1

Citizenship Foundation Skills and 

Knowledge Clusters

American

History

Naturalization 

Process

American

Government

Integrated

Civics

English 

Language

Information and

Resources

M-794 (11/10)
2 H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Citizenship Foundation Skills and 

Knowledge Clusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Foundation Skill 1: Knowledge and 

Understanding of the English Language . . . . . . 2

Foundation Skill 2: Information 

and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Knowledge Cluster 1: The Naturalization 

Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Knowledge Cluster 2: American History . . . . . . 5

Knowledge Cluster 3: American Government . . 6

Knowledge Cluster 4: Integrated Civics . . . . . . . 7

USCIS Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

About the Office of Citizenship . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ii H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

OVERVIEW CHART

English Language

• Listening

• Speaking

• Reading

• Writing

Information and 

Resources

• Locating Information 

 and Resources

• Analyzing Information

• Synthesizing Information

• Evaluating Information

The Naturalization Process

American History

American Government

Integrated Civics

Foundation Skills Knowledge Clusters

• Eligibility Requirements

• Application/Pre-Interview

• Interview

• Post-Interview

• Colonial Period and Independence

• 1800s 

• Recent American History

• American Indians/Native Americans

• Principles of American Democracy

• System of Government

• Rights and Responsibilities

• Geography 

• Symbols 

• Holidays
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CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

Citizenship foundation skills and knowledge clusters 

help link what students learn on their own or in 

the adult education classroom with the knowledge 

and skills they will need to be successful during the 

naturalization interview and test. 

Foundation skills are those overarching skills that 

facilitate the learning of other content areas. In this 

case, those skills are speaking, reading, and writing 

English along with locating and using information 

needed for the 

naturalization test.

Citizenship 

knowledge clusters 

are the specific 

content areas 

that applicants 

need to increase 

their chances of 

success during 

the naturalization 

interview and test. 

These knowledge 

clusters provide 

teachers with a context for instruction and a 

framework for organizing citizenship curriculum.

The Office of Citizenship, within U.S. Citizenship 

and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides these 

skills and clusters to serve as a general framework 

for adult education program administrators and 

teachers, as well as for organizations interested in 

starting their own citizenship programs. Visit 

www.uscis.gov/citizenship to view other citizenship 

resources, including information about the 

naturalization process and test. 

For adult education administrators and organizations 

starting new citizenship programs, the citizenship 

foundation skills and knowledge clusters may 

be used to develop or enhance a comprehensive 

citizenship program. For teachers, the citizenship 

foundation skills and knowledge clusters may be 

used to develop curricula, lesson plans, instructional 

approaches, and other classroom materials.They 

may also be used to help teachers identify training 

opportunities to ensure they possess the skills 

and knowledge necessary to be effective in the 

citizenship classroom.
2 H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

FOUNDATION SKILL 1

Knowledge and Understanding of the English Language

English language is integral to all skills and 

knowledge needed for the naturalization 

interview. Building the necessary vocabulary 

is a good place to 

begin regardless 

of a student’s 

language level. The 

vocabulary required 

for the listening 

and speaking test 

includes basic 

conversation words, 

general commands, 

and language found on the Application for 

Naturalization, Form N-400.

The English language foundation skill focuses 

on four areas:

ENGLISH LANGUAGE 

•	Listening

•	Speaking

•	Reading

•	Writing

USCIS RESOURCES FOR FOUNDATION SKILL 1: 

A, B, C, D, E, H & N

Please see pages 8 and 9 for a list of these 

resources

LISTENING:

1. Understand and act on basic commands

2. Understand and respond to clarification commands

3. Understand questions about everyday life and events

4. Understand oral questions asked on the Application for 

Naturalization, Form N-400, and other relevant USCIS forms

5. Understand oral questions asked about supporting 

documentation

6. Understand oral questions from the civics test

SPEAKING:

