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Title: How to become a United States citizen
Author: George Milburn
Editor: E. Haldeman-Julius
Release date: October 14, 2026 [eBook #79782]
Language: English
Original publication: Girard: Haldeman-Julius Publications, 1927
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/79782
Credits: Tim Miller, David King, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOW TO BECOME A UNITED STATES CITIZEN ***
LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO. 1257
Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius
How to Become a
United States Citizen
George Milburn
HALDEMAN-JULIUS PUBLICATIONS
GIRARD, KANSAS
Copyright, 1927,
Haldeman-Julius Company
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CONTENTS
Chapter Page
Introduction 5
I. First Papers 7
II. The Petition for Naturalization 16
III. The Final Examination 28
IV. The Applicant’s Family 32
V. Naturalization of Women 35
VI. Special Cases 38
VII. How Citizenship May Be Lost 45
VIII. Notes on Naturalization 48
IX. List of Naturalization Offices 50
X. Questions and Answers 54
INTRODUCTION
Naturalization is that process through which one may acquire American
citizenship. It is the only way, unless one is born within the United
States, or unless as a minor child one’s parents have become citizens
of this country. In the latter two cases citizenship is conferred
automatically when one reaches a legal age.
Every nation provides for this changing of one’s nationality with its
own rules and regulations. Those of the United States are few and
simple. In a few words, those persons eligible for naturalization in
this country are “white persons” and “aliens of African nativity” and
“persons of African descent,” who are 21 years of age or over and who
have resided in the United States for a period of five consecutive
years. With a small number of exceptions, discussed fully in this
Little Blue Book, there are but three steps which the applicant must
take:
(1) He is required to declare that it is his intention to become a
United States citizen. This first step is known familiarly as taking
out “first papers,” and it may be made at any time after the applicant
has taken up a permanent residence in this country. Such a declaration
of intention is made before the clerk of any court, located in the
district where the applicant lives, which has the power to naturalize
aliens. Not until the applicant is at least 18 years of age may “first
papers” be applied for.
(2) After having resided in the United States for at least five
years, and in that period (if not before) having learned to speak the
English language and having become familiar with American history and
government, the applicant must file with the clerk of the court a
petition asking that he be admitted a citizen of the United States.
This petition must be filed not less than two years and not more than
seven years after the original declaration of intention has been made.
(3) The last step is that of the final hearing. With two witnesses the
applicant will be required to appear in open court where he will be
examined, take the oath of allegiance and be granted a certificate of
citizenship. At least 90 days must elapse between the time that the
petition for naturalization was filed and the date set for the final
hearing.
In this booklet, each of these three steps is taken up in detail. In
addition a number of other matters relative to naturalization are
discussed. The law and regulations treated are the most recent, those
of July, 1926, and the explanations which follow are in complete
accordance with them.
_The United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence_
(Little Blue Book No. 687) and _Lives of the U. S. Presidents_ (Little
Blue Book No. 1065) should be used in connection with this book.
G. M.
HOW TO BECOME A UNITED STATES CITIZEN
CHAPTER I
FIRST PAPERS
Known familiarly as the taking out of “first papers,” the first step
toward naturalization is that of filing a declaration stating that it
is the declarant’s intention to become a citizen of the United States.
1. _Who May Make the Declaration of Intention_:
First papers may be taken out by any alien who is 18 years of age or
above. Such declaration of intention may be made at any time after the
alien has arrived in the United States. The age restrictions are the
same for men and women. While the alien cannot be granted citizenship
until he has resided continuously in this country for at least five
years, he need not wait to file his declaration of intention. As
soon as he can show that he is living in the district in which the
application is filed, he can receive his first papers. Any aliens who
do not belong to the white race and who are not of African nativity or
descent are excepted from these statements.
2. _Declarant May Be Illiterate_:
It is not necessary for the alien to know English when he applies for
his first papers. It is not even required that he know how to read or
write. While he is expected to sign his declaration of intention, if
he cannot sign his name he may make a cross mark for his signature.
This, however, applies only to the first step in naturalization.
Before the declarant can become a citizen he must not only know how to
write his own name, but he must know how to speak English. How well
the applicant must speak English before he may be admitted a citizen
is a matter on which the judge of the naturalization court in which
his petition for citizenship has been filed decides. Some judges are
lenient on this score, but in other courts aliens are not only required
to speak English but they are also required to read English of average
difficulty before they can become citizens.
3. _How the Declaration of Intention Is Made_:
The alien who wishes to take out his first papers should first procure
the blank form for this purpose. This is called “Facts for Declaration
of Intention” (Form 2213), and it may be obtained from the clerk of any
court having the power to grant citizenship. The form is also provided
by various welfare organizations and by the principals of schools which
aliens attend. There is no charge for it. Fill in all the blank spaces
on this form. This should be done accurately. If the applicant does not
understand well, he should go to some welfare organization or to his
English teacher for help. These people will not make any charge for
their assistance.
4. _Where the Declaration of Intention Is Made_:
When the blank form has been properly filled out, the applicant must
present it to the clerk of the naturalization court. The same persons
who assisted in filling out the blank should be able to direct him
to this court. If not, the local postmaster can tell him where it
is. Care should be taken to file this declaration of intention in a
court which is located in the alien’s home district. Otherwise, if the
applicant should file in a district where he does not reside, his first
papers are invalid, and when the time comes for him to petition for
naturalization, his petition will be denied on this account. In such a
case it will be necessary for him to take out first papers for a second
time and make a new start. Three copies of the declaration of intention
are made by the clerk of the court. Two of these are kept for official
record; the third is given to the applicant. The clerk of the court
will ask the alien to sign and swear to the declaration of intention.
5. _What the Declaration of Intention Is_:
In the declaration of intention the alien makes a sworn statement that
he intends to become a United States citizen, that he intends to live
permanently in this country, and that he is willing to renounce forever
all allegiance to any foreign country, particularly that country of
which he is a subject or a citizen. Also the declaration of intention
must contain numerous descriptive particulars about the alien: his
name, his age, occupation, personal description, place of birth, the
name of the ship (if he came by ship) in which he came to the United
States, and his present place of residence. The applicant fills in
these facts on the form described in Section 3 of this chapter (Form
2213), and from the filled-in form the clerk of the court copies them
for the declaration of intention. For this reason the alien must
exercise care that no false or incorrect statements are made when the
form is filled out. In such a case these statements will be copied
on the declaration of intention, thus making it invalid. An invalid
declaration of intention cannot be amended; the alien whose “first
papers” are declared invalid must make a new start. The declaration
of intention is nothing more than the first step in the process of
becoming a United States citizen, and does not endow the applicant with
American citizenship.
