The United States government has three branches, or parts. Congress is the part that makes laws.
Congress makes laws for all of the United States. They can write laws about many things, like health care, unemployment benefits, transportation, the military, taxes, and more.
Citizens in every state choose members of congress. We vote for them, and they represent us in Washington DC. If you are not happy with something, you can call your representative and tell them. This is all part of democracy.
Who makes federal laws? –> Congress
Congress has two parts. The House of Representatives has many members. The Senate has fewer members. They have to work together to make new laws, but it is not easy.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?* –> The House and the Senate
The House of Representatives is kind of a wild place. We elect US Representatives every 2 years. That means every 2 years, the House can change a lot.
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years? –> 2
Every state sends Representatives to Washington DC, but some states send more. For example, Oregon has 5 Representatives. Washington has 10 Representatives. California has 52 Representatives.
Why? Washington has more people than Oregon. And California has the most people in the United States.
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states? –> because of the state’s population
Another responsibility is to serve on a jury. In the US, a jury is a group of citizens who make a decision in court. A jury may make a decision about a crime and if someone is guilty or not.
A jury may also work with a judge in a case about other kinds of law, too. If you are a citizen, it is your responsibility to serve on a jury.
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?* –> Vote in a federal election / serve on a jury
Citizens have to be 18 to vote for president. In Oregon, citizens can register to vote when they are 16, and they automatically register when they get a drivers license. But, they have to wait to be 18 to really vote.
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?* –> 18 and older
A ballot drop box in Portland, Oregon
An amendment is a change to the Constitution. When the Constitution was written in 1787, only men with property could vote. Since then, Americans changed the Constitution 4 times:
Men of all races can vote
Voting must be free (no voting taxes)
Women can vote (any citizen can vote)
Citizens 18 and older can vote
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them. –> Citizens 18 and older can vote / Any citizen can vote
When you register to vote, you can choose a political party. It is free to join a political party. It is your right to join any political party, or none.
But, you should join a political party so you can vote in a primary election.
What are the two major political parties in the United States?* –> Democratic and Republican
What is the “rule of law”?
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
What is an amendment?
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*
What is freedom of religion?
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Name one right only for United States citizens.
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
What are the two major political parties in the United States?*
N-400 Vocabulary Practice
N-400 Part 12: Questions 6-10
Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes?
Have you EVER not filed a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident?
Have you called yourself a “non-U.S. resident” on a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident?
Have you EVER been a member of any organization?
Have you EVER been a member of, or in any way associated with The Communist Party?
Have you EVER been a member of, or in any way associated with any other totalitarian party?
Have you EVER been a member of, or in any way associated with a terrorist organization?
Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes?
¿Se debe ningún atraso federales, estatales o locales?
هل ندين أي تأخر الاتحادية، الدولة، أو الضرائب المحلية؟
آیا تا به حال فدرال، ایالتی، و یا بازگشت مالیات محلی ثبت نکرده از شما یک مقیم دائم قانونی شد؟
Vreodată nu ați depus un federal, de stat, sau returnarea taxelor locale de când ați devenit rezident permanent legal?
آیا تاسو کله هم د فدرالي، د بهرنیو چارو، او يا ځايي مالياتي اظهارليک نه درج راهیسې تاسو حلال دايمي اوسيدونکی شو؟
Вы когда-либо не подали федеральные, государственные или местную налоговую декларацию, так как вы стали законным постоянным жителем?
Waligaa ma gudbiyay a Federaalka, gobolka, ama canshuur celinta degaanka tan iyo aad u noqday deganaanshaha joogtada ah xalaal ahayn?
Có bao giờ bạn không nộp một liên bang, tiểu bang, hoặc tờ khai thuế địa phương kể từ khi bạn trở thành một thường trú nhân hợp pháp?
آپ کو ایک حلال مستقل رہائشی بننے کے بعد تم نے کبھی ایک وفاقی، ریاستی یا مقامی ٹیکس ریٹرن دائر نہیں کیا ہے؟
Have you called yourself a “non-U.S. resident” on a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident?
