Apparently having to take a U.S. citizenship test to graduate makes a graduating student a better citizen. Arizona is the first state to make students take a citizenship test. The way it is looking is that other states may follow in Arizona’s footsteps and make a citizenship test a graduating requirement. The test is the exact same test that the U.S. gives to immigrants so that they could become citizens. This law was passed on January 22nd, 2015.
Students in some shape or form are required to pass a government class before they graduate. The law was passed to teach Americans who have a poor knowledge of civics to have better knowledge in said subject matter. According to Ted McConnell and Sandra Day O’Connor schools need teach more government in schools. Many have said government isn’t being taught very well.
Some states give high school students government tests. The contents of these tests are questions about how the law treats citizens equally, the purpose of democracy, and how to be a good citizen. Some people believe too much testing will reduce the amount of actual learning on government topics. Citizenship is learned by actions.
I believe that passing a test doesn’t make you a better citizen, it makes sure you know what a good citizen does. Being a good citizen doesn’t mean taking a test, it means going out and helping other and being a law-abiding person. Maybe what American Government classes need more than just tests is real opportunities for community service learning and structured learning from working citizens out in the community. What do you think?
Devran019 • Mar 20, 2015 at 8:45 am
thats not a good idea. what if i want to graduate but not to be citizen? should i not graduate?
Nick07 • Mar 3, 2015 at 12:16 am
I agree, Government isn’t being taught well in many schools because students don’t care and the work is not engaging. Schools don’t teach much if they are giving tests all the time but hands on stuff and making sure the kids fully understand is always beneficial. A test can be good but what needs to be fixed is how students learn.
I think the US is getting too populated. I don’t like the law the government passed January 22nd, 2015 which lets immigrants take a citizenship test at chosen state to become citizen. The system is too easy and will let so many foreigners into the US. Just like students in a government classroom new citizens need to show they understand citizenship by doing more than just passing a test. If they have lived here, have a stable job and were law abiding then they can earn the right. Citizenship takes responsibility.
Doug • Feb 27, 2015 at 10:27 am
Well I’m not sure if people even bothered what type of questions go into the test, I agree in the sense that a test will not make you a better citizen or a bad one. However if you ask most people they are always criticizing the president for “not making laws”, and other problems that don’t have anything to do with his branch. as far as pressure on students go it really does’t give another test to worry about what difference does it make to pass a test from government than another test from chemistry or physics. I agree that people should take this test.
EMV • Feb 9, 2015 at 2:35 pm
In my opinion that’s not a good idea, it’ll just be another test that the students have to worried about as if the pressure and the stress were going through is not enough. That test wouldn’t make somebody a better citizen, its just something students study for and forget the next day. I agree with newsmanjim on this one, helping your fellow citizens, contributing to the community are the types of things that would make somebody a better citizen.
alexskates59 • Feb 9, 2015 at 2:19 pm
I agree with you that taking a test does not make you a good citizen, just because you know the material does`t mean you know how to apply it to everyday life. I believe being a good citizen is about taking action and showing that you are through your actions.
dr95mike • Feb 9, 2015 at 2:15 pm
If you fail the test does that not make you a good citizen? I would hate to see that we would be required to take it just to graduate. There shouldn’t be a test that determines whteher you will be a good citizen, I feel as if you where to fail it then many may look at you in a wrong way. Citizens today should know their rights and responsibilities.
lex • Feb 9, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Completely agree with you. Since when does a piece of paper with questions about “how to be a good citizen” decide whether you actually are a good citizen or not. Being a good citizen is finding ways to give back to your community and like you said, those who obey the law. You know what they say “actions speak louder than words”
Regan • Feb 9, 2015 at 1:49 pm
I find this citizenship test to be completely unnecessary, and I agree with your point view that passing a test doesn’t make you a good citizen, and that that has to be shown/proven through your actions. Passing a test only means you know how to memorize things.