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As the first bill he signed into law, Gov. Doug Ducey chose a measure that requires all Arizona student to pass a Civics Test before they can graduate from high school. The requirement, which takes effect with the graduating class of 2017, also gives students multiple chances to earn the passing grade.
The exam will cover the same 100 questions asked by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to immigrants seeking to become naturalized citizens. But while during the naturalization interview candidates are asked only 10 of the questions selected at random, with a requirement they answer six correctly; Arizona students will receive all 100 questions, of which they must get 60 correct.
All Arizona school districts must offer the Civics Exam, but individual school districts are granted control over how to teach the materials and administer the tests, according to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The cost to offer the Civics exams will be “infinitesimal,” added State Rep. David Farnsworth (D-16th District), who voted for the law.
Most high schools in Maricopa, Pinal and Gila counties offer a standard course entitled “American Government and Free Enterprise,” which covers most information about how government operates in the U.S.
However the INS test not only includes questions on government, but also American history and geography. Unlike INS exams from a generation ago, the questions are multiple choice rather than essay. For instance, instead of asking what are the three branches of the federal government (Executive, Legislative and Judiciary), candidates are asked which of four choices is one of the three branches, peppered with alternate answers like parliament.
The test’s overall goal is to increase students’ knowledge of basic government, said Margaret Bowerman, communications specialist with ADE.
Among questions students will likely see on the Civics Test are:
1. How many amendments does the Constitution have? a) 12, b) 27, c) 35 or d) 42
2. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? a) 4, b) 6, c) 8 or d) 10
3. We elect a president for how many years? a) 4, b) 6, c) 8 or d) 12
4. What is the name of the current president of the United States? a) Bush, b) Clinton, c) Ford or d) Obama
5. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president? a) Chief of staff, b) the Vice President, c) Secretary of State or d) Speaker of the House
6. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the constitution? a) The Bill of Rights, b) the Ten Commandments, c) the Bill of Lading or d) the List of Ten
7. Which is a right or freedom from the First Amendment? a) right to vote, b) right to avoid taxes, c) right to free exercise of religion or d) the right to bear arms
8. What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence? a) formed an alliance with South America, b) announced our independence from Great Britain, c) announced our independence from Germany or d) freed the slaves
9. What is one purpose of the U.S. Constitution? a) declare war, b) define state laws, c) protect the basic rights of Americans or d) establishes treaties
10. When was the U.S. Constitution written? a) 1776, b) 1787, c) 1789 or d) 1804
Before he was president, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in? a) Civil War, b) World War I, c) World War II or d) Korean War
Name one state that borders on Mexico? a) Alabama, b) California, c) Florida or d) Montana
Answers for these questions are: 1 b, 2 b, 3 a, 4 d, 5 b, 6 a, 7 c, 8 b, 9 c, 10 b, 11 c and 12 b.
As for knowing who your governor, U.S. senator, state senator or representative on the county board is, you’re on your own.
James J. Hodl is a career journalist who has worked for newspapers, magazines and trade journals. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism, Hodl began his career as a reporter with the Palatine (IL) Herald and the Morton Grove (IL) Review before becoming editor of the trade publication Appliance Service News. In recent years, Hodl has had articles published in Consumers Digest, Good Housekeeping, Home Remodeling, Kitchens & Baths and Salute; and has contributed to trade publications serving the home furnishings, restaurant and casino markets. A native of Chicago, Hodl relocated to San Tan Valley in 2013.
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