¿Ha llamado a sí mismo un “fuera de EE.UU.. Residente” en una, estatal o local de declaración de impuestos federal desde que se hizo residente legal permanente?
هل تسمى نفسك “خارج الولايات المتحدة. المقيمين” على الاتحادية، والدولة، أو الإقرار الضريبي المحلية منذ أن أصبحت مقيما بصفة قانونية؟
Вы называли себя «не в США. Резидент» на федеральную, штате или местную налоговую декларацию, так как вы стали законным постоянным жителем?
Ma waxaad naftaada yaqaan “non-xoreeyo dalka deggan.” On Federaalka, gobolka, ama canshuur celinta maxalli ah tan iyo aad u noqday deganaanshaha joogtada ah xalaal ahayn?
bạn đã gọi cho mình một “không ở Hoa Kỳ thường trú.” trên một liên bang, tiểu bang, hoặc tờ khai thuế địa phương kể từ khi bạn trở thành một thường trú nhân hợp pháp?
آپ اپنے آپ کو ایک “غیر امریکی رہائشی” ایک وفاقی، ریاستی یا مقامی ٹیکس ریٹرن آپ کو ایک حلال مستقل رہائشی بننے کے بعد بھی ملاقات کی ہے؟
Have you EVER been a member of, involved in, or in any way associated with, any organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society, or similar group in the United States or in any other location in the world?
¿Alguna vez ha sido miembro de, involucrado en, o de alguna manera asociado con, cualquier organización, asociación, fondo, fundación, partido, club, sociedad, o grupo similar en los Estados Unidos o en cualquier otro lugar en el mundo?
هل سبق لك عضوا في، والمشاركة في، أو في أي شكل من الأشكال المرتبطة، أي منظمة أو جمعية أو صندوق أو مؤسسة أو حزب، نادي، والمجتمع، أو مجموعة مماثلة في الولايات المتحدة أو في أي مكان آخر في العالم؟
آیا تا به حال یک عضو شده، که در، و یا در هر راه در ارتباط با، هر سازمان، انجمن، صندوق، پایه و اساس، حزب، باشگاه، جامعه، و یا گروه های مشابه در ایالات متحده و یا در هر مکان دیگری در جهان است؟
Ai fost vreodată membru al, implicat în, sau în orice mod asociat, orice organizație, asociație, fond, fundație, partid, club, societate sau grup similar în Statele Unite sau în orice alt loc din lume?
آيا تاسو په هره لاره کې د متحده ايالاتو او يا په کې د نړۍ د بل هر ځای سره، کوم سازمان، د ټولنې، صندوق، بنسټ، ګوند، کلپ، ټولنې، او يا ورته ډلې سره تړلي دي د يو غړي، په لاس، يا؟
Вы когда-либо был членом, участвовать в, или каким-либо образом связанный с, любая организация, ассоциация, фонд, фонд, партии, клуба, общества или аналогичной группы в Соединенных Штатах или в любом другом месте в мире?
Weligaa wax xubin ka mid ah, oo ku lug leh, ama si uun la xidhiidha, urur kasta, ururka, fund, aasaaska, xisbiga, kooxda, bulshada, ama koox la mid ah oo dalka Mareykanka ah ama meel kasta oo kale oo dunida oo dhan?
Bạn đã bao giờ là một thành viên, tham gia vào, hoặc trong bất kỳ cách nào kết hợp với, bất kỳ tổ chức, hiệp hội, quỹ, nền tảng, đảng, câu lạc bộ, xã hội, hay một nhóm tương tự ở Hoa Kỳ hay ở bất kỳ vị trí nào trên thế giới?
کیا تم نے کبھی کا رکن رہا میں ملوث ہیں، یا کسی بھی طرح امریکہ میں یا دنیا میں کسی بھی دوسری جگہ پر، کسی بھی تنظیم، ایسوسی ایشن، فنڈ، فاؤنڈیشن، پارٹی، کلب، معاشرے، یا اسی گروپ کے ساتھ وابستہ ہے؟
Have you EVER been a member of, or in any way associated with The Communist Party?
