Regarding Daniel Pink’s March 5 Tuesday Opinion column, “Why not require a civics test for all Americans?”
Having chosen to leave their native land and make a new life in the United States, they also aspired to obtain citizenship. In addition to a residency requirement, they had to take and pass a citizenship test. At that time, there were no exemptions to the requirement that the exam be taken in English. That meant that all immigrants, no matter their age or disability status, had to learn a functional level of English, as well as the basic concepts of U.S. history and government structure and function. The overall process both forced and motivated a reasonable degree of assimilation into the American way of life and a basic understanding of the English language as the common tongue of the nation. This did not in any way diminish immigrants’ personal use of their native languages, the retention of their national customs and the practice of their religions. American civic culture was an addition, not a substitute.
Everyone in my family managed the challenge, learned English and their basic civics lessons and became naturalized citizens, proudly pledging allegiance to our great and free country.
Mr. Pink’s column underscored that the strength of our country is based on and relies upon a mutual understanding of our roles in this democratic experiment, and the ability and desire to communicate with each other. Perhaps more of us should heed the lessons of our immigrant ancestors and embrace the preparations that allowed them to feel at home in their new country.
George Fedoroff, Arlington
Until a few short decades ago, students in grade school took civics classes as part of their curriculum. So kids took civics tests pretty regularly and learned about government, which helped prevent senators from saying things such as the three branches of government are “the House, the Senate, and the executive.”
Susan Wallace, Washington
I am just an old guy who doesn’t understand many changes in our society, especially in education. To graduate from the Chicago public schools in 1960, I was required to take a civics class and pass a civics test.
Civics is no longer required. I guess that requiring our darling children to know about how our country works is simply too much stress.
Kenneth D. Shere, Bethesda
I take issue with Daniel Pink’s statement that the citizenship test “isn’t very difficult.” Back in 1976, when I passed the citizenship test, one of the questions was “Explain the separation of powers.” I said to the examiner, “How long have you got?” I passed with flying colors but wonder how many native-born Americans could answer that question with clarity and confidence.
Anna Chisman, Washington
