Glenn Beck Takes the New US Citizenship Test: Can You Pass?

The New US Citizenship Test

• 🇺🇸 The federal government has rolled out a longer, harder exam for aspiring Americans this month.
• 💡 The test is presented as multiple-choice, but the questions can be tricky, even for those with extensive historical knowledge.

Key Historical and Civics Questions

• 📜 The quiz covers foundational US history, including who wrote the Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson), powers exclusive to the federal government (like printing money), and the amendment granting citizenship (14th Amendment).
• ⚔️ It also tests knowledge of significant historical events like the Battle of Yorktown and the importance of the Federalist Papers in supporting the Constitution.
• 🗳️ Questions also delve into the roles of key figures like James Madison (President during the War of 1812) and the year women gained the right to vote (1920).

Debates on Test Content

• ❓ The discussion critiques the relevance of certain questions, such as the exact year women gained the right to vote, questioning its necessity for demonstrating citizenship knowledge.
• 💡 The purpose of the Persian Gulf War (to force the Iraqi military from Kuwait) and examples of American innovations (like the light bulb) are also examined.
• 🎖️ The test concludes with a question about Memorial Day, clarifying it honors soldiers who died in military service, distinct from Veterans Day.

Test Performance and Pass Rates

• ✅ Glenn Beck successfully answered all 10 questions presented, including one he admitted to guessing.
• 📉 The average American is estimated to get only 2 out of 10 questions correct on a similar quiz, highlighting a significant knowledge gap.
• 🎯 The passing score for the actual citizenship test is 60% (12 out of 20 questions), which is described as an "abomination" given the perceived low average knowledge.