Disclaimer: We assist with federal U.S. immigration (USCIS) matters only. Attorney Scott A. Maki is licensed in Minnesota only and cannot assist with state-law matters in any other state, including North Dakota.
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2025 Civics Test: All 128 Questions and Answers
Source: official USCIS list. USCIS asks up to 20 questions from the list of 128. You must answer 12 correctly to pass. The officer stops when you reach 12 correct or 9 incorrect.
1. What is the form of government of the United States?
- Republic
- Constitution-based federal republic
- Representative democracy
2. What is the supreme law of the land? 65/20
- (U.S.) Constitution
3. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
- Forms the government
- Defines powers of government
- Defines the parts of government
- Protects the rights of the people
4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
- Self-government
- Popular sovereignty
- Consent of the governed
- People should govern themselves
- (Example of) social contract
5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
- Amendments
- The amendment process
6. What does the Bill of Rights protect?
- (The basic) rights of Americans
- (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? 65/20
- Twenty-seven (27)
8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
- It says America is free from British control.
- It says all people are created equal.
- It identifies inherent rights.
- It identifies individual freedoms.
9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
- Declaration of Independence
10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
- Equality
- Liberty
- Social contract
- Natural rights
- Limited government
- Self-government
11. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
- Declaration of Independence
12. What is the economic system of the United States? 65/20
- Capitalism
- Free market economy
13. What is the rule of law?
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Federalist Papers
- Anti-Federalist Papers
- Virginia Declaration of Rights
- Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
- Mayflower Compact
- Iroquois Great Law of Peace
15. There are three branches of government. Why?
- So one part does not become too powerful
- Checks and balances
- Separation of powers
16. Name the three branches of government.
- Legislative, executive, and judicial
- Congress, president, and the courts
17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
- Executive branch
18. What part of the federal government writes laws?
- (U.S.) Congress
- (U.S. or national) legislature
- Legislative branch
19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress. 65/20
- Writes laws
- Declares war
- Makes the federal budget
21. How many U.S. senators are there?
- One hundred (100)
22. How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
- Six (6) years
23. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. senators.]
24. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
- Four hundred thirty-five (435)
25. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
- Two (2) years
26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
- To more closely follow public opinion
27. How many senators does each state have?
- Two (2)
28. Why does each state have two senators?
- Equal representation (for small states)
- The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
29. Name your U.S. representative.
- Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) representatives in Congress.]
30. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? 65/20
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
31. Who does a U.S. senator represent?
- Citizens of their state
- People of their state
32. Who elects U.S. senators?
- Citizens from their state
33. Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
- Citizens in their (congressional) district
- Citizens in their district
- People from their (congressional) district
- People in their district
34. Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
- Citizens from their (congressional) district
35. Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
- (Because of) the state’s population
- (Because) they have more people
- (Because) some states have more people
36. The President of the United States is elected for how many years? 65/20
- Four (4) years
37. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
- (Because of) the 22nd Amendment
- To keep the president from becoming too powerful
38. What is the name of the President of the United States now? 65/20
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.
39. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? 65/20
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.
40. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
- The Vice President (of the United States)
41. Name one power of the president.
- Signs bills into law
- Vetoes bills
- Enforces laws
- Commander in Chief (of the military)
- Chief diplomat
- Appoints federal judges
42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
- The President (of the United States)
43. Who signs bills to become laws?
- The President (of the United States)
44. Who vetoes bills? 65/20
- The President (of the United States)
45. Who appoints federal judges?
- The President (of the United States)
46. The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
- President (of the United States)
- Cabinet
- Federal departments and agencies
47. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
- Advises the President (of the United States)
48. What are two Cabinet-level positions?
- Attorney General
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Energy
- Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Secretary of Homeland Security
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Secretary of War (Defense)
- Vice-President
- Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Administrator of the Small Business Administration
- Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
- Director of the Office of Management and Budget
- Director of National Intelligence
- United States Trade Representative
49. Why is the Electoral College important?
- It decides who is elected president.
- It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
50. What is one part of the judicial branch?
- Supreme Court
- Federal Courts
51. What does the judicial branch do?
- Reviews laws
- Explains laws
- Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
- Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
52. What is the highest court in the United States? 65/20
- Supreme Court
53. How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
- Nine (9)
54. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
- Five (5)
55. How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
- (For) life
- Lifetime appointment
- (Until) retirement
56. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
- To be independent (of politics)
- To limit outside (political) influence
57. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.
58. Name one power that is only for the federal government.
- Print paper money
- Mint coins
- Declare war
- Create an army
- Make treaties
- Set foreign policy
59. Name one power that is only for the states.
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver’s license
- Approve zoning and land use
60. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
- (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.
61. Who is the governor of your state now? 65/20
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]
62. What is the capital of your state?
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]
63. There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
- Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
- You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
- Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
- A male citizen of any race (can vote).
64. Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
- Citizens
- Citizens of the United States
- U.S. citizens
65. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom to petition the government
- Freedom of religion
- The right to bear arms
66. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? 65/20
- The United States
- The flag
67. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
- Give up loyalty to other countries
- Defend the (U.S.) Constitution
- Obey the laws of the United States
- Serve in the military (if needed)
- Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed)
- Be loyal to the United States
68. How can people become United States citizens?
- Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
- Naturalize
- Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
- Vote
- Run for office
- Join a political party
- Help with a campaign
- Join a civic group
- Join a community group
- Give an elected official your opinion (on an issue)
- Contact elected officials
- Support or oppose an issue or policy
- Write to a newspaper
70. What is one way Americans can serve their country?
- Vote
- Pay taxes
- Obey the law
- Serve in the military
- Run for office
- Work for local, state, or federal government
71. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
- Required by law
- All people pay to fund the federal government
- Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
- Civic duty
72. It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
- Required by law
- Civic duty
- Makes the draft fair, if needed
73. The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
- Freedom
- Political liberty
- Religious freedom
- Economic opportunity
- Escape persecution
74. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? 65/20
- American Indians
- Native Americans
75. What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
- Africans
- People from Africa
76. What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
- American Revolution
- The (American) Revolutionary War
- War for (American) Independence
77. Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
- High taxes
- Taxation without representation
- British soldiers stayed in Americans’ houses (boarding, quartering)
- They did not have self-government
- Boston Massacre
- Boston Tea Party (Tea Act)
- Stamp Act
- Sugar Act
- Townshend Acts
- Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
78. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? 65/20
- (Thomas) Jefferson
79. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
- July 4, 1776
80. The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
- (Battle of) Bunker Hill
- Declaration of Independence
- Washington Crossing the Delaware (Battle of Trenton)
- (Battle of) Saratoga
- Valley Forge (Encampment)
- (Battle of) Yorktown (British surrender at Yorktown)
81. There were 13 original states. Name five.
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
82. What founding document was written in 1787?
- (U.S.) Constitution
83. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
- (James) Madison
- (Alexander) Hamilton
- (John) Jay
- Publius
84. Why were the Federalist Papers important?
- They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
- They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
85. Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.
- Founded the first free public libraries
- First Postmaster General of the United States
- Helped write the Declaration of Independence
- Inventor
- U.S. diplomat
86. George Washington is famous for many things. Name one. 65/20
- “Father of Our Country”
- First president of the United States
- General of the Continental Army
- President of the Constitutional Convention
87. Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.
- Writer of the Declaration of Independence
- Third president of the United States
- Doubled the size of the United States (Louisiana Purchase)
- First Secretary of State
- Founded the University of Virginia
- Writer of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom
88. James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.
- “Father of the Constitution”
- Fourth president of the United States
- President during the War of 1812
- One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
89. Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.
