What is the form of government of the United States?
Show the answers
- Republic
- Constitution-based federal republic
- Representative democracy
2025 civics test · USCIS M-1778
All 128 questions
Read the question, press Hear it, say your answer out loud, then open the official answers. Questions with a ★ are the 20 for the 65/20 test.
American Government A: Principles of American Government
2★
What is the supreme law of the land?
Show the answers
- (U.S.) Constitution
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
Show the answers
- Forms the government
- Defines powers of government
- Defines the parts of government
- Protects the rights of the people
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?
Show the answers
- Self-government
- Popular sovereignty
- Consent of the governed
- People should govern themselves
- (Example of) social contract
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Show the answers
- Amendments
- The amendment process
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Show the answers
- (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?
Show the answers
- Twenty-seven (27)
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
Show the answers
- It says America is free from British control.
- It says all people are created equal.
- It identifies inherent rights.
- It identifies individual freedoms.
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Show the answers
- Declaration of Independence
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Show the answers
- Equality
- Liberty
- Social contract
- Natural rights
- Limited government
- Self-government
The words "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" are in what founding document?
Show the answers
- Declaration of Independence
12★
What is the economic system of the United States?
Show the answers
- Capitalism
- Free market economy
What is the rule of law?
Show the answers
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Show the answers
- 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
There are three branches of government. Why?
Show the answers
- So one part does not become too powerful
- Checks and balances
- Separation of powers
American Government B: System of Government
Name the three branches of government.
Show the answers
- Legislative, executive, and judicial
- Congress, president, and the courts
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Show the answers
- Executive branch
What part of the federal government writes laws?
Show the answers
- (U.S.) Congress
- (U.S. or national) legislature
- Legislative branch
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Show the answers
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
20★
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
Show the answers
- Writes laws
- Declares war
- Makes the federal budget
How many U.S. senators are there?
Show the answers
- One hundred (100)
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
Show the answers
- Six (6) years
Who is one of your state's U.S. senators now?
Show the answers
- 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.]
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Show the answers
- Four hundred thirty-five (435)
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
Show the answers
- Two (2) years
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
Show the answers
- To more closely follow public opinion
How many senators does each state have?
Show the answers
- Two (2)
Why does each state have two senators?
Show the answers
- Equal representation (for small states)
- The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
Name your U.S. representative.
Show the answers
- 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?
Show the answers
- This answer changes with elections and appointments. Say the name of the person serving on the day of your interview: check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.
Who does a U.S. senator represent?
Show the answers
- Citizens of their state
- People of their state
Who elects U.S. senators?
Show the answers
- Citizens from their state
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
Show the answers
- Citizens in their (congressional) district
- Citizens in their district
- People from their (congressional) district
- People in their district
Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
Show the answers
- Citizens from their (congressional) district
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
Show the answers
- (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?
Show the answers
- Four (4) years
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
Show the answers
- (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?
Show the answers
- This answer changes with elections and appointments. Say the name of the person serving on the day of your interview: check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.
39★
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Show the answers
- This answer changes with elections and appointments. Say the name of the person serving on the day of your interview: check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
Show the answers
- The Vice President (of the United States)
Name one power of the president.
Show the answers
- Signs bills into law
- Vetoes bills
- Enforces laws
- Commander in Chief (of the military)
- Chief diplomat
- Appoints federal judges
Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
Show the answers
- The President (of the United States)
Who signs bills to become laws?
Show the answers
- The President (of the United States)
44★
Who vetoes bills?
Show the answers
- The President (of the United States)
Who appoints federal judges?
Show the answers
- The President (of the United States)
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
Show the answers
- President (of the United States)
- Cabinet
- Federal departments and agencies
What does the President's Cabinet do?
Show the answers
- Advises the President (of the United States)
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Show the answers
- 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
Why is the Electoral College important?
Show the answers
- It decides who is elected president.
- It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
What is one part of the judicial branch?
Show the answers
- Supreme Court
- Federal Courts
What does the judicial branch do?
Show the answers
- 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?
Show the answers
- Supreme Court
How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
Show the answers
- Nine (9)
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
Show the answers
- Five (5)
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
Show the answers
- (For) life
- Lifetime appointment
- (Until) retirement
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
Show the answers
- To be independent (of politics)
- To limit outside (political) influence
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
Show the answers
- This answer changes with elections and appointments. Say the name of the person serving on the day of your interview: check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Show the answers
- Print paper money
- Mint coins
- Declare war
- Create an army
- Make treaties
- Set foreign policy
Name one power that is only for the states.
Show the answers
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver's license
- Approve zoning and land use
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
Show the answers
- (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?
Show the answers
- Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]
What is the capital of your state?
Show the answers
- 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.]
American Government C: Rights and Responsibilities
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Show the answers
- 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).
