Quote:
Originally Posted by WT Sharpe
I think a 10 question quiz containing questions on geography, science, foreign affairs, and govenment would go a long way in proving U.S. citizenship. Anyone receiving a passing grade should be looked on with suspicion. They're probably not a citizen.
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I don't share your confidence. About 15 years ago new teachers who were applying for positions were asked to take the same test, in their specialty area, that high school students needed to take in order to graduate. Thus, an American history teacher was asked to take the the American history exam, the biology teacher, the biology exam, etc. Less than 50% were able to pass the exams in their subject area. So how can you expect non-"experts" to be able to pass a questionnaire?
Studies repeatedly show that the average American has little knowledge of America's history, politics, geography. Don't we see that everyday when Tea Partiers protest Obama's healthcare plan as socialism and want government hands off of medical care -- except for Medicare. Or when Sarah Palin makes false statements but great sound bites.
How many Americans know the words to the second verse of the U.S. national anthem? Or even to the first verse? Or even that there is a second verse? How many Americans can name the U.S. president during the Mexican-American War or the Spanish-American War?