Idaho senator proposes citizenship test for high schoolers

Idaho Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, is proposing a bill that would require Idaho students to pass a naturalization test before graduating from high school.

Patrick will propose the bill to the Senate Education Committee Wednesday. Under the bill, students could start taking the naturalization test in seventh grade, and by graduation they will have to pass it.

Josh Crose, a senior at Idaho Falls High School, said he and his classmates shouldn’t have to take the same test immigrants are required to take.

“I don’t feel they should have to take the test to prove anything to anybody,” said Crose.

Students would face questions about the Constitution, like how many amendments are included. Crose correctly answered 27 amendments.

Other questions include American government, like who would become president if Barack Obama or Vice President Joe Biden couldn’t serve.

“Secretary of State?” guessed Crose.

The correct answer is Speaker of the House John Boehner.

Patricia Berrett will never have to take the test, but she wouldn’t have any trouble if she did.

Berrett knew who the Supreme Court chief justice is, the length of a senator’s term and who her U.S. representative is, among many other questions.

She said she seriously doubts high school seniors know these things.

“We have a very uninformed populace,” said Barrett.