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
Show the answers
- Citizens
- Citizens of the United States
- U.S. citizens
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
Show the answers
- 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?
Show the answers
- The United States
- The flag
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Show the answers
- 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
How can people become United States citizens?
Show the answers
- Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
- Naturalize
- Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
Show the answers
- 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
What is one way Americans can serve their country?
Show the answers
- Vote
- Pay taxes
- Obey the law
- Serve in the military
- Run for office
- Work for local, state, or federal government
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
Show the answers
- Required by law
- All people pay to fund the federal government
- Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
- Civic duty
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
Show the answers
- Required by law
- Civic duty
- Makes the draft fair, if needed
American History A: Colonial Period and Independence
The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
Show the answers
- Freedom
- Political liberty
- Religious freedom
- Economic opportunity
- Escape persecution
74★
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
Show the answers
- American Indians
- Native Americans
What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
Show the answers
- Africans
- People from Africa
What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
Show the answers
- American Revolution
- The (American) Revolutionary War
- War for (American) Independence
Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
Show the answers
- 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?
Show the answers
- (Thomas) Jefferson
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Show the answers
- July 4, 1776
The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
Show the answers
- (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)
There were 13 original states. Name five.
Show the answers
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
What founding document was written in 1787?
Show the answers
- (U.S.) Constitution
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
Show the answers
- (James) Madison
- (Alexander) Hamilton
- (John) Jay
- Publius
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
Show the answers
- They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
- They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.
Show the answers
- 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.
Show the answers
- "Father of Our Country"
- First president of the United States
- General of the Continental Army
- President of the Constitutional Convention
Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.
Show the answers
- 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
James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.
Show the answers
- "Father of the Constitution"
- Fourth president of the United States
- President during the War of 1812
- One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.
Show the answers
- 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
American History B: 1800s
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
Show the answers
- Louisiana Territory
- Louisiana
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
Show the answers
- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War
- Civil War
- Spanish-American War
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
Show the answers
- The Civil War
The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
Show the answers
- (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.
Show the answers
- 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
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
Show the answers
- Freed the slaves
- Freed slaves in the Confederacy
- Freed slaves in the Confederate states
- Freed slaves in most Southern states
What U.S. war ended slavery?
Show the answers
- The Civil War
What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?
Show the answers
- 14th Amendment
When did all men get the right to vote?
Show the answers
- After the Civil War
- During Reconstruction
- (With the) 15th Amendment
- 1870
Name one leader of the women's rights movement in the 1800s.
Show the answers
- Susan B. Anthony
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton
- Sojourner Truth
- Harriet Tubman
- Lucretia Mott
- Lucy Stone
American History C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
Show the answers
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- (Persian) Gulf War
Why did the United States enter World War I?
Show the answers
- 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)
When did all women get the right to vote?
Show the answers
- 1920
- After World War I
- (With the) 19th Amendment
What was the Great Depression?
Show the answers
- Longest economic recession in modern history
When did the Great Depression start?
Show the answers
- The Great Crash (1929)
- Stock market crash of 1929
Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
Show the answers
- (Franklin) Roosevelt
Why did the United States enter World War II?
Show the answers
- (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)
Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
Show the answers
- 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)
Who was the United States' main rival during the Cold War?
Show the answers
- Soviet Union
- USSR
- Russia
During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
Show the answers
- Communism
- Nuclear war
Why did the United States enter the Korean War?
Show the answers
- To stop the spread of communism
Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?
Show the answers
- To stop the spread of communism
What did the civil rights movement do?
Show the answers
- Fought to end racial discrimination
113★
Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one.
Show the answers
- 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"
Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?
Show the answers
- To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait
115★
What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States?
Show the answers
- 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
Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Show the answers
- (Global) War on Terror
- War in Afghanistan
- War in Iraq
Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
Show the answers
- 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.
Name one example of an American innovation.
Show the answers
- Light bulb
- Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine)
- Skyscrapers
- Airplane
- Assembly line
- Landing on the moon
- Integrated circuit (IC)
Symbols and Holidays A: Symbols
What is the capital of the United States?
Show the answers
- Washington, D.C.
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Show the answers
- 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?
Show the answers
- (Because there were) 13 original colonies
- (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
Show the answers
- (Because there is) one star for each state
- (Because) each star represents a state
- (Because there are) 50 states
What is the name of the national anthem?
Show the answers
- The Star-Spangled Banner
The Nation's first motto was "E Pluribus Unum." What does that mean?
Show the answers
- Out of many, one
- We all become one
Symbols and Holidays B: Holidays
What is Independence Day?
Show the answers
- A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain)
- The country's birthday
126★
Name three national U.S. holidays.
Show the answers
- 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
What is Memorial Day?
Show the answers
- A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service
What is Veterans Day?
Show the answers
- A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military
- A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)
Ready to be asked? A mock interview draws questions at random, like the real one.