A PROMISE
OF FREEDOM:
An Introduction to
U.S. History and Civics
for Immigrants
Note to the Reader:
This is a modified version of the discussion booklet
for A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History
and Civics for Immigrants.
This modified version allows easier reproduction (e.g.
printing, photocopying) and distribution to students and
other audiences.
Please note that it does not fold as a booklet. Staple the pages
together as you would a normal document.
You may download a PDF version of this booklet
at www.uscis.gov
Welcome
Dear viewer:
For more than 200 years, the United States has remained strong because of the
common civic values proclaimed in our founding documents, the Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. A Promise of Freedom:
An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants is a short film outlining the
history of these documents and their relevance to immigrants today.
The film will help immigrant viewers understand how our nation was founded,
how it is governed, and what they will be able to do with the freedoms, rights,
and responsibilities that accompany U.S. citizenship. This booklet is a useful
study tool for both teachers and viewers to review and discuss the concepts
presented in the film.
If you are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, we hope this film will be use-
ful to you in your journey toward citizenship. We look forward to calling you
a fellow citizen. Over time, America’s promise of freedom has expanded to
include more and more people, and with each person who joins the nation,
“We the People” becomes even stronger.
We hope you enjoy this inspiring and informational film.
Sincerely,
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
National Constitution Center
How to Use This Booklet
This booklet will help you review the basic concepts found
in A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for
Immigrants. You can use this booklet as you watch the film or at its
conclusion, either on your own or in a group discussion.
The booklet follows the three acts, or sections, of the film:
“Choosing a Promise of Freedom,” “Creating a Promise of
Freedom,” and “A Promise of Freedom.” Each act, or section, has two pages;
the first page contains quotes from the film and the second page contains
questions for discussion. The quotes from the film will help you answer the
questions. For each question, write down your thoughts in a few phrases. Feel
free to write your own questions and ideas to discuss with others.
Think about the question below and write down
your thoughts. Try to answer the question before
watching the film. Discuss your ideas with the group.
What does “We the People” mean to you?
3
“We the People…”
the first three words of the United States Constitution,
a document that is the foundation for the freedoms
and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. In the United States,
a country with people of many different backgrounds, the
principles of our Constitution unite all of us as a nation.
The Declaration of Independence
announced that the colonies were free and independent states.
It stated that all men are created equal and are born with the
natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Choosing a Promise of Freedom
ACT 1
What unites us as Americans?
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
5
A Convention was called in 1787,
and delegates from the American states met in Philadelphia.
They felt that power must come from the people.
This is what no country had ever done
—control power by dividing it, putting it under the limits
of a written constitution, and then placing the final
authority with the people, who govern themselves through
elected representatives.
Creating a Promise of Freedom
6
ACT 2
The delegates wanted the power of government to
come from whom?
How do “We the People” have final authority over
the government of the United States?
Why did the delegates divide power?
7
The Constitution has changed
through what are called amendments. The first ten amend-
ments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights, and
establish some very basic rights of citizens.
For more than 200 years,
the U.S. Constitution has had daily impact on the lives of
citizens, and over time its promise of freedom has included
more and more people. Many groups of people were denied
certain freedoms in the past, but have gained equality
through amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
With freedoms and rights
come important responsibilities: make a commitment to
be part of your community, get to know and help your
neighbors, discuss the issues that affect your community,
learn English and learn about the U.S. government, respect
the law, vote, and serve on a jury if called to do so.
A Promise of Freedom
8
ACT 3
What is the Bill of Rights?
How has the Constitution changed to expand the definition
of “We the People?”
How can you use your freedoms to improve your community?
9
Think again about the question below and whether your
answer has changed. Share your thoughts with the group.
What does “We the People” mean to you?
10
Finding More Information
If you are interested in learning more about
U.S. history and civics, you may visit
the following websites:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
www.uscis.gov
National Constitution Center
www.constitutioncenter.org
Our Documents
www.ourdocuments.gov
We the People
www.wethepeople.gov
Ben’s Guide
http://bensguide.gpo.gov
National Archives
www.archives.gov
U.S. Government Bookstore
http://bookstore.gpo.gov
Welcome to U.S.A.
www.welcometousa.gov
Center for Civic Education
www.civiced.org
U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE:
The information presented in A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for
Immigrants is considered public information and may be distributed or copied without
alteration unless otherwise specified. The citation should be:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Office of Citizenship, A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for
Immigrants, Washington, DC, 2007.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has purchased the rights to use
many of the images in A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immi-
grants. USCIS is licensed to use these images on a non-exclusive and non-transferable
basis. All other rights to the images, including without limitation and copyright, are
retained by the owner of the images. These images are not in the public domain and
may not be used except as they appear as part of this publication.
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants is an informational
film designed for immigrants interested in learning more about U.S. citizenship. The
information presented in the film is not meant to serve as a study tool for the natural-
ization test. To locate naturalization test study materials, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Acknowledgments:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office of Citizenship would like
to extend their appreciation to the National Constitution Center for its support and
collaboration in the development of this product.
System Requirements:
A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants may be played in
a standard DVD player connected to a television or in a computer with a DVD drive.
Local Information:
