100 civics questions and answers (2008 test)

1. What is the supreme law of the land?

• the Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It creates the basic structure of the U.S. government, defines government powers, and stands above ordinary federal or state laws.

2. What does the Constitution do?

• sets up the government
• defines the government
• protects basic rights of Americans

The Constitution sets up the government, defines its parts and powers, and protects the basic rights of Americans. Any of those three ideas is an acceptable answer.

3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

• We the People

"We the People" are the first three words of the Constitution. They express the principle of self-government: the authority of the government comes from the people.

4. What is an amendment?

• a change (to the Constitution)
• an addition (to the Constitution)

An amendment is a formal change or addition to the Constitution. Amendments allow the Constitution to be updated without replacing the entire document.

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

• the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is the name for the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments protect basic rights such as speech, religion, assembly, and due process.

6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

• speech
• religion
• assembly
• press
• petition the government

The First Amendment protects several freedoms: speech, religion, assembly, press, and the right to petition the government. You only need to name one of them.

7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?

• twenty-seven (27)

The Constitution has twenty-seven amendments. Amendments are formal changes or additions to the Constitution, beginning with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights.

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)

The Declaration of Independence announced that the American colonies were separating from Great Britain.

9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

• life
• liberty
• pursuit of happiness

The Declaration of Independence says people have unalienable rights, including life and liberty. These ideas explain why the colonies claimed the right to separate from a government that violated basic rights.

10. What is freedom of religion?

• You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

Freedom of religion means people may practice any religion or choose not to practice a religion. The government cannot require one religion or punish people for their religious choice.

11. What is the economic system in the United States?*

• capitalist economy
• market economy

The United States has a capitalist economy, also called a market economy. In this system, private ownership, competition, consumer choice, and market prices play a major role in economic decisions.

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.

The rule of law means that law applies to everyone, including citizens, leaders, and the government itself.

13. Name one branch or part of the government.*

• Congress
• legislative
• President
• executive
• the courts
• judicial

Congress is one branch or part of the federal government and belongs to the legislative branch.

14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• checks and balances
• separation of powers

Checks and balances prevent one branch from controlling the whole government. For example, Congress makes laws, the President can veto bills, and courts can review laws for constitutionality.

15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?

• the President

The President is in charge of the executive branch. The executive branch carries out and enforces federal laws.

16. Who makes federal laws?

• Congress
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
• (U.S. or national) legislature

Congress makes federal laws through the legislative process. A bill must pass through Congress, which is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, before it can become federal law.

17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

• the Senate and House (of Representatives)

The U.S. Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together, they form the legislative branch that makes federal laws.

18. How many U.S. Senators are there?

• one hundred (100)

There are one hundred U.S. Senators. Each state has equal representation in the Senate with two Senators, and there are fifty states, so the total is 100.

19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

• six (6)

A U.S. Senator is elected for a six-year term. Longer Senate terms were designed to give Senators more stability than members of the House, who face election every two years.

20. 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.]

Every state elects two U.S. senators, and the names change with elections. Look up your state's current senators before your interview and answer with one who is serving at that time.

21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

• four hundred thirty-five (435)

The House of Representatives has four hundred thirty-five voting members. House seats are divided among the states based on population, so larger states have more Representatives than smaller states.

22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

• two (2)

A U.S. Representative is elected for a two-year term. This short term keeps House members closely accountable to voters in their congressional districts.

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.]

Your representative depends on where you live. Find your current U.S. representative on house.gov before your interview and answer with that name.

24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

• all people of the state

A U.S. Senator represents all people of the state. Each state has two Senators, and both represent the entire state rather than one congressional district.

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

Some states have more Representatives because House seats are apportioned by population. States with more people receive more seats in the House, while every state still has two Senators.

26. We elect a President for how many years?

• four (4)

The President is elected for a four-year term. Presidential elections are held every four years.

27. In what month do we vote for President?*

• November

U.S. presidential elections are held in November, before the next presidential term begins in January.

28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.

This answer changes with elections and appointments. Answer with the person serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS test updates page shortly before your appointment.

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.

This answer changes with elections and appointments. Answer with the person serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS test updates page shortly before your appointment.

30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

• the Vice President

If the President can no longer serve, the Vice President becomes President. This succession rule keeps executive leadership continuous during death, resignation, removal, or incapacity.

31. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

• the Speaker of the House

If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House becomes President. The Speaker is next in the statutory line of succession after the Vice President.

32. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

• the President

The President is the Commander in Chief of the military. This gives the elected civilian President ultimate authority over the armed forces, while Congress still has important war and funding powers.

33. Who signs bills to become laws?

• the President

The President signs bills to become laws. After Congress passes a bill, the President can approve it by signing it, reject it with a veto, or in some cases allow it to become law without a signature.