1. Engage in basic conversations in English

2. Construct clarifying questions

3. Answer questions about everyday life and events using 

short responses

4. Make statements about personal information

5. Provide complete answers and statements to the 

Application for Naturalization, Form N-400 questions

6. Respond to requests for clarification

7. Provide complete answers to civics questions

8. Use simple strategies to check for understanding

READING:

1. Read and understand all relevant USCIS forms including 

the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400

2. Read civics items and answers

3. Read vocabulary and sentences on the reading test

4. Read directional and security signs at USCIS offices

WRITING:

1. Write to complete all relevant USCIS forms

2. Write dictated sentences on the writing test

3. Sign and print name. (Print and keep a copy of 

completed USCIS forms)
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FOUNDATION SKILL 2

Information and Resources

In order to complete 

the naturalization 

process successfully, 

applicants must 

be able to locate 

information 

and resources to 

determine their 

eligibility for 

naturalization, find 

the appropriate application forms, prepare 

for the naturalization interview and test, 

and travel to USCIS offices.Teachers need to 

ensure that their students understand the 

naturalization process and the significance 

of U.S. citizenship.This foundation skill 

includes:

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES 

•	Locating Information and Resources

•	Analyzing Information

•	Synthesizing Information

•	Evaluating Information

LOCATING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:

1. Using the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov)

2. Using other USCIS materials (forms, study materials, etc.)

ANALYZING INFORMATION:

1. Determining what information is needed

2. Collecting appropriate information

3. Turning information into useful knowledge

SYNTHESIZING INFORMATION:

1. Applying understanding and knowledge of past events to 

current situations

2. Identifying cause and effect relationships

3. Knowing how to problem solve

EVALUATING INFORMATION:

1. Determining the quality and reliability of information

2. Determining how much information is needed

USCIS RESOURCES FOR FOUNDATION SKILL 2: 

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, M & N

Please see pages 8 and 9 for a list of these 

resources

Note: This skill helps prepare students for the 

naturalization interview; however, it is not 

required in order to pass the naturalization 

test or to become a naturalized citizen of the 

United States.
4 H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

KNOWLEDGE CLUSTER 1

The Naturalization Process

Naturalization is 

the legal process 

through which 

an eligible 

permanent 

resident can 

become a 

citizen of the 

United States.

This knowledge cluster contains information 

that naturalization applicants need to know 

to navigate the naturalization process 

successfully—from understanding eligibility 

requirements 

to attending the 

naturalization 

ceremony. The 

knowledge areas 

identified within 

this cluster 

include:

THE NATURALIZATION PROCESS 

•	Eligibility Requirements

•	Application/Pre-Interview

•	Interview

•	Post-Interview

USCIS RESOURCES FOR KNOWLEDGE 

CLUSTER 1: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, M & N

Please see pages 8 and 9 for a list of these 

resources

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Age requirements

2. Permanent residency requirements

3. Continuous residency requirements

4. Physical presence requirements

5. Time in state or USCIS district requirements

6. Good moral character requirements

7. Attachment to the Constitution

8. English language requirements

9. Knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics) 

requirements 

APPLICATION/PRE-INTERVIEW:

1. Forms needed

2. Applicable fees

3. Fingerprint requirements

4. Notification of interview

INTERVIEW:

1. Logistics

2. Security

3. Asking for directions

4. Checking in

5. Waiting room

6. Swearing in

7. Application for Naturalization, Form N-400 review

8. Speaking test

9. Civics test

10. Reading test

11. Writing test

POST-INTERVIEW:

1. Post-interview instructions

2. Naturalization ceremony

3. Oath of Allegiance
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KNOWLEDGE CLUSTER 2

American History

Immigration has 

been a vital part of 

American history 

since colonists 

first set foot on 

our shores more 

than 400 years 

ago. To help new 

immigrants feel 

part of this shared 

experience, the civics test covers important 

milestones and events in American history.