Since certain immigration laws have gone into effect aliens in the
United States are divided into two classes: those who arrived in the
United States before June 3, 1921, and those who arrived in this
country after that date. If the alien entered this country before
June 3, 1921, and falls into the first class mentioned, the clerk of
the naturalization court will grant his first papers immediately, and
without further inquiry. But if the alien arrived in the United States
after June 3, 1921, the clerk of the court is likely to hold up his
first papers for a sufficient length of time to establish definitely
the fact that the alien was legally admitted to this country for
permanent residence. This will be done by examining the records at the
port of entry. If it is discovered that the alien was admitted for a
visit or for any temporary stay, or if he entered without inspection,
first papers will be denied him. In addition to this, if it is found
the applicant has violated any immigration law through his stay in this
country, he may be deported.
6. _Charges for First Papers_:
The charge made by the clerk of the court for making out and filing the
declaration of intention and for the copy given the applicant is one
dollar.
7. _The Election Day Provision_:
For a number of years, if a declaration of intention were issued on an
election day or within the 30 days preceding any election within the
jurisdiction of the court with which the declaration was filed, it was
held invalid. However, this provision was repealed by Congress on May
25, 1926, and at present, according to court precedent, any declaration
of intention hitherto issued in violation of that provision is held
valid.
8. _Renouncing Allegiance_:
As a preceding section has described, in making out the declaration
of intention, the clerk of the naturalization court simply copies the
information from the “Facts for Declaration of Intention” form which
the alien has filled out. Therefore the necessity for accuracy in the
information supplied on this form must be stressed. If a mistake
occurs in the preliminary form it will also occur in the declaration
of intention, and if it occurs in the declaration of intention, it may
be impossible to correct it later on when the mistake is discovered.
There are two mistakes which are considered especially serious. Both
cause the declaration of intention to become invalid. One of these,
that made by the alien who files his declaration in a district in which
he does not have his residence, has already been discussed. The other
mistake is that of an error in the matter of renouncing allegiance. In
his declaration the applicant must state what ruler or what government
he is a subject or citizen of, and he must declare his intention to
renounce forever all allegiance to that ruler and that government.
Before the alien files his declaration of intention, therefore, he
must take care that his information about his nationality is correct.
In the remapping of Europe after the World War many nationalities
were reallotted to new governments, and boundaries were shifted. The
alien is asked, not to renounce allegiance to the ruler or government
under which he was born necessarily, but particularly to the ruler
and government at present having jurisdiction over the place of his
origin. For example, an alien born under the rule of the German Empire
might now have his birthplace and country of origin under the rule of
Czechoslovakia; or one who called himself a Russian before the war
might now find himself to be a subject of one of the Baltic States.
It is important that the alien make sure to which country the place
of his origin now belongs, and to renounce allegiance to the new
government.
9. _Frequent Mistakes_:
The two most serious mistakes in making the declaration of intention
have been discussed. Both of these make the first papers null and void,
and if they occur it will be necessary for the alien to wait another
two years before he can receive his American citizenship.
Several other mistakes in filling out the “Facts for Declaration of
Intention” form are frequently made. While none of these invalidates
the first papers each tends to cause delays and confusion. With care
such mistakes are easily eliminated.
When the blank spaces on the “Facts for Declaration of Intention”
form are filled in, the alien should take care that the name he went
by before he came to America is written. In event he has changed
the spelling of his original name, or if he has taken a new name on
coming here, the change should be indicated in the space provided for
that purpose on the form. The importance of this lies in the fact
that his name must be located on the manifest sheets of the steamship
which brought him to this country. This must be done before it can
be established that he was legally admitted to the United States. If
a name different from the original is given it will be impossible,
of course, to discover his name among those of immigrants legally
admitted, and the procedure for his becoming a citizen will be delayed.
Care must also be taken that correct information is given concerning
his port of departure (the place where he took ship for this country),
the name of the ship on which he arrived, and the date of his arrival.
All of this data is important for the same reasons described in the
above paragraph--it is used to establish the fact that the alien was
admitted to this country legally and for permanent residence. If the
alien himself is uncertain on any one of the points mentioned, he
should verify his information with the aid of his relatives, or his
friends, or, better yet, some fellow immigrant who came on the same
ship.
10. _Lost or Destroyed Declarations of Intention_:
In event the alien’s copy of his declaration of intention should
be lost or destroyed, it is possible for him to obtain a duplicate
copy. However, he must furnish sufficient proof to the Bureau of
Naturalization that his first papers were issued. He must know also the
naturalization court which issued the declaration, and the date or the
approximate date on which the papers were issued.
To secure a duplicate copy, the applicant should go to the clerk of
the naturalization court in his district. The clerk will have him sign
an affidavit covering the points just mentioned, and will advise the
Commissioner of Naturalization at Washington, D. C. As soon as the
Commissioner’s office authorizes him, the clerk will issue duplicate
papers. The charge for this service varies, but in most courts it is
one dollar.
11. _Declarants Are Not Citizens_:
The declaration of intention does not carry with it American
citizenship or any of the privileges of citizenship. With the exception
of one state--Arkansas--the declarant is not permitted to vote in any
state in the Union until he has had his final hearing and has been
granted full citizenship. If he wishes to go out of the United States,
it is not possible for him to secure an American passport. He must
apply to the government of which he was originally a citizen or subject
at the time he took out his first papers.
CHAPTER II
THE PETITION FOR NATURALIZATION
The second step in the process of acquiring American citizenship is
that of filing a petition for naturalization. While there are special
provisions for married women whose husbands are American citizens and
for soldiers and sailors who are enlisted in the United States military
and naval forces, the procedure described in this chapter is that to be
followed by aliens generally, men and women alike. The procedure in the
two special cases just mentioned are taken up at length in Chapters V
and VI. The following discussion is for aliens to whom neither of those
two classifications apply.
1. _Who May File the Petition_:
The alien cannot file a petition for naturalization until he is 21
years of age or over.
2. _When the Petition May Be Filed_:
The alien must meet the following requirements before he may file his
petition for naturalization:
i. He must have resided _continuously_ in the United States for at
least five years immediately preceding the date on which his petition
is filed.
ii. He must have lived the last year of this five-year period in the
State where he files his petition.
iii. He must have filed his declaration of intention at least two
years before he files his petition for naturalization.
iv. He must file his petition for naturalization within seven years
after he filed his declaration of intention.