- First Secretary of the Treasury
- One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
- Helped establish the First Bank of the United States
- Aide to General George Washington
- Member of the Continental Congress
90. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
- Louisiana Territory
- Louisiana
91. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War
- Civil War
- Spanish-American War
92. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
- The Civil War
93. The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
- (Battle of) Fort Sumter
- Emancipation Proclamation
- (Battle of) Vicksburg
- (Battle of) Gettysburg
- Sherman’s March
- (Surrender at) Appomattox
- (Battle of) Antietam/Sharpsburg
- Lincoln was assassinated.
94. Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one. 65/20
- Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
- Saved (or preserved) the Union
- Led the United States during the Civil War
- 16th president of the United States
- Delivered the Gettysburg Address
95. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
- Freed the slaves
- Freed slaves in the Confederacy
- Freed slaves in the Confederate states
- Freed slaves in most Southern states
96. What U.S. war ended slavery?
- The Civil War
97. What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?
- 14th Amendment
98. When did all men get the right to vote?
- After the Civil War
- During Reconstruction
- (With the) 15th Amendment
- 1870
99. Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s.
- Susan B. Anthony
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton
- Sojourner Truth
- Harriet Tubman
- Lucretia Mott
- Lucy Stone
100. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- (Persian) Gulf War
101. Why did the United States enter World War I?
- Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships
- To support the Allied Powers (England, France, Italy, and Russia)
- To oppose the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria)
102. When did all women get the right to vote?
- 1920
- After World War I
- (With the) 19th Amendment
103. What was the Great Depression?
- Longest economic recession in modern history
104. When did the Great Depression start?
- The Great Crash (1929)
- Stock market crash of 1929
105. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
- (Franklin) Roosevelt
106. Why did the United States enter World War II?
- (Bombing of) Pearl Harbor
- Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
- To support the Allied Powers (England, France, and Russia)
- To oppose the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan)
107. Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
- General during World War II
- President at the end of (during) the Korean War
- 34th president of the United States
- Signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (Created the Interstate System)
108. Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?
- Soviet Union
- USSR
- Russia
109. During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
- Communism
- Nuclear war
110. Why did the United States enter the Korean War?
- To stop the spread of communism
111. Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?
- To stop the spread of communism
112. What did the civil rights movement do?
- Fought to end racial discrimination
113. Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one. 65/20
- Fought for civil rights
- Worked for equality for all Americans
- Worked to ensure that people would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”
114. Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?
- To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait
115. What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States? 65/20
- Terrorists attacked the United States
- Terrorists took over two planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City
- Terrorists took over a plane and crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia
- Terrorists took over a plane originally aimed at Washington, D.C., and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania
116. Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
- (Global) War on Terror
- War in Afghanistan
- War in Iraq
117. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
- Apache
- Blackfeet
- Cayuga
- Cherokee
- Cheyenne
- Chippewa
- Choctaw
- Creek
- Crow
- Hopi
- Huron
- Inupiat
- Lakota
- Mohawk
- Mohegan
- Navajo
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Pueblo
- Seminole
- Seneca
- Shawnee
- Sioux
- Teton
- Tuscarora
For a complete list of tribes, please visit bia.gov.
118. Name one example of an American innovation.
- Light bulb
- Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine)
- Skyscrapers
- Airplane
- Assembly line
- Landing on the moon
- Integrated circuit (IC)
119. What is the capital of the United States?
- Washington, D.C.
120. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
- New York (Harbor)
- Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]
121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? 65/20
- (Because there were) 13 original colonies
- (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
122. Why does the flag have 50 stars?
- (Because there is) one star for each state
- (Because) each star represents a state
- (Because there are) 50 states
123. What is the name of the national anthem?
- The Star-Spangled Banner
124. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
- Out of many, one
- We all become one
125. What is Independence Day?
- A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain)
- The country’s birthday
126. Name three national U.S. holidays. 65/20
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
127. What is Memorial Day?
- A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service
128. What is Veterans Day?
- A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military
- A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)
2008 Civics Test: All 100 Questions and Answers
Source: official USCIS list. USCIS asks up to 10 questions from the list of 100. You must answer 6 correctly to pass. The officer stops when you reach 6 correct or 5 incorrect.
