THE UNITED STATES
The United States is a diverse nation with beautiful and vastly different landscapes and a rich history.Learning about the United States, and how it has developed through time, is a vital part of fully becoming an American. The federal government offers many educational resources on the history, civic values, and political system of the United States.
In this section you will find links to basic information about the United States, including information on its geography, demographics, and history. These sites will also help immigrants interested in applying for naturalization to begin preparing for the civics portion of the naturalization test.
Quick Facts About the United States
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government provides basic information about U.S. history and government for K-12 students and educational tools for parents and teachers.
Population of the United States and the World
The U.S. Census Bureau provides an estimate of the resident population of the United States and the total population of the world.
Data on Population, Housing, and Demographics
The American FactFinder allows you to search data from surveys and censuses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. This site is also available in Spanish (click on the link in the top right corner).
Maps of the United States
Nationalatlas.gov allows you to search for and print static and interactive maps of the United States.
View Forecasts and Weather Warnings for Your Area
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather information including forecasts and warnings for your area.
Community Involvement
There are many ways for you to get involved in your community. You can become an informed citizen and volunteer. By getting involved, you also contribute to your community.
The links below provide information on ways that you can participate in your local community.
Get Involved in Your Community
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides information about your community and ways that you can get involved.
Links to Volunteer Programs
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a list of federal and nongovernmental national volunteer programs.
The Neighborhood Watch Program
The Neighborhood Watch Program is a crime prevention program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Prepare Your Community for an Emergency
Ready.gov provides information on Citizen Corps, a program that brings together volunteers to make communities safer and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation.
Volunteer Opportunities and Resources for Volunteering
Serve.gov is an online resource to find volunteer opportunities in your community or find information on how to create your own. This site is also available in Spanish.
Find National Parks, Lakes, and Recreation Space Near You
Recreation.gov is a partnership of federal government agencies that manage public space around the country. Use this website to plan your next trip.
History and Government
The United States is a representative democracy and its people play an important role in the governing process. Our government is based on several fundamental values including freedom, individual rights, equality, and opportunity. A basic understanding of U.S. history and government is important for everyone in the United States.
The links below provide resources to help you learn more about U.S. history and government.
Read the 100 Most Important Documents in U.S. History
OurDocuments.gov provides 100 of the most important documents in U.S. history. You can view the original document, read a transcript, and learn about the history of each.
Learn About the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights
Charters of Freedom is an online exhibit presented by the U.S. National Archives. In this exhibit, you can read and learn about the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The U.S. House of Representatives
The U.S. House of Representatives provides information on Congress and a directory with information on each U.S. Representative.
The U.S. Senate
The U.S. Senate provides information on Congress and a directory with information on each Senator.
The President of the United States
Whitehouse.gov is the official website of the President of the United States. You can learn about the President, the government, and issues that are important to the country.
The Supreme Court of the United States
The U.S. Supreme Court provides information about the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court Justices, and recent decisions the Court has made.
Learn About U.S. History and Government
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government provides basic information about U.S. history and government for K-12 students and educational tools for parents and teachers.
Short Lessons About U.S. History and Government
Learn about the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test is a study booklet that contains short lessons based on each of the 100 civics questions and answers on the naturalization test. This information will help you learn more about important concepts in U.S. history and government
Learn About U.S. History, Social Studies, Literature, and Language Arts
EDSITEment! provides information and interactive activities on literature and language arts, foreign languages, art and culture, and history and social studies.
Purchase Government Documents on U.S. History and Government
The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) offers government publications about the U.S. Constitution, the flag, and U.S. history and government.
Learn About American History from Primary Sources
America’s Story from America’s Library is a website developed by the Library of Congress (LOC). Find information about American history, government, and culture by exploring items in the Library.
Explore the Collections of the National Library of the United States
The Library of Congress (LOC) is the national library of the United States and the largest library in the world. The Library’s website has a comprehensive online exhibition of historic photographs, documents, and events.
Biographies of U.S. Presidents
Whitehouse.gov lists every president of the United States and provides a biography of each.
Documents, Symbols, and Anthems of the United States
The Citizen’s Almanac is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publication that highlights the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, prominent foreign-born Americans, presidential quotes on citizenship, patriotic songs and poems, and several of our essential founding documents.
Watch a Short Film on U.S. History and the Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants is a 12-minute film that focuses on the history and founding of our nation and the important rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.