For example, an alien may file his declaration of intention (take out
first papers) in the third year after his arrival in this country, and
yet be able to receive his American citizenship after he has been in
the United States for five years. But if he wait until his fourth year
of residence in this country before he takes out his first papers,
it will be necessary for him to have lived in this country six years
before he can become an American citizen. This makes it clear that
first papers may be taken out any time within the first three years
of American residence, and the whole three years will apply on the
required five years of residence; but each year of delay after three
years have elapsed will add another to the necessary period--four
years, before taking out first papers, six years of residence; five
years before taking out first papers, seven years of residence, et
cetera.
At least two years must elapse between the date of the declaration of
intention and the petition for naturalization. Seven years after the
date on which it was filed the declaration of intention becomes null
and void. Therefore the alien must not wait longer than this period to
file his petition for naturalization.
3. _How to Petition for Naturalization_:
When the alien can meet the requirements for taking out second papers
he should obtain the “Preliminary Form for Petition for Naturalization”
(Form 2214). This is to be had from the clerk of the naturalization
court or from the naturalization office. It is also supplied by welfare
organizations and sometimes by English teachers. No charge is made for
the form.
Care and accuracy are important in filling out the form. If the alien
has any misgivings about his ability to fill in the form correctly
he should secure assistance from a teacher or a welfare worker. Or,
occasionally, he may find a naturalization examiner who has the
time and patience to help him. The address of the naturalization
examiner appears at the top of the first page of the form under
the printed index finger. When the “Preliminary Form for Petition
for Naturalization” is filled in it must be taken or mailed to the
naturalization examiner at the address indicated on the form.
4. _The Certificate of Arrival_:
For applicants who arrived in the United States after June 29, 1906, a
certificate of arrival is required. When the naturalization examiner
receives the alien’s filled in “Preliminary Form for Petition for
Naturalization” he informs the immigration authorities, requesting the
alien’s certificate of arrival. This is done without bother on the part
of the alien.
No certificate of arrival is required for applicants who came to this
country before June 29, 1906.
This certificate of arrival furnishes the necessary proof that the
applicant was examined by immigration authorities when he arrived in
the United States and that he was legally admitted to this country
for permanent residence. As a rule several months elapse before the
immigration authorities return this certificate to the naturalization
examiner. When it is received at the naturalization office, the
applicant is notified by mail to appear for a preliminary examination
and to be accompanied by two witnesses. The notification will include
also the time and place that the hearing will be held.
5. _Failure to Obtain Certificate of Arrival_:
A certificate of arrival is not always easy to get. Sometimes the
immigration service finds it impossible to issue one. There are a
number of reasons for this. Occasionally an alien enters the country
without undergoing the prescribed inspection, and therefore no record
is made of his entry. Sometimes a mistake has occurred in the spelling
of the alien’s name, making it difficult or impossible to find a
record of his entry. Or perhaps the alien may find it impossible to
recollect the date on which he arrived, or the name of the ship which
brought him. The United States Immigration Service makes painstaking
efforts to locate the applicant’s record, and not until every possible
source has been exhausted do they give up the search. If, however,
their efforts to locate the alien’s record prove futile, they notify
the naturalization examiner to that effect. In such a case, the
applicant is in a bad situation. Under the present immigration laws and
regulations (those of July, 1926) aliens who arrived after June 29,
1906, cannot become citizens until this certificate of arrival, proof
of his legal entry to the United States, can be produced. Heretofore
the alien was permitted other means of proving his legal entry, and
when such proof was furnished the applicant was granted a _nunc
pro tunc_--“now for then”--examination. But this practice has been
discontinued.[1]
[1] Some change will probably be made in this regulation within a short
time. For further information see the address under Section 4, Chapter
VIII.
6. _The Preliminary Hearing_:
The object of the preliminary hearing or examination is to assure the
naturalization examiner before the alien appears in court for the final
hearing that his papers are in proper order and that he is able to
meet the legal and educational requirements of the naturalization law.
It is not a court hearing at all. The naturalization examiner will,
through questioning the applicant and his witnesses, make certain that
requirements mentioned above have been met, and so that, if desirable,
the new procedure for court hearing as described in Section 7, Chapter
III, may be followed.
7. _What the Successful Applicant Must Know_:
i. The applicant must be able to speak the English language. With two
exceptions, persons who cannot speak English cannot become American
citizens. The two exceptions are: Persons who are physically unable to
speak, but who can successfully meet the other requirements; and aliens
who have made homestead entries upon the public lands of the United
States government.
ii. Unless he is physically unable, the applicant must be able to sign
his application for naturalization in his own handwriting.
iii. The applicant must have a fundamental knowledge of the form
of government of the United States and of the state and city or
town in which he lives. Also he must know the essentials of United
States history. While such is not the specific requirement of the
naturalization law (the law specifies that the applicant “must be
attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and
well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same”), the courts
and naturalization examiners generally interpret the law as including
that requirement by implication. It is argued that, without some
knowledge of the United States government and history, the applicant
cannot be so attached to the principles of the Constitution.
Iv. Usually the three educational requirements just named are the
only ones which the naturalization court will expect the applicant to
meet. In some courts, however, the examination is more severe, and the
applicant is required to have a reading knowledge of English before he
can become a citizen. As a rule such courts are encountered only in
those states which will not permit a citizen to vote unless he can read
English. The applicant should inquire at the place where he petitions
for naturalization as to the attitude of the court in this regard.
8. _The Applicant’s Moral Character_:
In addition to the educational requirements described in the preceding
section, the applicant will also be questioned with regard to his
moral character and record. To support his testimony he must have
two witnesses present. Under the naturalization law the applicant
must satisfy the court that during the five-year period preceding the
filing of petition for naturalization he has behaved as a man of good
moral character. This must be done before the alien can be admitted
to citizenship. Just what the term “good moral character” means rests
largely with the interpretation placed on it by the judge of the
examining court. There is a wide difference in the construction which
judges place on it. Some are quite lenient; others are very strict.
It may be stated, however, with a fair degree of certainty that the
alien who has been arrested and convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor
which involves corrupt morals (_moral turpitude_) within the specified
five-year period will not be admitted to citizenship. This does not
imply that citizenship is forever denied him; if it is shown that he
has been guilty of a crime or misdemeanor it may mean merely that he
will have to wait until he can produce a five-year record of good
behavior. Some courts, however, refuse citizenship to the applicant who
has violated the Volstead Act--the national prohibition laws.
9. _Witnesses_:
Two witnesses to support his petition will be needed by the applicant.
