128 practice questions for the US Citizenship Test, grouped by chapter, with answers and the source each one comes from.
Some US answers depend on your state (for example your governor and senators). Check the current officials on the official USCIS page.
Take a free practice testWhat is the supreme law of the land?
Answer: U.S. Constitution / Constitution / the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is the highest law in the country. No federal or state law may conflict with it.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 2; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 1
What is the form of government of the United States?
Answer: Republic / Constitution-based federal republic / Representative democracy
The United States is a republic: citizens elect representatives to govern, and the government is based on the Constitution.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 1
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
Answer: Forms the government / Defines powers of government / Defines the parts of government / Protects the rights of the people
The Constitution sets up the federal government, defines its parts and powers, and protects the rights of the people.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 3
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
Answer: Self-government / Popular sovereignty / Consent of the governed / People should govern themselves / Example of social contract / social contract
“We the People” means the government's power comes from the people, who govern themselves.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 4
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Answer: Amendments / The amendment process
The Constitution is changed through amendments, which must go through the amendment process set out in the Constitution.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 5
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Answer: The basic rights of Americans / rights of Americans / The basic rights of people living in the United States / rights of people living in the United States
Name the three branches of government.
Answer: Legislative, executive, and judicial / Congress, president, and the courts
The three branches are the legislative (Congress), executive (the president), and judicial (the courts). You must name all three.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 16
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Answer: Executive branch
The president leads the executive branch, which carries out and enforces the laws.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 17
What part of the federal government writes laws?
Answer: U.S. Congress / Congress / U.S. legislature / national legislature / legislature / Legislative branch
Congress, the legislative branch, writes federal laws.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 18
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Answer: Senate and House of Representatives / Senate and House / the Senate and House of Representatives / the Senate and House
Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 19; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 17
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
Answer: Writes laws / Declares war / Makes the federal budget
Congress writes laws, declares war, and makes the federal budget.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 20
How many U.S. senators are there?
Answer: One hundred / 100
There are 100 U.S. senators, two from each of the 50 states.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 21
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Answer: Citizens eighteen and older can vote. / Citizens eighteen and older. / Citizens 18 and older can vote / Citizens 18 and older / You don’t have to pay a poll tax to vote. / You don’t have to pay to vote. / Any citizen can vote. / Women and men can vote. / A male citizen of any race can vote. / A male citizen of any race.
The voting amendments (15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th) protect the vote for male citizens of any race, women, people who cannot pay a poll tax, and citizens 18 and older.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 63
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
Answer: Citizens / Citizens of the United States / U.S. citizens
Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 64
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
Answer: Freedom of expression / Freedom of speech / Freedom of assembly / Freedom to petition the government / Freedom of religion / The right to bear arms
Many constitutional rights protect everyone living in the United States, not just citizens. On the real test, name three of: Freedom of expression; Freedom of speech; Freedom of assembly; Freedom to petition the government; Freedom of religion; The right to bear arms.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 65
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
Answer: The United States / The flag / the United States / the flag
The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty to the flag and to the United States.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 66; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 52
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Answer: Give up loyalty to other countries / Defend the U.S. Constitution / Defend the Constitution / Obey the laws of the United States / Serve in the military if needed / Serve in the military / Serve the nation if needed / Serve the nation / Help the nation if needed / Help the nation / Do important work for the nation if needed / Do important work for the nation / Be loyal to the United States
The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
Answer: Freedom / Political liberty / Religious freedom / Economic opportunity / Escape persecution
Colonists came for freedom, including political and religious liberty, for economic opportunity, and to escape persecution.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 73
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
Answer: American Indians / Native Americans
American Indians (Native Americans) lived in America long before Europeans arrived.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 74; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 59
What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
Answer: Africans / People from Africa
Millions of Africans were captured, brought to the Americas, and sold as slaves.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 75
What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
Answer: American Revolution / The American Revolutionary War / The Revolutionary War / War for American Independence / War for Independence
The American Revolution (1775-1783) won the colonies' independence from Britain.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 76
Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
Answer: 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 Acts / Coercive Acts
Colonists objected to British taxes passed without their consent, soldiers quartered in their homes, and the lack of self-government, which led to events like the Boston Tea Party.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 77
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
Answer: Louisiana Territory / Louisiana / the Louisiana Territory
In the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France, roughly doubling the country's size.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 90; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 71
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
Answer: War of 1812 / Mexican-American War / Civil War / Spanish-American War
U.S. wars in the 1800s included the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 91; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 72
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
Answer: The Civil War / the Civil War / the War between the States
The Civil War (1861-1865) was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy).
