Life in the United States

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?

Civics and Reading

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

We also have special days for responsibilities. One important responsibility is to pay taxes.

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

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

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.

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

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 taking the Oath of Allegiance. This is the promise to become a citizen.

One thing you promise is to follow the laws of the United States. The oath is long and difficult, but you don’t have to remember it 100%.

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

Review

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?

US Citizens and the Test

How will these American citizens do on the Civics test questions?