One of the nation’s oldest, and now digital newspapers, posed the question to its readers: “Could you pass a U.S. citizenship test?”

Could you?

To become a citizen of the United States, immigrants must pass what is called a Naturalization Test. American citizenship “bestows the right to vote, improves the likelihood of family members living in other countries to come and live in the U.S., gives eligibility for federal jobs, and can be a way to demonstrate loyalty to the U.S.”

All applicants taking the test must get six answers out of 10 correct in order to pass the test. About 92 percent of those persons applying for citizenship pass the test, that is made up of 96 questions.

Questions are quite simple for those familiar with U.S. history and laws. For example, “Who signs bills to become laws?” Of course everyone knows the president signs all bills passed by Congress before they become the law of the land.

Another question that may not be so easy for everyone: If the president and the vice president are not able to conduct the duties of their office, who is next in the line of succession? Stumped? It’s the Speaker of the House of Representatives, at present, that would be John Boehner.

One more of the 96 questions: “What did Susan B. Anthony do?” Got it? Susan B. Anthony fought for women’s rights.

In light of the 2012 elections, I think it would be great if every American citizen took this test that thousands, no millions of immigrants have taken before becoming a part of our great nation. At times natural born citizens may take the liberties and freedoms of this country for granted.

I have asked our website manager, Denny Newman to provide our readers with the 96 questions asked of immigrants to be placed on our website. Look for it before the election and take the test. There’s no penalty if you fail to get 56 items correct. It’s just a great way to refresh our memories on how great a nation America is.

Keith Hansen