These must be American citizens and persons of good character. If they
are citizens by naturalization, they should bring with them their
certificates as proof of their citizenship. It is important that the
characters of both be beyond reproach, because if it is found later
that either of the two are not reputable, the applicant’s petition will
be dismissed and he will be required to file a new petition.
If the applicant has spent his five-year period in one state, the
witnesses must have known him through the entire period and must have
seen him at frequent intervals during that time. The alien should
inform himself as to what attitude is taken by the court in which he
applies on the matter of near relatives serving as witnesses. In some
courts this is not permitted, but in others any person who can meet the
requirements named above may serve.
10. _Extra Witnesses_:
Occasionally the applicant will need more than two witnesses. This
need occurs when he has not lived for the full period of five years in
the state where he filed his petition, and is generally filed through
the medium of _depositions_. For example, if the alien applies for
citizenship in Chicago, Illinois, and has lived in Chicago for three
years, but spent the other two years in New York City, he can bring
witnesses to the examination to testify that he has lived three years
in Chicago, and from his witnesses in New York City he can secure
depositions--sworn written statements--as to the period he spent in
that place. However, if the two places of residence are in the same
state, he can receive his citizenship only if he can furnish two
witnesses who can testify as to the period he spent in both places. For
instance, if he lived the last two years in St. Louis, Missouri, and
then took up a second residence in Kansas City, Missouri, a deposition
from witnesses in St. Louis will not serve, but he must have witnesses
from both places to testify.
Also, if the applicant has not lived for the full five-year period
in the state in which he is filing his petition, his witnesses must
be able to swear that, to their personal knowledge, he has lived the
required time of one year within the state. For proof of his residence
in any other state he may have the same witnesses testify, or he may
bring other witnesses, or he may submit the depositions described above.
The naturalization examiner, or the clerk of the court, will furnish
the special form on which the depositions must be made.
11. _The Purpose of Witnesses_:
Witnesses are necessary for the first time at the preliminary hearing.
There they are expected to testify that to their personal knowledge the
applicant has been a resident of the United States and of the state
wherein the application is filed for the period of his residence (this
must be at least one year immediately preceding the date of filing).
In addition to this they must be able to offer testimony as to the
applicant’s good moral character and as to his fitness to become a
United States citizen.
12. _Miscellaneous Points_:
Besides examining the applicant on his knowledge of the English
language, United States history and government, and the other
points which have been described, and in addition to hearing the
testimony of the witnesses, the naturalization examiner will make
a careful verification of other points. He will make sure that all
the information in the declaration of intention is correct. In case
it is found to be invalid--see Chapter I, Sections 10 and 11--a new
declaration of intention must be filed and a two-year period must ensue
before another petition for naturalization can be filed.
13. _The Requirement of Continuous Residence_:
The applicant is required to have “resided continuously within the
United States for at least five years immediately preceding the date
on which his petition is filed,” and the examiner is careful to find
whether this requirement has been filled. This regulation, however,
is not so fixed as it may appear on the face of it. An alien who has
been out of the United States in that five-year period is not held to
have violated the requirement, but an absence from this country of more
than six months is generally held as a violation of the “continuous
residence” requirement. At times, however, aliens who have spent as
much as a year outside this country during the period are granted their
citizenship. In most cases the naturalization examiner will advise
about this. If, in his opinion, the applicant cannot prove continuous
residence, he may tell him to postpone his application, But if the
applicant wishes to have a judge make the decision in open court he
will be permitted to go on and file his petition.
14. _Procedure After Successful Hearing_:
Should the naturalization examiner determine that the information
given in the applicant’s declaration is correct, if the applicant
demonstrates that he can speak English and that he has a passing
knowledge of American history and government, if it is shown that he is
a person of good moral character and that he meets the several other
requirements, the examiner will direct him, with his witnesses, to the
clerk of the naturalization court. The clerk, using the information
which the applicant has placed on the “Preliminary Form for Petition
for Naturalization” (Form 2214), fills out for him his petition for
naturalization. The applicant then places his signature to it, and
swears to its truth. Finally the two witnesses make sworn affidavits in
support of the applicant’s statements.
15. _Charges for Petition_:
A fee of four dollars must be paid to the clerk of the naturalization
court for the filing of the petition.
16. _Procedure After Unsuccessful Hearing_:
The applicant may not be able to convince the examiner that he can
speak English at the preliminary hearing; or he may be deficient in his
knowledge of United States history and government. In this event, the
examiner will advise more study, and tell him to return when he feels
that he can pass the examination. If the declaration of intention is
found to be invalid, the examiner will tell the applicant, and advise
him not to file a petition for naturalization.
CHAPTER III
THE FINAL EXAMINATION
1. _Public Notice_:
Soon after the applicant has filed his petition for naturalization a
notice announcing the fact is posted by the clerk in some conspicuous
place--usually in his office. This public notice carries the name and
residence of the alien, the date and place of his arrival in this
country, and the names of his witnesses. This information remains
posted for ninety days, during which period anyone who can give a valid
reason for denial of citizenship to the applicant may report it to
the clerk. When the ninety days are up, or as soon after as the court
finds convenient, notification is sent the applicant and his witnesses
to appear in court for the final examination. This may not be sent
for some time after the ninety days have elapsed, since some courts
have a large number of petitioners and have schedules set for final
hearings. And a provision of the naturalization law is that “no person
shall be naturalized nor shall any certificate of naturalization be
issued by any court within thirty days preceding the holding of any
general election within its territorial jurisdiction.” So be patient if
notification does not come immediately.
2. _The Final Examination in Open Court_:
When the applicant is notified he must appear on the date stated
for his final hearing. This takes place before the judge in open
court. Accompanied by his two witnesses, the applicant must stand an
examination similar to that put up by the naturalization examiner.
The applicant’s petition and the affidavits of his two witnesses must
satisfy the judge:
i. That the “continuous residence” requirement has been fulfilled.
ii. That the applicant can speak English (unless physically unable,
or unless he is exempt by virtue of having a homestead entry upon
public lands of the United States).
iii. That he believes in the principles of the Constitution of the
United States, being neither an anarchist nor a polygamist.
iv. That he has a knowledge of the fundamental facts of American
history and government.
v. That he is a person of good moral character and is qualified to be
admitted a United States citizen, and
vi. That his two witnesses are able to offer competent testimony as
to the facts of his residence, his moral character, his belief in
the Constitution of the United States and his fitness for American
citizenship.