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 92; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 73
The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
Answer: Battle of Fort Sumter / Fort Sumter / Emancipation Proclamation / Battle of Vicksburg / Vicksburg / Battle of Gettysburg / Gettysburg / Sherman’s March / Surrender at Appomattox / Appomattox / Battle of Antietam / Antietam / Battle of Sharpsburg / Sharpsburg / Battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg / Antietam/Sharpsburg / Lincoln was assassinated.
Major Civil War events include Fort Sumter, Antietam, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, the surrender at Appomattox, and Lincoln's assassination.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 93
Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: Freed the slaves / Emancipation Proclamation / Saved the Union / Preserved the Union / Led the United States during the Civil War / 16th president of the United States / Delivered the Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, led the country through the Civil War, preserved the Union, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivered the Gettysburg Address.
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
Answer: World War I / World War II / Korean War / Vietnam War / Persian Gulf War / Gulf War
U.S. wars in the 1900s included World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the (Persian) Gulf War.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 100; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 78
Why did the United States enter World War I?
Answer: Because Germany attacked U.S. civilian ships / Because Germany attacked U.S. ships / To support the Allied Powers / To support the Allied Powers England, France, Italy, and Russia / To oppose the Central Powers / To oppose the Central Powers Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria
The United States entered World War I in 1917 after German attacks on U.S. ships, joining the Allied Powers against the Central Powers.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 101
When did all women get the right to vote?
Answer: 1920 / After World War I / With the 19th Amendment / 19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920 after World War I, gave women the right to vote.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 102
What was the Great Depression?
Answer: Longest economic recession in modern history
The Great Depression was the longest economic recession in modern history, lasting through the 1930s.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 103
When did the Great Depression start?
Answer: The Great Crash 1929 / The Great Crash / 1929 / Stock market crash of 1929
The Great Depression began with the stock market crash of 1929, known as the Great Crash.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 104
Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
Franklin Roosevelt / Roosevelt
What is the capital of the United States?
Answer: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. (the District of Columbia) is the nation's capital and home to the federal government.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 119; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 94
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Answer: New York Harbor / New York / Liberty Island / New Jersey / near New York City / on the Hudson River / on the Hudson
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. USCIS also accepts New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 120; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 95
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Answer: Because there were 13 original colonies / 13 original colonies / Because the stripes represent the original colonies / represent the original colonies / because there were 13 original colonies / because the stripes represent the original colonies
The flag's 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 121; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 96
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
Answer: Because there is one star for each state / one star for each state / Because each star represents a state / each star represents a state / Because there are 50 states / 50 states / because there is one star for each state / because each star represents a state / because there are 50 states
The flag has 50 stars, one for each state.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 122; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 97
What is the name of the national anthem?
Answer: The Star-Spangled Banner
The national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key in 1814.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 123; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 98
The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
What is Independence Day?
Answer: A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence from Britain / A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence / The country’s birthday
Independence Day, July 4, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776; it is the country's birthday.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 125
Name three national U.S. holidays.
Answer: 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
National (federal) holidays are days set by law when federal offices close. On the real test, name three of: 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.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 126
What is Memorial Day?
Answer: A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, honors soldiers who died in military service.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 127
What is Veterans Day?
Answer: A holiday to honor people in the U.S. military / A holiday to honor people in the military / A holiday to honor people who have served in the U.S. military / A holiday to honor people who have served
Veterans Day, November 11, honors people who have served in the U.S. military.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 128
The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments, protects the basic rights of Americans and people living in the United States.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 6
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
Answer: Twenty-seven / 27
The U.S. Constitution has 27 amendments. The first ten are called the Bill of Rights.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 7
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
Answer: It says America is free from British control. / It says all people are created equal. / It identifies inherent rights. / It identifies individual freedoms.
The Declaration of Independence announced that America was free from British control and stated that all people are created equal with inherent rights.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 8
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Answer: Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, declared the colonies free from Britain.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 9
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Answer: Equality / Liberty / Social contract / Natural rights / Limited government / Self-government
Both founding documents share core ideas such as equality, liberty, and government by consent of the people. On the real test, name two of: Equality; Liberty; Social contract; Natural rights; Limited government; Self-government.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 10
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Answer: Declaration of Independence
These words come from the Declaration of Independence, which names them as unalienable rights.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 11
What is the economic system of the United States?
Answer: Capitalism / Free market economy
The United States has a capitalist, free market economy, where businesses are mostly privately owned.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 12
What is the rule of law?
