citizenship interview - how is it conducted?

I'd like to ask if someone can share their expirences on how the citizenship interview is conducted like what documents immigration asks us to bring with us, how long normally it takes, what sort of questions are asked? I'd heard that immigration asks questions from the N-400 application. Also someone mentioned that immigrations asks us the bring all the passports (old and current). Do they really go thru all the passports to validate entry/exit information with the N-400 application and compare N-400 information with the passport stamps. I don't know if they have enough time.

Do we need to take tax returns, pay slips, etc. with us? I'll appreciate the comments.

you must have got all the instructions from INS.
They will ask you some political questions.
if you will pass they will ask you to submit 3-4 side face photographs.Then they will give you another letter for citizenship ceremony which is usually conducted on same day.

Not really political questions...
The questions are about the history, and the political system of the US. There are 100 sample questions on the USCIS website.

Do immigration really look into the N-400 application that we have filled out as well or they have already checked all the information that we provide in the N-400 application by the time we appear for the interview?

My other question was that do we need to take with us old passports, pay stubs, IRS tax copies as well? Thanks

Yes, They will make sure you filled the form correctly. Ask question from the form to just make sure you giving correct answer.

[nowinfl]

My interview was not as scary as you are assuming it to be. Except the docs mentioned on the notice, I did not carry anything (no tax returns, bills, etc.). They did look at the passport (did not verify the entry/exit dates), but verbally confirmed if they were right. The only thing I did not take, which was required, but not mentioned on notice was marriage certificate. I mailed it the same day, and got oath ceremony notice in like 4 days. So, really it took 20-30 min tops. 4-5 simple history questions, 1 sentence to write, and "raise your right hand...." stuff, and would you be willing to bear arms....blah..blah.....Do not try to joke around with these guys. (I tried on the bear arms questions, and I could tell that lady was not taking it well)