This Term at Interior

US Dept of Interior: This Term at Interior

This Term at Interior: During the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Interior has made unprecedented progress for our shared lands, waters, wildlife and the communities they sustain. Together, we have taken bold action, in collaboration with Tribal Nations, states, territories, local communities, private landowners, fishers, outdoor enthusiasts, environmental justice advocates and other important partners across the nation.   

We asked Department leaders to reflect on just a few examples of how our work has improved the health and resilience of the American people.

In farewell address, Biden warns of concentration of power and wealth

VOA News: In farewell address, Biden warns of concentration of power and wealth

US president caps his decades-long political career and a 4-year term bookended by Donald Trump

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 16

 

uscitizenpod: USCIS N-400 Part 12:45 The U.S. Constitution and Form of Government

Classroom:

• Pearson ELT USA Team: UPDATED Naturalization Speaking Test from Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss.  pg 227-233
• Voices of Freedom: Ch 12: Citizens Rights and Responsibilities
• Preparing for the Oath:  Responsibilities (homework)
• 14 USCIS Questions in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  This quiz matches 14 USCIS civics questions with speeches and events from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked for equality for all Americans and for all those who thirst for peace and justice throughout the world mp3 and pdf
• A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r of Juah Sarwee from Fish Town, Liberia plus 10qs about US Geography and Symbols (2017) pdf  

Not Just Voting. Habits of Good Citizens. Tips from Diplomat Richard Haass

PBS: Not Just Voting. Habits of Good Citizens. Tips from Diplomat Richard Haass

Bestselling author and diplomat Richard Haass says there are 10 essential obligations of citizens that can help to heal a divided country and preserve American democracy. These habits are not just about voting.

Haass gives his 10 quick “Haass Takes” here, based on responsibilities outlined in his book, "The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens,” which serves as a guide for all American citizens who want to be more deeply engaged in creating a healthy and thriving democracy. As he argues in his book, “We get the government and the country we deserve. Getting the one we need, however, is up to us.” 

Do you have what it takes to be a good citizen? The ten obligations are: 

• Be Informed 
• Get Involved 
• Stay Open to Compromise 
• Remain Civil 
• Reject Violence 
• Value Norms 
• Promote the Common Good 
• Respect Government Service 
• Teach Civics 
• Put Country First 

Haass calls on Americans to reimagine citizenship by taking action and participating in democracy. In his final “Haass Take” about putting country first, he lifts up the words that President John F. Kennedy shared in his inaugural address in 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”  

Haass knows a thing or two about citizenship and democracy - he served under four U.S. presidents, both Democrats and Republicans; he served as president of the Council on Foreign Relations from July 2003 to June 2023; and prior to that, he was the director of policy planning for the US Department of State as well as an advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell in the George W. Bush administration. 

Watch the Citizens Guide to Preserving Democracy Playlist

A Citizens Guide to Preserving Democracy series description:   

American democracy is under threat. Do you have what it takes to be a good citizen? Join Preserving Democracy as we dig into the ten habits of good citizens in a new digital series, “A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy.” Explore real-life examples of Americans who are striving to build a healthier democracy and who embody the spirit of a more informed and engaged citizenry… one person at a time.    

Based on “The Bill of Obligations: Ten Habits of Good Citizens,” by author and diplomat Richard Haass and the feature-length PBS documentary, A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy from The WNET Group’s Preserving Democracy initiative.   

 

Now streaming at pbs.org/preservingdemocracy 

A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy

Thirteen: A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy | Full Documentary on PBS | Thirteen/On the Brink playlist

American democracy is under threat. Do you have what it takes to be a good citizen? Preserving Democracy digs into the 10 habits of good citizens in the series, A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy. Explore real-life examples of Americans who are striving to build a healthier democracy and who embody the spirit of a more informed and engaged citizenry… one person at a time.  Based on Richard Haass’ best-selling book “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens.”

The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter

VOA News: The Inside Story | The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter 

Join us this week on The Inside Story as we honor the remarkable life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100. From his humble beginnings to his impactful presidency and tireless humanitarian work, we reflect on the life of a leader dedicated to peace and service. That's this week on The Inside Story: The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter.

Rest in Power, Rest in Peace: President Jimmy Carter

 

 

VOA News: 39th US President Jimmy Carter laid to rest in his Georgia hometown

Carter died last week at 100 

Washington Post: Visitors pay their respects to Carter 

As former president Jimmy Carter lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 7, hundreds of visitors came to honor his legacy as a role model and humanitarian. 

Time: In Memoriam Jimmy Carter Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old.

POP Quiz:

USCIS 100:10.  What is freedom of religion?

USCIS 100:15.  Who is in charge of the executive branch?

USCIS 100:26.  We elect a President for how many years?

USCIS 100:28.  What is the name of the President of the United States now?*

USCIS 100:32.  Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

USCIS 100:41.   Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government.  What is one power of the federal government?

USCIS 100:43.  Who is the Governor of your state now?

USCIS 100:55.  What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

USCIS 100:84.  What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

USCIS 100:94.  What is the capital of the United States?*

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 15

 

uscitizenpod: USCIS N-400 Part 12:45 The U.S. Constitution and Form of Government

Classroom:

• Pearson ELT USA Team: UPDATED Naturalization Speaking Test from Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss.  pg 227-233
• Voices of Freedom: Ch 12: Citizens Rights and Responsibilities
• Preparing for the Oath:  Responsibilities (homework)
• American History and Integrated Civics Questions (USCIS 100:58-100) for the Naturalization Test