Answer: Everyone must follow the law. / Leaders must obey the law. / Government must obey the law. / No one is above the law.
The rule of law means everyone, including leaders and the government, must obey the law. No one is above it.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 13
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Answer: 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
The Constitution drew on earlier documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 14
There are three branches of government. Why?
Answer: So one part does not become too powerful / Checks and balances / Separation of powers
Power is split among three branches (separation of powers) so each can check the others and no one part becomes too powerful.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 15
Answer: Six years / 6 years / Six / 6
U.S. senators are elected for six-year terms.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 22
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Answer: Four hundred thirty-five / 435
The House of Representatives has 435 voting members, divided among the states by population.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 24
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
Answer: Two years / 2 years / Two / 2
Members of the House of Representatives are elected for two-year terms.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 25
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
Answer: To more closely follow public opinion
Two-year terms mean representatives face voters often, so the House more closely follows public opinion.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 26
How many senators does each state have?
Answer: Two / 2
Every state has two U.S. senators, no matter its population.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 27
Why does each state have two senators?
Answer: Equal representation for small states / Equal representation / The Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) gave every state two senators so small states have equal representation in the Senate.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 28
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Answer: Mike Johnson / Johnson / James Michael Johnson
Per uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates, the Speaker of the House is Mike Johnson. Always answer with whoever holds the office at the time of your interview.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 30; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 47
Who does a U.S. senator represent?
Answer: Citizens of their state / People of their state
Each U.S. senator represents all the people of their state.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 31
Who elects U.S. senators?
Answer: Citizens from their state
U.S. senators are elected by the citizens of their state.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 32
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
Answer: Citizens in their congressional district / Citizens in their district / People from their congressional district / People from their district / People in their district
A member of the House represents the people of their congressional district.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 33
Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
Answer: Citizens from their congressional district / Citizens from their district
Members of the House are elected by the citizens of their congressional district.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 34
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
Answer: Because of the state’s population / the state’s population / Because they have more people / they have more people / Because some states have more people / some states have more people
House seats are divided by population, so states with more people have more representatives.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 35
The President of the United States is elected for how many years?
Answer: Four years / 4 years / Four / 4
The president is elected for a four-year term.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 36
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
Answer: Because of the 22nd Amendment / the 22nd Amendment / To keep the president from becoming too powerful
The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two elected terms to keep any president from becoming too powerful.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 37
What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Answer: Donald J. Trump / Donald Trump / Trump
Per uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates, the President is Donald J. Trump. Always answer with whoever holds the office at the time of your interview.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 38; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 28
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Answer: JD Vance / Vance
Per uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates, the Vice President is JD Vance. Always answer with whoever holds the office at the time of your interview.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 39; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 29
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
Answer: The Vice President of the United States / The Vice President
If the president dies, resigns, or is removed, the vice president becomes president.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 40
Name one power of the president.
Answer: Signs bills into law / Vetoes bills / Enforces laws / Commander in Chief of the military / Commander in Chief / Chief diplomat / Appoints federal judges
The president's powers include signing or vetoing bills, enforcing laws, commanding the military, leading diplomacy, and appointing federal judges.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 41
Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
Answer: The President of the United States / The President
The president is Commander in Chief, keeping the military under civilian control.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 42
Who signs bills to become laws?
Answer: The President of the United States / The President / the President
After Congress passes a bill, the president signs it to make it a law.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 43; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 33
Who vetoes bills?
Answer: The President of the United States / The President / the President
The president can veto (reject) a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 44; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 34
Who appoints federal judges?
Answer: The President of the United States / The President
The president appoints federal judges, and the Senate must confirm them.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 45
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
Answer: President of the United States / President / Cabinet / Federal departments and agencies
The executive branch includes the president, the Cabinet, and the federal departments and agencies.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 46
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Answer: Advises the President of the United States / Advises the President / advises the President
The Cabinet is made up of the heads of executive departments and other top officials who advise the president.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 47; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 35
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Answer: 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 / Secretary of Defense / Vice-President / 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
The Cabinet includes the vice president, the heads of the executive departments, and certain other senior officials. On the 2025 test, name two of: 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. On the 2008 test, name two of: 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.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 48; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 36
Why is the Electoral College important?
Answer: It decides who is elected president. / It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
Electors chosen by each state cast the votes that decide who becomes president, a compromise between a popular vote and selection by Congress.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 49
What is one part of the judicial branch?
Answer: Supreme Court / Federal Courts
The judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court and the other federal courts.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 50
What does the judicial branch do?
