president?
• Why does it take a long time to count all the votes?
• What do we call the system of choosing the president with all 50 states and Washington D.C.?
• What is one good way to learn news about the US Election?