3. _Admission as a Citizen_:
If the personal examination in court satisfies the judge that all
requirements have been met, the applicant will be administered the oath
of allegiance to the United States:
I -- (name of person) --, do solemnly declare on oath that I will
absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and
fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty and
particularly to -- (name of sovereign) -- of whom I have heretofore
been a subject. That I will support and defend the Constitution and
laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,
and bear true faith and allegiance to the same, so help me God.
The court then issues final order admitting the alien to citizenship.
A certificate of citizenship is issued the new citizen, sometimes
immediately in the courtroom, sometimes after a few days’ delay. There
is no charge for the certificate.
4. _Continuance or Denial of Application_:
When the applicant fails to satisfy the judge on any of the above
qualifications, either the hearing will be postponed or continued to
another date, or the petition for citizenship will be denied. If some
of the applicant’s witnesses should fail to appear, for instance, or
if the applicant himself cannot appear on the date set for the final
hearing, or if the applicant fails to answer the questions on history
and government, the court is likely to set a later date for the
hearing, giving the applicant a second chance. All these are minor
considerations.
But if the applicant has failed to meet some of the requirements of the
law his petition may be denied altogether. This decision as to whether
the applicant is qualified to become an American citizen is largely
left to the judge of the naturalization court.
5. _Final Hearing Witnesses_:
If it is possible to do so, the applicant should have the same
witnesses who testified at his preliminary come to the final hearing.
He must have two witnesses, at any rate. If the first cannot come, new
witnesses may be used, but the naturalization examiner or the clerk of
the court should be informed.
6. _New Procedure for Court Hearing_:
According to the naturalization law passed in June, 1926, the
examination of the applicant and his two witnesses at the final
hearing in a _federal court_ may be omitted, provided the preliminary
examination has been given by a naturalization examiner whom the judge
of that court has appointed. This examiner, under the new procedure,
is authorized to hear the testimony, subpoena witnesses and recommend
that the petition either be granted, continued or denied. His
recommendations, however, are subject to appeal, and the applicant has
the right to demand an open court hearing if the outcome is unfavorable.
CHAPTER IV
THE APPLICANT’S FAMILY
1. _The Applicant’s Children_:
Children who are born in the United States (and subject to the
jurisdiction thereof) become citizens by birth. This provision applies
to the children of aliens as well as to the children of citizens.
Even though alien parents may themselves be ineligible to citizenship
because of race, the children are potential citizens under this
regulation.
Foreign born minors derive citizenship from their naturalized parents
under the following conditions:
i. _Children living in the United States at the time the father is
naturalized_ become citizens if they are _under the age of 21 years_
and have been legally admitted to this country for permanent residence.
It does not matter whether the children are male or female, married or
unmarried, they are affected alike by this ruling.
ii. _Children who have come to the United States after the father’s
naturalization_ become American citizens if they are still under the
age of 21 and are legally admitted to this country for permanent
residence. If they are over 21 years of age at the time the father is
naturalized, or if they are 21 years of age or over when they are
admitted to this country, they cannot derive citizenship through their
naturalized parent.
iii. _Children who are born abroad after the father’s naturalization_
are American citizens. However, if the child or children remain abroad,
in order to retain their American citizenship they must register at
the American consulate at the age of 18, and they must take the oath
of allegiance to the United States at the age of 21. Their children,
however, cannot derive American citizenship from them unless their
parents (that is, the children of the naturalized father) have at some
time resided in the United States.
2. _The Naturalized Citizen’s Step-Children_:
Under the Cable Act, on and after September 22, 1922, step-children
no longer derive citizenship through their step-fathers. The child’s
citizenship must come through the naturalization of a living father.
Or, after the father’s death, the minor child may derive citizenship
through the naturalization of its mother.
3. _The Naturalized Citizen’s Adopted Children_:
A child cannot become a citizen of the United States through adoption.
4. _The Naturalized Citizen’s Wife_:
Under the Cable Act, on and after September 22, 1922, the citizenship
status of the applicant’s wife is not changed when he is accepted a
United States citizen. Before this law was passed the naturalized
citizen’s wife automatically became a citizen at the time the husband
was admitted. Nowadays every alien woman, married or unmarried, must go
through the naturalization process in order to become citizens. This
phase of naturalization is taken up in the following chapter.
CHAPTER V
NATURALIZATION OF WOMEN
1. _Unmarried Women_:
An unmarried woman follows exactly the same naturalization process that
is followed by a man.
2. _Married Women_:
As stated in Chapter IV, on and after September 22, 1922, marriage no
longer has any effect on a woman’s citizenship status. Just as a woman
who is an American citizen does not lose her citizenship when she
marries an alien, neither does a woman who is an alien and who marries
or is married to an American citizen obtain citizenship through her
husband.
3. _Alien Women under the Old Law_:
The Cable Act of September 22, 1922, did not affect the citizenship
status acquired by women before it was made a law by Congress. Formerly
any alien woman who was herself qualified to become a United States
citizen and who married a citizen of this country became a citizen at
the moment of the marriage. In a like manner the alien wife became a
citizen at the time her husband was naturalized. Any alien woman who
became a citizen before September 22, 1922, in either of the two ways
just mentioned is unaffected by the new law.
4. _Present Procedure for Wife of an Alien_:
The procedure by which a woman married to an alien now acquires
citizenship is the same as that which has been described for a man,
provided that her husband is eligible to citizenship. (See Chapter VI,
Section 8). Even though her husband remains an alien she may become
naturalized through the regular process.
5. _Present Procedure for Alien Wife of a Citizen_:
Under the Cable Act the naturalization procedure for an alien woman who
has married an American citizen, or an alien woman whose husband has
been naturalized is greatly simplified. The procedure has been modified
by two provisions:
i. The alien woman who is the wife of an American citizen does not have
to take out first papers (declaration of intention).
ii. She does not have to fulfill the five-year continuous residence
requirement. As soon as she has lived in this country continuously
for one year she can file her petition for naturalization. With this
petition proof must be submitted that her husband is an American
citizen.
Otherwise the requirements are the same as those described for men in
Chapters II and III.
6. _How an American Woman Loses Her Citizenship_:
When an American woman who has become the wife of an alien goes
abroad and lives two years continuously in the country of which her
husband is a citizen or for five years continuously in any other
foreign country, it is presumed that she has relinquished her American
citizenship. However, on presentation of convincing evidence to a
diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, this presumption
may be overcome.
Under the Cable Act, on and after September 22, 1922, a woman who is an
American citizen and who marries an alien does not lose her citizenship
unless she renounces it formally, or unless her alien husband is
ineligible to American citizenship. To renounce her citizenship the
woman must appear before a naturalization court.