34. Who vetoes bills?

• the President

The President vetoes bills. A veto is one check on Congress because it rejects a bill passed by the legislature, although Congress can override the veto with enough votes.

35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?

• advises the President

The President's Cabinet advises the President. Cabinet members lead major executive departments, such as State, Defense, and Treasury, and help the President make decisions about policy and administration.

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

Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense are Cabinet-level positions. Cabinet-level officials lead major executive departments or hold senior executive roles that advise the President.

37. What does the judicial branch do?

• reviews laws
• explains laws
• resolves disputes (disagreements)
• decides if a law goes against the Constitution

The judicial branch reviews and explains laws, resolves disputes, and decides whether a law goes against the Constitution. Any one of those duties is an acceptable answer.

38. What is the highest court in the United States?

• the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It is the top court in the federal judicial system and has final authority on many constitutional questions.

39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

This answer changes with elections and appointments. Answer with the person serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS test updates page shortly before your appointment.

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.

This answer changes with elections and appointments. Answer with the person serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS test updates page shortly before your appointment.

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

The Constitution gives some powers only to the federal government. Printing money, declaring war, creating an army, and making treaties are the acceptable examples; name one.

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

Other powers stay with the states. Examples include providing schooling and education, protection (police), safety (fire departments), a driver's license, and approving 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.]

Each state elects its own governor, and the name changes with elections. Check your state government's website for the current governor before your interview.

44. 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.]

Answer with the capital city of the state where you live. The answer changes from state to state, so make sure you know yours.

45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

• Democratic and Republican

The two major political parties in the United States are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

46. What is the political party of the President now?

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the political party of the President.

This answer changes with elections and appointments. Answer with the person serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS test updates page shortly before your appointment.

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.

This answer changes with elections and appointments. Answer with the person serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS test updates page shortly before your appointment.

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).

Four amendments deal with who can vote: the 15th (any race can vote), the 19th (women can vote), the 24th (no poll tax), and the 26th (citizens 18 and older can vote). Describing any one of them is enough.

49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*

• serve on a jury
• vote in a federal election

Serving on a jury is a responsibility reserved for United States citizens. Jury service allows citizens to take part directly in the justice system by helping decide cases.

50. Name one right only for United States citizens.

• vote in a federal election
• run for federal office

Voting in a federal election is a right only for United States citizens. Citizenship gives people the right to choose national leaders and, if eligible, to 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

Freedom of expression and freedom of religion are rights of everyone living in the United States, not only citizens. These rights protect personal beliefs, public expression, peaceful gathering, and civic participation.

52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

• the United States
• the flag

The Pledge of Allegiance shows loyalty to the United States. The flag is included because it represents the nation and its constitutional system.

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

The Oath of Allegiance includes several promises: give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, obey U.S. law, serve in the military if needed, and serve the nation if needed. Name one.

54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*

• eighteen (18) and older

Citizens must be eighteen and older to vote for President. The Twenty-sixth Amendment protects the right of citizens who are 18 or older to vote.

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

Voting and joining a civic group are ways Americans can participate in democracy. Civic participation includes choosing leaders, organizing with others, expressing views, contacting representatives, and running for office.

56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*

• April 15

The last day to send in federal income tax forms is April 15 in the standard USCIS answer. Filing federal income taxes is one way residents and citizens meet legal financial responsibilities.

57. When must all men register for the Selective Service?

• at age eighteen (18)
• between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)

Men must register for the Selective Service at age eighteen. Selective Service registration keeps a list of men who could be called if Congress and the President ever restored a military draft.

58. What is one reason colonists came to America?

• freedom
• political liberty
• religious freedom
• economic opportunity
• practice their religion
• escape persecution

Colonists came to America for freedom, political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, to practice their religion, or to escape persecution. Any one of these is acceptable.

59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

• American Indians
• Native Americans

American Indians lived in America before Europeans arrived. Indigenous peoples and nations were already established across the continent long before European exploration and colonization.

60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

• Africans
• people from Africa

Africans were taken to America and sold as slaves. This refers to the forced transportation and enslavement of people from Africa during the colonial period and later American history.

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

The colonists fought the British over high taxes (taxation without representation), because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering), and because they did not have self-government.

62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• (Thomas) Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. The document explained why the colonies believed they had the right to separate from Great Britain.

63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

• July 4, 1776

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This date is celebrated as Independence Day because it marks the colonies’ formal declaration of independence from Great Britain.

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

New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Virginia were three of the 13 original states.

65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

• The Constitution was written.
• The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.

The Constitution was written at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Delegates met in Philadelphia to create a stronger national government than the Articles of Confederation had provided.

