“It was from America that the plain ideas that men ought to mind their business, and that the nation is responsible to Heaven for the acts of the State — ideas long locked in the breast of solitary thinkers, and hidden among Latin folios— burst forth like a conqueror upon the world they were destined to transform, under the title of the Rights of Man … and the principle gained ground, that a nation can never abandon its fate to an authority it cannot control.” – Lord Acton

What tends to amaze many natural born citizens in taking this test is that they have not been taught many of these things growing up in America.  At the heart of a democracy is an informed voter.  If these basic facts about our nation’s inner workings are not known by many of its citizens, then how can our democracy flourish?  Studying citizenship is paramount to protecting our rights.

Because it is short and worth repeating, watch Bono’s video one more time.  What is the basis for his call to remain faithful to the “idea” of America?  How is that best done?  What implications are in his appeal for each of us who are American?

Having now spent time taking this test, and thereby learning more about how our government is designed to govern, the challenge before you now is what next steps you can take to be more involved?  Never forget: citizenship must translate into action.  What can you do to be an active member of this great nation?  Do not be someone who “does nothing.”