This knowledge cluster includes:

AMERICAN HISTORY 

•	Colonial Period and Independence

•	1800s

•	Recent American History

•	American Indians/Native Americans

USCIS RESOURCES FOR KNOWLEDGE 

CLUSTER 2: A, B, C, E, F, H, I, K, L & N

Please see pages 8 and 9 for a list of these 

resources

COLONIAL PERIOD AND INDEPENDENCE:

1. Colonists

2. Slavery

3. The Revolutionary War

4. Declaration of 

Independence

5. The 13 original states

6. The U.S. Constitution

7. The Constitutional 

Convention

8. The Federalist Papers

9. George Washington

10. Thomas Jefferson

11. Benjamin Franklin

1800s:

1. Expansion/Louisiana Purchase

2. War of 1812

3. Mexican-American War

4. Civil War

5. Slavery

6. Abraham Lincoln

7. Emancipation Proclamation

8. Spanish-American War

9. Women’s rights/Susan B.Anthony

RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY:

1. World War I

2. Woodrow Wilson

3. The Great Depression

4. World War II

5. Franklin D. Roosevelt

6. Dwight D. Eisenhower

7. Cold War

AMERICAN INDIANS/NATIVE AMERICANS:

1. American Indians prior to European settlement

2. American Indian Tribes

8. Korean War

9. Civil rights movement

10. Martin Luther King, Jr.

11. Vietnam War

12. (Persian) Gulf War

13. September 11, 2001/

terrorism
6 H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

KNOWLEDGE CLUSTER 3

American Government 

Understanding our system of government 

and the principles of American democracy 

are important parts 

of the citizenship 

preparation process.

Immigrants need 

to possess a basic 

knowledge and 

understanding of 

how our government 

works, and how they 

can participate as 

vested citizens.The American government 

knowledge cluster contains information that 

naturalization applicants need to know to 

become active participants in our democracy.

This knowledge cluster includes:

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 

•	Principles of American Democracy

•	System of Government

•	Rights and Responsibilities

PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY:

1. Declaration of Independence

2. U.S. Constitution

3. Bill of Rights

4. Economic system

5. Rule of law

SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT:

1. The three branches of government

2. Separation of power/checks and balances

3. President

4. Vice President

5. President’s cabinet

6. Congress

7. U.S. Senators

8. U.S. Representatives

9. Speaker of the House

10. Laws

11. Supreme Court

12. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

13. Political parties

14. Elections/voting

15. Federalism

16. State government

17. State governors

18. State capitals

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Voting rights

2. Responsibilities of citizens

3. Rights of citizens

4. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Oath of Allegiance/naturalization

6. Participation in democracy

7. Federal income tax

8. Selective Service

USCIS RESOURCES FOR KNOWLEDGE 

CLUSTER 3: A, B, C, D, E, F, H, I, K, L & N

Please see pages 8 and 9 for a list of these 

resources
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KNOWLEDGE CLUSTER 4

Integrated Civics

Having a knowledge and understanding 

of U.S. geography, national symbols, and 

holidays helps immigrants feel connected 

to their new communities and adopted 

country. This knowledge cluster contains the 

following three content areas:

INTEGRATED CIVICS 

•	Geography

•	Symbols

•	Holidays

GEOGRAPHY:

1. Rivers

2. Oceans

3. Territories

4. Borders

5. Capital of the United States

6. Statue of Liberty (location)

SYMBOLS:

1. U.S. flag

2. National anthem/The Star-Spangled Banner

HOLIDAYS:

1. New Year’s Day

2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

3. Presidents’ Day

4. Memorial Day

5. Independence Day

6. Labor Day

7. Columbus Day

8. Veterans Day

9. Thanksgiving

10. Christmas

USCIS RESOURCES FOR KNOWLEDGE 

CLUSTER 4: A, B, C, D, E, F, H, K & N

Please see pages 8 and 9 for a list of these 

resources
8 H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

USCIS RESOURCES 

A The 100 Civics (History and 

Government) Questions and 

Answers for the Naturalization 

Test

Official list of civics questions and 

answers for the naturalization test.