7. _How an American Woman Regains Citizenship_:
An American woman who lost her citizenship by marrying an alien
before the Cable Act became a law, September 22, 1922, may regain it
by following the procedure described in Section 4 of this chapter.
No certificate of arrival is necessary before she files petition for
naturalization, provided that she has resided in the United States
since her marriage to the alien.
CHAPTER VI
SPECIAL CASES
1. _Aliens in the United States Service_:
When an alien is serving, or has served, in the United States land
or sea forces the process of his naturalization is easier and much
more simple. The United States service is divided into the following
classifications.:
i. The United States Army, regular or volunteer.
ii. The National Army.
iii. The National Guard or Naval Militia of any State, Territory or
District of Columbia.
iv. The State Militia in Federal Service.
v. The United States Navy.
vi. The United States Marine Corps.
vii. Naval Auxiliary Service.
viii. The United States Coast Guard.
ix. Crew of a vessel of the United States Government.
x. Crew of a merchant or fishing vessel of the United States of more
than 20 tons.
xi. Philippine Constabulary.
For aliens who are enlisted in, or who have seen service with, any of
the forces listed above there are special regulations in the matter of
continuous residence, declaration of intention, certificate of arrival,
and so on. Since the procedure and proof in these special cases vary
widely for the different classifications, the alien who can claim
special consideration in light of his service for the United States
should advise either the Bureau of Naturalization or a naturalization
agent as to his status. Through such a source he will be informed as to
the regulations governing his particular case (See Section 4, Chapter
VIII).
2. _Aliens who are American Veterans of the World War_:
The special privileges granted aliens who served with the United States
military forces during the world war were discontinued, after being
in force for several years, March 3, 1924. The Alien Veterans’ Act,
approved May 26, 1926, however, restored the privileges for two years.
The following simplified naturalization process, in accordance with
this act, will be effective until May 26, 1928.
Aliens who can meet the following requirements may be naturalized
through the process specified by the Alien Veterans’ Act:
i. The alien must be eligible to American citizenship. (See Section 7
of this chapter).
ii. The alien must have served in the American army, navy or marine
corps at some time between April 5, 1917, and November 12, 1918.
iii. The alien must have received an honorable discharge from this
service.
iv. The alien must not have been classified as a conscientious
objector.
v. He must not have been discharged from the service because of his
alienage.
In addition to the above requirements, the alien veteran must be
living in the United States at the time he files his petition for
naturalization. As it has been stated in a preceding paragraph, his
petition, to be governed by this act, must be filed before May 26,
1928, since this privilege becomes ineffective on this date.
The petition, to come under this ruling, must be filed in person,
and the alien must take the oath of allegiance in open court. No
declaration of intention and no certificate of arrival is required.
Otherwise, the same process for naturalization that was in effect
before the armistice, will apply.
3. _When Certificate of Arrival Cannot Be Secured_:
The naturalization law requires that any alien who entered this country
after June 29, 1906, must procure a certificate of arrival. (See above
section). This requirement has been upheld by the United States Supreme
Court and is insurmountable. All aliens to whom it applies must meet
with it. The certificate verifying arrival must be attached to and made
a part of the petition for naturalization at the time it is filed. If
such a verification of legal admission cannot be secured the alien
cannot be made a citizen. (See Chapter II, Section 4 and 5).
4. _Aliens Whose Families Are Living Abroad_:
The judges of some naturalization courts refuse to admit to citizenship
aliens whose families are still in the old country. These courts are
inclined to believe that the fact that the applicant’s family has never
come to the United States belies his statement that he intends to stay
in this country permanently as the law requires. Or the court may
withhold citizenship on the grounds that it would break up the family
if the others could not or would not come to the United States to live
with the father.
Some courts will require convincing evidence from the alien to show
that he has been supporting his family, that his family desires to come
to this country, and that he has provided them with means to come.
5. _Aliens Who Claimed Exemption from Military Service_:
When the United States entered the European war a number of aliens
who were subjects of neutral nations claimed exemption from military
service, and, in accordance with regulations set down by the President,
some of them withdrew their declarations of intention in order to
escape military service. An act of July 9, 1918, provides that these
aliens forever be debarred from United States citizenship.
Other aliens claimed this exemption on the ground that they were
aliens. Some had not taken out their first papers, and others, while
they had taken out first papers, did not cancel their declarations, but
claimed exemption without that formality. Some courts, still benighted
by war-time prejudices, still refuse such aliens citizenship, although
there is no law debarring them. Requirements for applicants who fall
in this class vary in different courts. The alien to whom this applies
should seek information from his naturalization examiner.
6. _Widow and Minors of Declarant_:
In case a man who has filed a declaration of intention dies before he
becomes a citizen, his wife and minor children may, by fulfilling the
other requirements, waive the first papers and be naturalized.
7. _Homesteaders’ Procedure_:
The United States government provides free land in certain sections of
the country. Such land is obtained by what is called a homestead entry.
As soon as an alien has taken out his first papers he may make an
application to the General Land Office at Washington, D. C., for such
an entry. The homesteader must become an American citizen, however,
before he can acquire a clear title to the land.
The naturalization process is simplified for the alien homesteader. He
is not required to speak English in order to be admitted a citizen.
Should a homesteader’s petition for naturalization be postponed or
denied, it does not mean the loss of the entry. The General Land
Office at Washington, D. C., must be notified and requested to
permit the deferment of proof until the homesteader can complete his
naturalization.
An alien who wishes to make a homestead entry should apply to the
clerk of the court in which the declaration intention has been filed
and secure a certified copy of the declaration (or, if a naturalized
citizen, a certificate of citizenship) to be submitted with the
application for a land entry. The original declaration of intention or
the original certificate of citizenship must be presented to the clerk
in order to get a certified copy.
8. _Ineligible Aliens_:
Certain aliens are racially ineligible to citizenship. Only “aliens
being free white persons; and ... aliens of African nativity and ...
persons of African descent” can be admitted. Chinese are declared by
law to be ineligible to citizenship, and the Supreme Court decisions
have held Japanese, Hindoos and Filipinos ineligible. Under the
following conditions, however, a Filipino may be naturalized: “Any
native-born Filipino of the age of twenty-one years and upward who has
declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States and
who has enlisted or may hereafter enlist in the United States Navy or
Marine Corps or the Naval Auxiliary Service, and who, after service
of not less than three years, may be honorably discharged therefrom,
or who may receive an ordinary discharge with recommendation for
re-enlistment” (_7th Subdivision, Section 4, Act of June 29, 1906, as
amended by the Act of May 9, 1918_).