1. What is the supreme law of the land?
- the Constitution
2. What does the Constitution do?
- sets up the government
- defines the government
- protects basic rights of Americans
3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
- We the People
4. What is an amendment?
- a change (to the Constitution)
- an addition (to the Constitution)
5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
- the Bill of Rights
6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? 65/20
- speech
- religion
- assembly
- press
- petition the government
7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
- twenty-seven (27)
8. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
- announced our independence (from Great Britain)
- declared our independence (from Great Britain)
- said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- life
- liberty
- pursuit of happiness
10. What is freedom of religion?
- You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
11. What is the economic system in the United States? 65/20
- capitalist economy
- market economy
12. What is the “rule of law”?
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
13. Name one branch or part of the government. 65/20
- Congress
- legislative
- President
- executive
- the courts
- judicial
14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- checks and balances
- separation of powers
15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
- the President
16. Who makes federal laws?
- Congress
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
- (U.S. or national) legislature
17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? 65/20
- the Senate and House (of Representatives)
18. How many U.S. Senators are there?
- one hundred (100)
19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
- six (6)
20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now? 65/20
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. Senators.]
21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
- four hundred thirty-five (435)
22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
- two (2)
23. Name your U.S. Representative.
- Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]
24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
- all people of the state
25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
- (because of) the state’s population
- (because) they have more people
- (because) some states have more people
26. We elect a President for how many years?
- four (4)
27. In what month do we vote for President? 65/20
- November
28. What is the name of the President of the United States now? 65/20
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.
29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.
30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- the Vice President
31. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- the Speaker of the House
32. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
- the President
33. Who signs bills to become laws?
- the President
34. Who vetoes bills?
- the President
35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
- advises the President
36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
- Secretary of Defense
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Energy
- Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Secretary of Homeland Security
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Attorney General
- Vice President
37. What does the judicial branch do?
- reviews laws
- explains laws
- resolves disputes (disagreements)
- decides if a law goes against the Constitution
38. What is the highest court in the United States?
- the Supreme Court
39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
40. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.
41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
- to print money
- to declare war
- to create an army
- to make treaties
42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
- provide schooling and education
- provide protection (police)
- provide safety (fire departments)
- give a driver’s license
- approve zoning and land use
43. Who is the Governor of your state now?
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]
44. What is the capital of your state? 65/20
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]
45. What are the two major political parties in the United States? 65/20
- Democratic and Republican
46. What is the political party of the President now?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the political party of the President.
47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
- Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
- You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
- Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
- A male citizen of any race (can vote).
49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? 65/20
- serve on a jury
- vote in a federal election
50. Name one right only for United States citizens.
- vote in a federal election
- run for federal office
51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
- freedom of expression
- freedom of speech
- freedom of assembly
- freedom to petition the government
- freedom of religion
- the right to bear arms
52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
- the United States
- the flag
53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
- give up loyalty to other countries
- defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
- obey the laws of the United States
- serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
- serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
- be loyal to the United States
54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? 65/20
- eighteen (18) and older
55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- vote
- join a political party
- help with a campaign
- join a civic group
- join a community group
- give an elected official your opinion on an issue
- call Senators and Representatives
- publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
- run for office
- write to a newspaper
56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms? 65/20
- April 15
57. When must all men register for the Selective Service?
- at age eighteen (18)
- between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)
58. What is one reason colonists came to America?
- freedom
- political liberty
- religious freedom
- economic opportunity
- practice their religion
- escape persecution
59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
- American Indians
- Native Americans
60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
- Africans
- people from Africa
61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
- because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
- because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
- because they didn’t have self-government
62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
- (Thomas) Jefferson
63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
- July 4, 1776
64. There were 13 original states. Name three.
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
- The Constitution was written.