¿Alguna vez ha sido miembro de, o de alguna manera asociada (directa o indirectamente) con el Partido Comunista?
هل سبق لك عضوا في، أو بأي شكل من الأشكال المرتبطة بها (سواء بشكل مباشر أو غير مباشر) مع الحزب الشيوعي؟
In 1789, Congress made 10 amendments to the Constitution. This list of amendments was called a bill.
These first 10 amendments give us really important rights. So, we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution the Bill of Rights.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? –> The Bill of Rights
The first amendment gives all Americans the right to free speech. It also gives us the right to come together, to protest, to report news freely, and to practice religion.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?* –> Speech
Many colonists came from Europe to America for religious freedom.
They wanted to practice their religion in a free way.
Now, we also have the freedom to not practice a religion.
What is freedom of religion? –> You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
These rights in the constitution are for all people in the United States. That means these are rights for citizens, permanent residents, undocumented people, and visitors.
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States? –> freedom of speech, freedom of religion
N-400: Part 12, Questions 1-5
These translations are from Google translate. They may be ok, or they may have some problems. Please let me know!
Have you EVER claimed to be a U.S. citizen (in writing or any other way)?
Yes, I have / No, I haven’t / No, never
¿Alguna vez ha pretendido ser un ciudadano de EE.UU. (por escrito o de cualquier otra forma)?
هل سبق لك أن ادعى أن يكون مواطنا الولايات المتحدة (في الكتابة أو بأي طريقة أخرى)؟
The United States government has many parts. Congress makes federal laws. The court interprets the laws. The president signs bills to become laws. The president is also in charge of the Executive branch.
Each part of the government is called a branch. The constitution made 3 branches of government to work together.
Name one branch or part of the government.* –> Congress / the President / the courts
The founding fathers did not want America to have a king. They worried about one part of the government from getting too much power.
So, congress has some powers over the president. The president has some power over congress. The court has some power over the president and congress. Congress and the president also have some power over the court.
This separation of power is supposed to keep things balanced. We sometimes call these rules checks and balances.
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? –> Checks and Balances
Another balance of power is between the federal government and state governments. Only the federal government can do some special things, like:
Print money
Declare war
Make treaties
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government? –> print money
On the other hand, only state governments have these powers:
Give a driver license
Provide education
Provide police and safety
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states? –> give a driver license
What is the supreme law of the land?
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
What does the Constitution do?
When was the Constitution written?
What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
Name one branch or part of the government.*
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
N-400 Practice: George Lincoln
Watch and listen to this example interview with an officer and George Lincoln.
What questions do you hear?
How many times does George say “excuse me” or a similar question?
Can you write down all the important numbers?
Don’t worry – that’s not a real Social Security Number! 🙂
The Statue of Liberty is a famous place in New York.
Have you ever visited the Statue of Liberty?
Where is the Statue of Liberty? –> New York
The United States has many long rivers.
The number one longest river in the United States is the Mississippi.
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. –> Mississippi
Oregon, Washington, and California are states. They are part of the 50 United States.
Citizens in states can vote for president. But they also have to pay federal taxes.
Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Ocean
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The United States also has territories. Territories are not the same as states. For example, Puerto Rico is a territory with more than 3 million people.
They are part of the US, but the citizens there do not vote for president. But, they do not have to pay the same taxes.
Another US territory is Guam. It is an island in the Pacific Ocean with about 165,000 people.
Name one US Territory. –> Puerto Rico
The United States flag has 50 stars. Each star represents one state.
The flag has 50 stars because we have 50 states. Why does the flag have 50 stars? –> Because we have 50 states
The Day of the Interview
Watch this video from USCIS with important information about the day of your interview.
You know that you should come _____________ minutes early, and the address of USCIS in Portland is _________ ________ Overton St.