CHAPTER VII
HOW CITIZENSHIP MAY BE LOST
1. _By Cancelation_:
(1) Should it be discovered, after an alien has been naturalized, that
he secured his citizenship through fraud, or by any other illegal
means, the United States Government, proceeding through the Department
of Justice, may bring suit to have his citizenship certificate
canceled. Although the naturalized alien may have had no thought
of becoming a citizen by illegal means, some important step in the
naturalization procedure may have been omitted without his knowledge,
and if such is the case his certificate is liable to cancelation. If
the naturalized alien has knowingly made false statements, and thus
has secured his citizenship by fraud, his certificate of citizenship
is liable to cancelation. The requirements as to five-year continuous
residence and substantial proof of good moral character must be
strictly complied with. It is also important that the applicant’s
witnesses give expert testimony. Courts have canceled certificates of
citizenship because the applicant’s witnesses were found later not to
have actual personal knowledge as to his residence and character for
the entire period.
(2) Should a naturalized citizen return to his native country within
five years after his naturalization, or should he remove to any
foreign country, and take up a permanent residence there, it will be
taken as _prima facie_ evidence that he did not intend to become a
permanent resident of the United States at the time he petitioned for
and was granted citizenship. Therefore it will be considered that the
certificate of citizenship was procured by fraud, and, there being
no evidence to the contrary, that certificate will be canceled. But
this regulation applies only to naturalized citizens who take up their
residence in another country within five years after being admitted as
citizens.
2. _By Expatriation_:
(1) A similar provision of the law is applicable to the remainder of
the naturalized citizen’s life. This holds that if any naturalized
citizen leaves the United States and resides for two years in the
country from which he came, or for five years in any other foreign
country it is to be presumed that he has ceased to be a citizen of the
United States. While this does not mean that the naturalized citizen
loses his citizenship automatically in such a case, it does imply
that United States ambassadors, consuls, immigration authorities and
other American officials are justified in considering that he has
relinquished his American citizenship, and that if such is not his
intention, he must offer convincing proof that it is not, and that he
has not abandoned his citizenship.
(2) As mentioned in Chapter V, Section 6, under the same conditions a
woman citizen who has married an alien since September 22, 1922, and
who has gone abroad to like country is presumed to have expatriated
herself in the same manner.
(3) An American citizen, whether citizen by birth or by naturalization,
expatriates himself if he becomes naturalized in any foreign state.
By the same token he loses his citizenship if he takes an oath of
allegiance to any foreign state. This is to be said particularly of
military service in a foreign state. Usually the oath that is required
in connection with military service--although it may carry with it
nothing of naturalization in the foreign state--serves to expatriate
the citizen.
(4) When the United States is at war no American citizen is allowed to
expatriate himself.
CHAPTER VIII
NOTES ON NATURALIZATION
1. _Papers Lost or Destroyed_:
When papers, either the alien’s copy of his declaration of intention,
or his certificate of citizenship, are lost or destroyed a duplicate
may be obtained by applying to the clerk of the naturalization court.
He will supply forms for the application, and the alien must furnish
proof that the papers have either been lost or destroyed.
2. _Naturalization Fees_:
There are two fees which the alien must pay in the process of
naturalization. These make a total of five dollars: a fee for the
declaration of intention, one dollar, and the fee for making and filing
the petition for naturalization, four dollars. Both fees are paid to
the naturalization clerk at the time he issues the papers. Also the
applicant must bear any expenses which may occur in connection with
bringing his witnesses to court and with having the depositions made.
3. _Change of Name_:
The alien may wish to alter or change entirely his patronymic when he
becomes an American citizen. If such is his desire the change should be
included in his petition for naturalization. A space is provided for
this purpose. The naturalization court has the authority to make the
change as a part of the process. The certificate of citizenship issued
will bear the applicant’s new name.
4. _Additional Information_:
For additional information on any matter relating to naturalization
the alien may apply to the clerk of the naturalization court or to one
of the United States naturalization examiners. Inquiries, either in
English or other language may also be addressed to the Department of
Labor at Washington, D. C. There they will receive careful attention.
The Foreign Language Information Service, 222 Fourth Avenue, New York
City also maintains a bureau for the aid of immigrants.
CHAPTER IX
LIST OF NATURALIZATION OFFICES
(City, Official in Charge, Address)
_Alabama_:
Birmingham. District Director of Naturalization, New Post Office
Building.
_California_:
Los Angeles. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
San Francisco. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office
Building.
_Colorado_:
Denver. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Connecticut_:
New Haven. Head Naturalization Examiner, Post Office Building.
_District of Columbia_:
Washington. District Director of Naturalization, Department of Labor
Building.
_Illinois_:
Chicago. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Louisiana_:
New Orleans. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Massachusetts_:
District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Michigan_:
Detroit. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Minnesota_:
Duluth. Head Naturalization Examiner, U. S. Custom House.
St. Paul. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Missouri_:
Kansas City. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
St. Louis. District Director of Naturalization, U. S. Custom House.
_Nebraska_:
Omaha. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_New Jersey_:
Newark. Head Naturalization Examiner, Old Post Office Building.
_New York_:
Buffalo. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
New York City. District Director of Naturalization, Suite 1913, Tribune
Building, 154 Nassau Street.
Utica. Head Naturalization Examiner, Post Office Building.
_Oregon_:
Portland. District Director of Naturalization. New Post Office Building.
_Ohio_:
Cincinnati. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
Cleveland. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Pennsylvania_:
Philadelphia. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
Pittsburgh. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Texas_:
Fort Worth. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
_Utah_:
Salt Lake City. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office
Building.
_Washington_:
Seattle. District Director of Naturalization, Post Office Building.
CHAPTER X
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Nearly every community of any size in the United States conducts
evening classes for the purpose of teaching the immigrant English and
the fundamental facts of American history and government. Since the
alien must have a knowledge of these things before he can be admitted
to citizenship, he will do well to find out where these classes are
being held and attend one regularly for some time before he has his
preliminary hearing. If there are any such classes in the applicant’s
community information about them may be secured at a public school.
The following questions are merely examples of what the naturalization
examiner may ask the applicant. They should not be memorized, because
there is no likelihood of these same questions being asked. But the
person who can make a passing average with his answers to these
questions in all probability will have no trouble in passing the
preliminary and final examinations, so far as the educational phase is
concerned.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Q. What form of government has the United States?