- The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
66. When was the Constitution written?
- 1787
67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
- (James) Madison
- (Alexander) Hamilton
- (John) Jay
- Publius
68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
- U.S. diplomat
- oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
- first Postmaster General of the United States
- writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”
- started the first free libraries
69. Who is the “Father of Our Country”?
- (George) Washington
70. Who was the first President? 65/20
- (George) Washington
71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
- the Louisiana Territory
- Louisiana
72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War
- Civil War
- Spanish-American War
73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
- the Civil War
- the War between the States
74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
- slavery
- economic reasons
- states’ rights
75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did? 65/20
- freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
- saved (or preserved) the Union
- led the United States during the Civil War
76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
- freed the slaves
- freed slaves in the Confederacy
- freed slaves in the Confederate states
- freed slaves in most Southern states
77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
- fought for women’s rights
- fought for civil rights
78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. 65/20
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- (Persian) Gulf War
79. Who was President during World War I?
- (Woodrow) Wilson
80. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
- (Franklin) Roosevelt
81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?
- Japan, Germany, and Italy
82. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
- World War II
83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
- Communism
84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
- civil rights (movement)
85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do? 65/20
- fought for civil rights
- worked for equality for all Americans
86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
- Terrorists attacked the United States.
87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. [USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]
- Cherokee
- Navajo
- Sioux
- Chippewa
- Choctaw
- Pueblo
- Apache
- Iroquois
- Creek
- Blackfeet
- Seminole
- Cheyenne
- Arawak
- Shawnee
- Mohegan
- Huron
- Oneida
- Lakota
- Crow
- Teton
- Hopi
- Inuit
88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
- Missouri (River)
- Mississippi (River)
89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
- Pacific (Ocean)
90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
- Atlantic (Ocean)
91. Name one U.S. territory.
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- American Samoa
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Guam
92. Name one state that borders Canada.
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Idaho
- Washington
- Alaska
93. Name one state that borders Mexico.
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
94. What is the capital of the United States? 65/20
- Washington, D.C.
95. Where is the Statue of Liberty? 65/20
- New York (Harbor)
- Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]
96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
- because there were 13 original colonies
- because the stripes represent the original colonies
97. Why does the flag have 50 stars? 65/20
- because there is one star for each state
- because each star represents a state
- because there are 50 states
98. What is the name of the national anthem?
- The Star-Spangled Banner
99. When do we celebrate Independence Day? 65/20
- July 4
100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
How the U.S. citizenship test works
At your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer tests your English (reading, writing and speaking) and your knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics). The civics test is oral: the officer asks the questions out loud and you answer out loud. It is not multiple choice. That is why this practice tool asks you to say your answer first and then check it against the official answers.
Which civics test will I take: 2025 or 2008?
It depends on the date you filed your Form N-400. If USCIS received your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test (128 possible questions). If you filed before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 civics test (100 possible questions). Your filing date is on your receipt notice. See USCIS: Study for the Test.
What is the 65/20 exception?
If you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 or more years when you file, you study only a short list of 20 questions marked for the 65/20 exception, and you may take the test in your own language. Check the box above to practice only those questions.
Why do some answers change?
Questions about your U.S. Senators, U.S. Representative, governor, the President, the Vice President, the Speaker of the House and the Chief Justice depend on who holds office when you are interviewed. This page shows the names we last checked, but you must verify the current answer yourself using the official links. USCIS also posts updates for questions whose answers change.
Need help with your citizenship application?
Studying for the test is only one part of naturalization. Past arrests, long trips abroad and tax issues can create problems. Learn more on our U.S. citizenship (Form N-400) page or contact us. You will talk directly with the attorney.
Questions and answers are copied from the official USCIS civics test lists. Official lists last checked: October 15, 2026. This page is not affiliated with USCIS. Official sources: 2025 civics test (USCIS) and Study for the Test (USCIS).