But when you come to USCIS for the interview, what should you bring?
Choose 2 out of 3 (2 are correct, 1 is not necessary). For example:
Your notice of interview appointment.
Permanent Resident Card.
A toothbrush and toothpaste.
Passports and ID
Your passport and Oregon ID (or drivers license)
A library card with your name on it.
All your expired (old) passports.
More helpful documents
Your marriage certificate (if you’re married)
Your divorce papers (if you’re divorced).
Flowers (if you meet someone cute at the interview)
Other legal papers
Official papers for your dog or cat (if you have one)
Name change papers (if you changed your name before)
Court papers (if you had a criminal problem before)
The leader of the House of Representatives is called the Speaker of the House.
Official portrait of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, photographed January 11, 2019 in the Office of the Speaker in the United States Capitol.
Right now, the Speaker of the House is Nancy Pelosi, from California.
What is the name of the Speaker of the House now? –> Nancy Pelosi
The highest court in the United States is the Supreme Court.
The leader of the Supreme Court is called the Chief Justice.
Swearing in of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
Right now, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is John Roberts.
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now? –> John Roberts
The leader of the federal government is the president.
The leader of our state is called the governor.
Governor Kate Brown (Oregon)
Governor Jay Inslee (Washington)
Right now, the governor of Oregon is Kate Brown.
Who is the Governor of your state now? –> Kate Brown (Oregon)
Who is the Governor of your state now? –> Jay Inslee (Washington)
Every state has two senators who go to Washington D.C.
Ron Wyden
Jeff Merkley
Senators work for all of the people in the state.
Oregon’s senators are Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.
Washington’s senators are Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.
Who is one of your state’s US Senators now? –> Ron Wyden or Jeff Merkley (Oregon) –> Patty Murray or Maria Cantwell (Washington)
Each state also has representatives.
Some states have more representatives because they have more people.
Oregon has 5 representatives.
The representative for Portland is Earl Blumenauer.
The representative for Beaverton and Washington County is Suzanne Bonamici.
If you live in Southwest Washington, your representative is probably Jaime Herrera Beutler. She works for people in Vancouver, Longview, and other parts of Southwest Washington.
Jaime Herrera Beutler’s district
Name your US Representative. –> Earl Blumenauer (Portland), Suzanne Bonamici (Beaverton and Washington County), Jaime Herrera Beutler (Southwest Washington)
The United States is a democracy. This means every person has a voice, and every citizen has a vote.
American citizens can do many things to be part of our democracy. They can participate in many ways.
For example, citizens can vote for leaders they like.
In Oregon and Washington, citizens can also vote on new laws for the state.
Another way Americans can participate is calling your representative.
When you call your representative, you can tell them your opinion about important things. A good representative will listen to the people.
A bad representative will not get your votes in the next election. 🙂
What are 2 ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? –> Vote and Call your Representative
Civics Review
What is the capital of the United States?*
What is the capital of your state?*
What is the name of the President of the United States now?*
What is the political party of the President now?
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*
Name your U.S. Representative.
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
What is the capital of the United States? –> Washington, D.C.
This is the Oregon capital building.
The largest city in Oregon is Portland, but it is not the capital.
The capital of Oregon is Salem.
What is the capital of your state? –> Salem
Who is this?
The leader of the federal government is the president.
What is the name of the President of the United States now? –> Donald Trump / Trump
The two major political parties are Democratic and Republican.
What is the political party of the President now? –> Republican
Vice President Micheal Pence poses for his official portrait at The White House, in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)
The Vice President works with the President.
If the President can no longer serve, the Vice President becomes president.
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? –> Mike Pence
Review Civics
94. What is the capital of the United States?*
44. What is the capital of your state?*
28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*
46. What is the political party of the President now?
29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
We practice a lot of information about civics and the N400. But, the reading test is much easier.
The reading test does not have many difficult words. The reading test usually is a question. You only have to read the question. You don’t have to answer it!