A. A republican form of government.
Q. Distinguish between a republic and a monarchy.
A. A republic is a country in which the head of the government (usually
called the President) is elected; a monarchy is a country in which the
head of the government (a King or a Kaiser or a Czar) comes to his
office by inheritance.
Q. With whom in the United States does the ultimate power and authority
rest?
A. With the people.
Q. How do the people rule?
A. Through their chosen representatives.
Q. What is the name for this type of government?
A. A democracy.
THE CONSTITUTION
Q. By what fundamental law is the government of the United States
determined?
A. The Constitution of the United States.
Q. What is the Constitution?
A. It is the supreme law of the United States; it outlines the
framework of the national government; it defines the authority of
the various governmental departments; It guarantees certain rights
to citizens; it establishes the relationships between the state and
national governments.
Q. Can the Constitution be amended?
A. Yes.
Q. How can the Constitution be amended?
A. The amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds majority of both
houses of Congress, and ratified by three-fourths of the States.
Q. How many amendments has the Constitution now?
A. Nineteen.
THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS
Q. What is meant by “the national government”?
A. The government of the nation as a whole.
Q. What are the main divisions into which the nation is divided.
A. The divisions are called states--for example, the State of Illinois,
the State of Iowa, the State of Wyoming, etc.
Q. Do the national and state governments ever conflict with each other?
A. No. The national government has certain powers and the state
governments have certain powers. The Constitution defines these. When a
matter concerns the nation as a whole it is governed by the national
law; when it concerns the State alone it is subject to the laws of the
State.
Q. Name some of the powers of the national government.
A. It provides for the national defense, it makes treaties and conducts
relations with other countries, it regulates commerce, coins money,
establishes post offices.
Q. Name some of the powers of the state governments.
A. They provide schools, protect life and property, regulate business
and working conditions.
Q. By what other name is the national government called?
A. The federal government.
Q. Why is it called the federal government?
A. Because it is made up of a union or _federation_ of states.
Q. Of how many states is the United States composed?
A. The United States is composed of 48 states.
Q. Has this always been the number of states in the United States?
A. No. Originally there were thirteen states--formed from the thirteen
original English colonies.
Q. What were the thirteen original states?
A. New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Georgia.
THE THREE BRANCHES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Q. What are the three branches of the federal government?
A. (1) Congress, the legislative branch, which makes the laws. (2) The
President, the executive branch, which carries out the laws. (3) The
Supreme Court, the judicial branch, which interprets the laws.
Q. Of how many parts is Congress composed?
A. Two: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Q. How many Senators are elected from each state?
A. Two.
Q. How are the Senators elected?
A. By a direct vote of the people of the state.
Q. For how long a term is a Senator elected?
A. For six years.
Q. How is the number of Representatives from each state determined?
A. According to population.
Q. For how long a term is a member of the House of Representatives
elected?
A. For two years.
Q. What is the duty of Congress?
A. To make all national laws.
Q. How does Congress make a law?
A. The proposed law, known as a bill, must first be passed by a
majority vote by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It
must then be approved and signed by the President. If the President
disapproves of the bill and vetoes it, it may again be reconsidered by
Congress, and if it is passed again by a two-thirds vote it becomes a
law.
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Q. Who is at the head of the United States Government and the chief
executive of the nation?
A. The President.
Q. What are the most important duties of the President?
A. (1) To see that federal laws are faithfully executed. (2) To advise
Congress when he thinks new laws are needed. (3) To make treaties and
represent the United States in its relations with other nations; and
(4) To command the army and navy (this power he usually delegates to
military and naval officers).
Q. Who may become President?
A. Any native-born citizen who is at least thirty-five years of age
and who has been at least fourteen years a resident within the United
States.
Q. May an alien or naturalized citizen become President?
A. No.
Q. How is the President of the United States elected?
A. He is elected by the people, through electors.
Q. Who are the electors?
A. They are the representatives elected by the people in each state.
They vote for President as the people of each state decide.
Q. For how long a period is the President elected?
A. For four years.
Q. What is the Cabinet?
A. The heads of the ten executive departments of the government,
appointed by the President.
Q. Who are these ten officials?
A. The Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of War,
Attorney General, Postmaster General, Secretary of Navy, Secretary of
the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, and
Secretary of Labor.
Q. What does the cabinet do?
A. It advises with the President and assists him in carrying on the
work by the government.
Q. If the President dies or is removed from office by impeachment, who
takes his place?
A. The Vice-President of the United States.
Q. What is the highest court of the United States?
A. The Supreme Court.
Q. How many members has the Supreme Court?
A. One Chief Justice and eight associate justices.
Q. What are the duties of the Supreme Court and other courts of the
United States?
A. To decide disputes, punish all persons breaking the laws of the
United States, and to tell what any law, about which there is doubt,
means.
Q. Has the Supreme Court any other duty?
A. Yes. It decides whether any law is in accordance with the
Constitution.
STATE GOVERNMENTS
Q. What does the state constitution do?
A. It tells how the state is to be governed. It cannot conflict with
the United States Constitution.
Q. Who makes the state laws in each state?
A. The State Legislature.
Q. How are the members of the State Legislature elected?
A. Directly by the people.
Q. Who is the chief executive in each state?
A. The Governor.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Q. What is the most common type of local government?
A. City government.
Q. Who is the head and chief executive of the city government?
A. The mayor.
Q. Name some departments of the city government.
A. The health department, education department, police department,
water department, fire department, street cleaning department.
Q. What other forms of local government are there?
A. The township and county.
AMERICAN HISTORY
Q. Who discovered America? When?
A. Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Q. What is the Declaration of Independence?
A. It is the document in which the thirteen original colonies declared
their independence from Great Britain.
Q. When and where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
A. July 4, 1776, Independence Hall, Philadelphia.
Q. When did the American Revolution begin?
A. 1775.
Q. Who was the first President?
A. George Washington.
Q. When did the Civil War begin? When did it end?
A. Began in 1861 and ended in 1865.
Q. Who was President during the Civil War?
A. Abraham Lincoln.
Q. When did the United States declare war against Germany in the
European War?
A. April 6, 1917.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. What is the capital of the United States?
A. Washington, D. C.
Q. What is an anarchist?
A. An anarchist is a person who does not believe in organized
government.
Q. What is a polygamist?
A. A polygamist is a person who believes in marriage with more than one
husband or wife at the same time.
Q. Who is President of the United States?
Q. Who is the Governor of your State?
Q. What is the capital of your State?
Q. Who is the mayor of your city?
Transcriber’s Notes:
1. The spelling and punctuation are as the original, except for
apparent typographical errors which have been corrected.
2. Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).
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