In these United States, we have the “right” to vote. But how much of our voting is based on the laws of this land and those in a position to make this land better for all, instead of a popularity contest? In a recent newspaper article in the USA TODAY, dated April 27, 2012; there was an article titled “Immigrants Shine on U.S. civics lessons-But survey finds native citizens need to study up”. This article grabbed my attention; to say the least.
The civics portion of the citizenship is 10 questions, drawn from a test bank of 100 questions, found at the Citizenship and Immigration website. To pass, an immigrant needs to get 6 out of 10 correct. I guess the thing that struck me was that the information in the citizenship test, is the same information found in basic Civics classes. Just two of the highlights from the article include:
- 44% of native citizens surveyed got this question wrong: What does the president’s cabinet do? The answer: They advise the president.
- 79% of native citizens surveyed got this question wrong: Who was the president during W.W.I? The answer: Woodrow Wilson.
These United States are the worlds gold standard of democracy, yes, we may have our internal bickering; but based solely on the number of people immigrating (both legally and illegally) we, as a country are doing something right. Most of my friends are originally from other countries; and as such I find myself blessed to share in their dreams, frustrations and thankfulness that they have had the opportunity to immigrate to this great country.
We, as a native born citizens, can learn a lot from our immigrants. For the most part (and this IS a generalization) they take more interest in politics and the effects of our nations policies than the average “Joe” working 40 hours a week. Our immigrants feel a responsibility to their adopted country, it seems there is a growing percentage of native born americans (the small “a” is intentional) that feel their country has a responsibility to them; which is just the opposite.
Thinking along these same lines, I don’t think every American should be a civics whiz, but, we should have a basic understanding of our government, how it works and how it impacts us, as citizens.
Our officials are elected and appointed as set forth in the US Constitution. Our nation is a constitutional (representative) republic, not a democracy: Our President is not elected by the people, he/she is elected by the Electoral college, which is made up of our representatives. Our Supreme court’s judges are appointed, not elected by the citizens. Our Senators were originally appointed by their home states, but are now elected by the citizens of their district (for the record, I am of the opinion that the Senators should be appointed by their state – they are there to do the states business). Only the House of Representatives are (and have been) elected by the citizenry of their districts they represent. Our nation is made or broken by those we elect. So, as you can see, we are a constitutional (representative) republic, trending towards a representative democracy.
This opens a whole new question, what represents a constitutional (representative) republic (i.e. the law of the land – the US Constitution) and what represents a representative democracy (i.e. popular and mob rule)? That is a topic and argument for another day, but I’ll give this to you for your reading pleasure.
Back to our conversation for the day: immigration. Before an immigrant can become a naturalized citizen, they must take the “Oath of Allegiance to the United States” How many natural born americans (other than those of us who have served this great country) would take this oath:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
“…I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”
The Constitution is the law of our United States, period. Our legally naturalized citizens have sworn to protect this land, and our rule of law, when required to do so. for those of us who have served this great land; this sentence is life changing, and potentially has many unintended consequences (i.e. loss of life or limb).
I cannot think of a single legalized immigrant that does not provide some sort of benefit for this great land, instead of leaching off of society; like many of our natural born citizens (welfare recipients know who they are!). I know of a man that was a researcher/scientist from India, who currently supports his family by working construction. When I asked him why, he simply says with a gleam in his eye; “look at my daughter, for her.” That is what our great nation is all about it; leaving it a better place than we found it.
In short: as citizens we have personal responsibilities, not just rights.
Maybe those stating there should be a test prior to voting may be on to something, what do you think? I don’t think knowing some basic facts about the law and history of this great land should be to much to ask.
Ceres
your content made me want to read more and more. congratulations for the work. thanks!
Rick Infantino
Good article. I would have to say that the testig before voting is easily accomplished – in school! There was a day that they actually taught the Constitution. If they focused on that again, manyof the issues you mention would be taken care of.
On the issue of citizenship and immigrants, I am always amazed and awed when I see members of our Armed Forces taking the oath. These are folks that already agreed to give a limb or life, on just the possibility they could become a citizen. They should get head-of-the-line privileges for citizenship, for sure.
DR D
Rick, I agree 100% percent.
Sweendog
I have often thought that there should be some kind of test before U.S. citizens are allowed to vote. HORRORS! I don’t think EVERYONE should be allowed to vote! Least of all, women – JUST KIDDING about that!!
Seriously, the average American knows more about what drugs Lindsey Lohan is doing, or who was at the Kardashians’ latest party, than they do about basic things like who the Vice President is, or how many branches of government our Constitution requires, and what their roles are. How can we survive as a Republic when we don’t know the first thing about how our government operates or what its limits are? Elections are nothing more than popularity contests (bringing me back to American Idol) based on who promises the subjects the most government cheese.
I have often thought Americans don’t necessarily need to know each article and amendment to the Constitution, but they ought to know as much about it as we require of immigrants who become citizens. In order to register to vote, states should require citizens to pass the citizenship test with the same criteria as naturalized immigrants. But the two parties will never stand for that, because they don’t survive without an uninformed citizenry.
For this election, I am either writing in Ron Paul, or voting for the Constitution Party or the Libertarian Party candidates. The Republikrats and Demicans are a farce!