Answer: Reviews laws / Explains laws / Resolves disputes about the law / Resolves disagreements about the law / Resolves disputes / Resolves disagreements / Decides if a law goes against the U.S. Constitution / Decides if a law goes against the Constitution / reviews laws / explains laws / resolves disputes / resolves disagreements / decides if a law goes against the Constitution
The courts review and explain laws, settle disputes about the law, and decide whether laws go against the Constitution.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 51; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 37
What is the highest court in the United States?
Answer: Supreme Court / the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States; its decisions are final.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 52; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 38
How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
Answer: Nine / 9
The Supreme Court has nine seats: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 53
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
Answer: Five / 5
A majority of the nine justices, usually five, is needed to decide a case.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 54
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
Answer: For life / life / Lifetime appointment / Until retirement / retirement
Supreme Court justices are appointed for life and usually serve until they retire or die.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 55
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
Answer: To be independent of politics / To be independent / To limit outside political influence / To limit outside influence
Life terms let justices decide cases independently, without worrying about elections or outside political pressure.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 56
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
Answer: John Roberts / John G. Roberts, Jr. / Roberts
Per uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates, the Chief Justice is John G. Roberts, Jr. Always answer with whoever holds the office at the time of your interview.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 57; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 40
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Answer: Print paper money / Mint coins / Declare war / Create an army / Make treaties / Set foreign policy
Some powers belong only to the national government, such as printing money, declaring war, and making treaties.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 58
Name one power that is only for the states.
Answer: Provide schooling and education / Provide protection / Police / Provide safety / Fire departments / Give a driver’s license / Approve zoning and land use
States handle things like schools, police and fire protection, driver's licenses, and zoning.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 59
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
Answer: It states that the powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people. / powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.
The 10th Amendment says powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution belong to the states or to the people.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 60
New citizens take the Oath of Allegiance at the naturalization ceremony, promising loyalty and service to the United States. On the real test, name two of: 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.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 67
How can people become United States citizens?
Answer: Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment / Born in the United States / Naturalize / Derive citizenship under conditions set by Congress / Derive citizenship
People become citizens by being born in the United States (under the 14th Amendment), by naturalizing, or by deriving citizenship, for example through a parent.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 68
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
Answer: 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 / Give an elected official your opinion / Contact elected officials / Support or oppose an issue or policy / Write to a newspaper
Civic participation means taking part in public life and government. On the real test, name two of: 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.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 69
What is one way Americans can serve their country?
Answer: Vote / Pay taxes / Obey the law / Serve in the military / Run for office / Work for local, state, or federal government
Americans serve their country by voting, paying taxes, obeying the law, serving in the military, running for office, or working in government.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 70
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
Answer: Required by law / All people pay to fund the federal government / Required by the U.S. Constitution / Required by the Constitution / 16th Amendment / Civic duty
Federal taxes are required by law (the 16th Amendment allows an income tax) and fund the federal government; paying them is a civic duty.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 71
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
Answer: Required by law / Civic duty / Makes the draft fair, if needed
Registering with the Selective Service is required by law and is a civic duty; it keeps a military draft fair if one is ever needed.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 72
Answer: Thomas Jefferson / Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 78; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 62
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Answer: July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, now celebrated as Independence Day.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 79; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 63
The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
Answer: Battle of Bunker Hill / Bunker Hill / Declaration of Independence / Washington Crossing the Delaware / Battle of Trenton / Battle of Saratoga / Saratoga / Valley Forge Encampment / Valley Forge / Battle of Yorktown / Yorktown / British surrender at Yorktown
Key events of the Revolution include Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, Washington crossing the Delaware, Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the British surrender at Yorktown.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 80
There were 13 original states. Name five.
Answer: New Hampshire / Massachusetts / Rhode Island / Connecticut / New York / New Jersey / Pennsylvania / Delaware / Maryland / Virginia / North Carolina / South Carolina / Georgia
The 13 original states were the former British colonies along the Atlantic coast. On the real test, name five of: New Hampshire; Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Delaware; Maryland; Virginia; North Carolina; South Carolina; Georgia.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 81
What founding document was written in 1787?
Answer: U.S. Constitution / Constitution
The U.S. Constitution was written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 82
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
Answer: James Madison / Madison / Alexander Hamilton / Hamilton / John Jay / Jay / Publius
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers under the shared pen name “Publius.”
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 83; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 67
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
Answer: They helped people understand the U.S. Constitution. / They helped people understand the Constitution. / They supported passing the U.S. Constitution. / They supported passing the Constitution.