66. When was the Constitution written?

• 1787

The Constitution was written in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. It created the framework for the federal government used by the United States.

67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius

The Federalist Papers were written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay under the shared pen name Publius. Any one of those names is an acceptable answer.

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

Benjamin Franklin is famous as a U.S. diplomat, including his important diplomatic work with France during the American Revolution.

69. Who is the “Father of Our Country”?

• (George) Washington

George Washington is called the “Father of Our Country” because of his leadership in the American Revolution and his role as the first President.

70. Who was the first President?*

• (George) Washington

George Washington was the first President of the United States. He helped establish many early traditions for the presidency after leading the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

• the Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

The United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. This purchase greatly expanded U.S. territory west of the Mississippi River and became known as the Louisiana Purchase.

72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War

The United States fought several wars in the 1800s: the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. Name one.

73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.

• the Civil War
• the War between the States

The U.S. war between the North and the South was the Civil War. It was fought between the Union and the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865.

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

• slavery
• economic reasons
• states’ rights

Slavery is the answer most people give, and economic reasons and states' rights are also acceptable. All three were problems that led to the Civil War.

75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*

• freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• saved (or preserved) the Union
• led the United States during the Civil War

Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation), saved (or preserved) the Union, and led the United States during the Civil War. Any one of these is acceptable.

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

The Emancipation Proclamation declared enslaved people in Confederate areas to be free. It was an important wartime action by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.

77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

• fought for women’s rights
• fought for civil rights

Susan B. Anthony fought for women’s rights, especially women’s suffrage, the right to vote.

78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

The United States fought five wars in the 1900s: World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the (Persian) Gulf War. Name one.

79. Who was President during World War I?

• (Woodrow) Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was President during World War I. The United States entered the war in 1917 while Wilson was in office.

80. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt was President during the Great Depression and most of World War II. His administration created New Deal programs during the Depression and led the country through much of the war.

81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

• Japan, Germany, and Italy

In World War II, the United States fought Japan, Germany, and Italy, the major Axis powers. The war shaped the modern international order and confirmed the United States as a major global power.

82. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?

• World War II

Dwight D. Eisenhower was a general in World War II before becoming President. He served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and helped lead Allied forces against Nazi Germany.

83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

• Communism

During the Cold War, the main concern of the United States was communism. U.S. policy focused on limiting the spread of Soviet influence and communist governments after World War II.

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

• civil rights (movement)

The civil rights movement tried to end racial discrimination. It worked to secure equal rights and legal protections, especially for African Americans facing segregation and unequal treatment.

85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*

• fought for civil rights
• worked for equality for all Americans

Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for civil rights through nonviolent protest and leadership during the civil rights movement.

86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

• Terrorists attacked the United States.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States. The attacks killed thousands of people and led to major changes in national security and foreign policy.

87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

• Cherokee
• Navajo
• Sioux
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Pueblo
• Apache
• Iroquois
• Creek
• Blackfeet
• Seminole
• Cheyenne
• Arawak
• Shawnee
• Mohegan
• Huron
• Oneida
• Lakota
• Crow
• Teton
• Hopi
• Inuit

[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

There are many federally recognized tribes, and the officer has the full list. Well-known acceptable answers include Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Pueblo, Apache, and Iroquois. Name one.

88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River)

The Missouri River is one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?

• Pacific (Ocean)

The Pacific Ocean is on the West Coast of the United States. States such as California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii border or are in the Pacific region.

90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?

• Atlantic (Ocean)

The Atlantic Ocean is on the East Coast of the United States. Many original colonies and major eastern cities developed along the Atlantic coast.

91. Name one U.S. territory.

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam

Puerto Rico is one U.S. territory.

92. Name one state that borders Canada.

• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Montana
• Idaho
• Washington
• Alaska

Maine is one state that borders Canada.

93. Name one state that borders Mexico.

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas

Texas is one state that borders Mexico.

94. What is the capital of the United States?*

• Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. It is a federal district, not a state, and it is where the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court are located.

95. 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).]

The Statue of Liberty is in New York Harbor, on Liberty Island.

96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

• because there were 13 original colonies
• because the stripes represent the original colonies

The flag has 13 stripes because there were 13 original colonies. The stripes represent the colonies that declared independence and became the first states.

97. 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

The flag has 50 stars because there are 50 states. Each star represents one state in the Union.

98. What is the name of the national anthem?

• The Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem of the United States is The Star-Spangled Banner. It became the official national anthem in 1931.

99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*

• July 4

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4. This date marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. December 25 is Christmas, November 11 is Veterans Day, and January 1 is New Year's Day.

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

Thanksgiving and Independence Day are national (federal) U.S. holidays. Election Day and Flag Day are commonly observed but are not federal holidays.