Learn About the United States: 

Quick Civics Lessons for the 

Naturalization Test 

(Form M-638)

Study booklet containing short 

lessons based on each of the 100 

civics questions and answers on 

the naturalization test.

Civics Flash Cards for the 

Naturalization Test 

(Form M-623)

Easy-to-use downloadable flash 

cards containing each of the 100 

civics questions and answers on 

the naturalization test.

B

C

D Vocabulary Flash Cards for the 

Naturalization Test 

(Form M-715)

Easy-to-use flash cards containing 

vocabulary words to help 

applicants study for the English 

reading and writing portions of 

the naturalization test.

E Naturalization Test Brochure 

(Form M-685)

Brochure outlining the components 

of the naturalization test and 

general path to U.S. citizenship.

F Civics and Citizenship 

Multimedia Presentation 

(Form M-668)

Video highlighting U.S. history, 

civics, and the rights and 

responsibilities of citizenship, 

and a brief presentation on 

the naturalization process and 

citizenship eligibility requirements.

A Guide to Naturalization 

(Form M-476)

Comprehensive overview of the 

naturalization application and 

interview process.

EL/Civics Online

Free web-based electronic training 

module for volunteers and adult 

educators.

G

H
9

I The Citizen’s Almanac 

(Form M-76)

Publication highlighting 

prominent foreign-born 

Americans, presidential quotes 

on citizenship, patriotic songs and 

poems, and several of our essential 

founding documents.

J Welcome to the United States: 

A Guide for New Immigrants 

(Form M-618)

Publication containing essential 

settlement information for new 

immigrants to the United States.

Supplemental Resource Links

Links to appropriate curricula, 

lesson plans, and other citizenship 

preparation materials.

K

L Declaration of Independence and 

Constitution of the United States 

(Form M-654)

Pocket-size version of America’s 

founding documents.

The USCIS Naturalization 

Interview and Test 

(Form M-770)

Short video providing an overview 

of the naturalization process and 

test.

M

N Lesson Plans and Activities for 

Citizenship Classes

Detailed lesson plans and handouts 

for novice and experienced ESL 

instructors.

More Information

Citizenship Resource Center

www.uscis.gov/citizenship

Central location for citizenship information, test 

study materials, and other interactive learning 

activities for teachers, immigrant-serving 

organizations, and naturalization applicants.

Civics and Citizenship Toolkit

www.citizenshiptoolkit.gov

Comprises immigration and civics publications, 

handbooks, guidance on product usage, and 

multimedia tools. Immigrant-serving organizations 

can request one free copy.

U.S. Government Printing Office Bookstore

http://bookstore.gpo.gov

Locate and order citizenship publications available 

for purchase through the Superintendent of 

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.
10 H CITIZENSHIP FOUNDATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS

About the Office of Citizenship

The USCIS Office of Citizenship, within the U.S. Department 

of Homeland Security (DHS), is mandated by the Homeland 

Security Act of 2002 to promote instruction and training 

on citizenship rights and responsibilities, including the 

development of educational materials. 

The mission of the Office of Citizenship is to provide 

federal leadership, tools, and resources to proactively foster 

immigrant integration.To facilitate this process, the Office 

of Citizenship engages and supports partners to welcome 

immigrants; promote English language learning and 

education on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; 

and encourage U.S. citizenship. The work of the Office of Citizenship is focused on 

three specific areas: 

•	 Providing immigrants with opportunities and tools to become vested citizens, 

•	 Building community capacity to prepare immigrants for citizenship, and 

•	 Promoting dialogue and collaboration on integration, and raising awareness of its 

importance to society.

To learn more about the USCIS Office of Citizenship and its educational products and 

initiatives, please visit www.uscis.gov/citizenship. 
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