The Federalist Papers explained the new Constitution and argued for ratifying it.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 84
Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: Founded the first free public libraries / First Postmaster General of the United States / Helped write the Declaration of Independence / Inventor / U.S. diplomat
Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, diplomat, first Postmaster General, founder of the first free public libraries, and helped write the Declaration of Independence.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 85
George Washington is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: Father of Our Country / First president of the United States / General of the Continental Army / President of the Constitutional Convention
George Washington led the Continental Army, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and became the first president; he is called the “Father of Our Country.”
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 86
Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: 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
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and, as third president, doubled the size of the country with the Louisiana Purchase.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 87
James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: Father of the Constitution / Fourth president of the United States / President during the War of 1812 / One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution”; he co-wrote the Federalist Papers and was the fourth president, during the War of 1812.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 88
Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: 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
Alexander Hamilton was Washington's aide, co-wrote the Federalist Papers, and as first Secretary of the Treasury helped establish the First Bank of the United States.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 89
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 94
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
Answer: Freed the slaves / Freed slaves in the Confederacy / Freed slaves in the Confederate states / Freed slaves in most Southern states / freed the slaves / freed slaves in the Confederacy / freed slaves in the Confederate states / freed slaves in most Southern states
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (1863) declared enslaved people in the Confederate states to be free.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 95; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 76
What U.S. war ended slavery?
Answer: The Civil War
The Union victory in the Civil War ended slavery, which the 13th Amendment then abolished in 1865.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 96
What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?
Answer: 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment (1868) defines U.S. citizenship for people born or naturalized in the United States.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 97
When did all men get the right to vote?
Answer: After the Civil War / During Reconstruction / With the 15th Amendment / 15th Amendment / 1870
The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870 during Reconstruction after the Civil War, gave men of any race the right to vote.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 98
Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s.
Answer: Susan B. Anthony / Elizabeth Cady Stanton / Sojourner Truth / Harriet Tubman / Lucretia Mott / Lucy Stone
Leaders of the 1800s women's rights movement included Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Lucretia Mott, and Lucy Stone.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 99
Franklin D. Roosevelt was president from 1933 to 1945, through the Great Depression and most of World War II.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 105
Why did the United States enter World War II?
Answer: Bombing of Pearl Harbor / Pearl Harbor / Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor / To support the Allied Powers / To support the Allied Powers England, France, and Russia / To oppose the Axis Powers / To oppose the Axis Powers Germany, Italy, and Japan
The United States entered World War II after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, joining the Allies against the Axis Powers.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 106
Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: General during World War II / President at the end of the Korean War / President during the Korean War / 34th president of the United States / Signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 / Created the Interstate System
Dwight Eisenhower was a World War II general and the 34th president, who was in office at the end of the Korean War and signed the 1956 highway act that created the Interstate System.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 107
Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?
Answer: Soviet Union / USSR / Russia
During the Cold War (about 1947-1991), the main U.S. rival was the Soviet Union (USSR).
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 108
During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
Answer: Communism / Nuclear war
During the Cold War, the United States was mainly concerned about the spread of communism and the threat of nuclear war.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 109
Why did the United States enter the Korean War?
Answer: To stop the spread of communism
The United States fought in Korea (1950-1953) to stop the spread of communism.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 110
Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?
Answer: To stop the spread of communism
The United States fought in Vietnam to stop the spread of communism.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 111
What did the civil rights movement do?
Answer: Fought to end racial discrimination
The civil rights movement, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, fought to end racial discrimination.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 112
Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one.
Answer: 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
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights leader who worked for equality for all Americans.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 113
Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?
Answer: To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait
In 1991 the United States led a coalition to force Iraq's military out of Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 114
What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States?
Answer: 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
On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four planes and attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; one plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 115
Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Answer: Global War on Terror / War on Terror / War in Afghanistan / War in Iraq
After the 9/11 attacks, the United States fought the Global War on Terror, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 116
Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
Answer: 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 / Iroquois / Arawak / Inuit
There are hundreds of federally recognized American Indian tribes; the official list includes the Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, and others. USCIS points to bia.gov for a complete list.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 117; USCIS 2008 Civics Test, question 87
Name one example of an American innovation.
Answer: Light bulb / Automobile / Cars / Internal combustion engine / Skyscrapers / Airplane / Assembly line / Landing on the moon / Integrated circuit / IC
American innovations include the light bulb, the automobile, skyscrapers, the airplane, the assembly line, the moon landing, and the integrated circuit.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 118
Answer: Out of many, one / We all become one
“E Pluribus Unum” is Latin for “Out of many, one,” meaning many states and peoples form one nation.
Source: USCIS 2025 Civics Test, question 124