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128 Civics Questions and Answers
2025 Naturalization Civics Test, for an N-400 filed on or after 2025-10-20. The officer asks up to 20; 12 correct passes. Questions marked with a star are the 65/20 list.
American Government
A. Principles of American Government
- 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?
(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?
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.
Name any two of these
- Equality
- Liberty
- Social contract
- Natural rights
- Limited government
- Self-government
- 11
"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?
- 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
B. System of Government
- 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.
- 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?
Your two U.S. Senators depend on your state. Look yours up by state on the official Senate site.
Look it up: Find your Senators (senate.gov)
- 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.
Your U.S. Representative depends on your home address and congressional district. Look yours up by ZIP code.
Look it up: Find your Representative (house.gov)
- 30★
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Mike Johnson
Current as of 2026-09-03. Changes with elections and appointments.
- 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?
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?
Donald J. Trump
Current as of 2026-09-03. Changes with elections and appointments.
- 39★
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
JD Vance
Current as of 2026-09-03. Changes with elections and appointments.
- 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?
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?
Name any two of these
- 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?
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?
John Roberts
Current as of 2026-09-03. Changes with elections and appointments.
- 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?
Your Governor depends on your state. District of Columbia residents answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.
Look it up: Find your Governor (usa.gov)
- 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.
C. Rights and Responsibilities
- 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?
Name any three of these
- 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?
- The United States
- The flag
- 67
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Name any two of these
- 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?
Name any two of these
- 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
American History
D. Colonial Period and Independence
- 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?
- 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?
(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.
Name any five of these
- 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.
- "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
E. The 1800s
- 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.
- 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
F. Recent American History
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
Name any one. For a complete list visit bia.gov
- 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
- 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)
Symbols and Holidays
G. Symbols
- 119
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
- 120
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
- New York (Harbor)
- Liberty Island
- New Jersey
- Near New York City
- On the Hudson (River)
- 121★
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
- (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
H. Holidays
- 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.
Name any three of these
- 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)