Guide

All 128 Civics Questions and Answers for the 2025 Citizenship Test

Here’s the full official 2025 list with every acceptable answer, and a smarter way to learn it than reading 128 questions top to bottom.

0 of 128 marked “I know this”

American GovernmentQuestions 1–72 · 72

APrinciples of American Government1–15

  1. 1

    What is the form of government of the United States?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Republic
    • Constitution-based federal republic
    • Representative democracy

    Americans elect representatives to make laws, and the Constitution limits what that government can do. That is a republic, also called a representative democracy.

  2. 265/20

    What is the supreme law of the land?

    Answer

    • (U.S.) Constitution

    The U.S. Constitution is the highest law in the country. Every other law, federal or state, has to agree with it.

  3. 3

    Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Forms the government
    • Defines powers of government
    • Defines the parts of government
    • Protects the rights of the people

    The Constitution creates the federal government, divides it into parts, says what each part can do, and protects people’s rights.

  4. 4

    The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Self-government
    • Popular sovereignty
    • Consent of the governed
    • People should govern themselves
    • (Example of) social contract

    “We the People” means the government’s power comes from the people, not from a king. The people agree to be governed and choose their leaders.

  5. 5

    How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Amendments
    • The amendment process

    The Constitution is changed by amendments. An amendment must be proposed and then ratified by three-fourths of the states.

  6. 6

    What does the Bill of Rights protect?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (The basic) rights of Americans
    • (The basic) rights of people living in the United States

    The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments. It protects basic rights such as speech, religion, and a fair trial for people living in the United States.

  7. 765/20

    How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

    Answer

    • Twenty-seven (27)

    The Constitution has 27 amendments. The first ten are the Bill of Rights; the most recent, the 27th, was ratified in 1992.

  8. 8

    Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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 (1776) announced that the colonies were free from Britain and stated that all people are created equal with rights no government can take away.

  9. 9

    What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

    Answer

    • Declaration of Independence

    The Declaration of Independence, adopted July 4, 1776, said the 13 colonies were free and independent from Britain. The Constitution came later, in 1787.

  10. 10

    Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

    Name any two

    • Equality
    • Liberty
    • Social contract
    • Natural rights
    • Limited government
    • Self-government

    Both documents rest on ideas like equality, liberty, natural rights, and a limited government that gets its power from the people. You need to name any two.

  11. 11

    The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?

    Answer

    • Declaration of Independence

    The phrase comes from the Declaration of Independence, which calls these unalienable rights. It is not in the Constitution.

  12. 1265/20

    What is the economic system of the United States?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Capitalism
    • Free market economy

    The U.S. has a capitalist, free market economy: most businesses are privately owned and prices are mainly set by supply and demand.

  13. 13

    What is the rule of law?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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 the same laws apply to everyone, including the President, Congress, and government officials.

  14. 14

    Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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

    The framers drew on earlier American documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers shaped the debate over it.

  15. 15

    There are three branches of government. Why?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • So one part does not become too powerful
    • Checks and balances
    • Separation of powers

    Splitting power among three branches lets each one check the others, so no single part of government becomes too powerful.

BSystem of Government16–62

  1. 16

    Name the three branches of government.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Legislative, executive, and judicial
    • Congress, president, and the courts

    The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (the President) carries them out, and the judicial branch (the courts) interprets them.

  2. 17

    The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?

    Answer

    • Executive branch

    The President leads the executive branch, which enforces the laws. Congress is the legislative branch; the courts are the judicial branch.

  3. 18

    What part of the federal government writes laws?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (U.S.) Congress
    • (U.S. or national) legislature
    • Legislative branch

    Congress, the legislative branch, writes federal laws. The President signs or vetoes them; the courts interpret them.

  4. 19

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

    Answer

    • Senate and House (of Representatives)

    Congress has two chambers: the Senate, with 100 members, and the House of Representatives, with 435 voting members.

  5. 2065/20

    Name one power of the U.S. Congress.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Writes laws
    • Declares war
    • Makes the federal budget

    Congress writes federal laws, declares war, and controls federal spending through the budget.

  6. 21

    How many U.S. senators are there?

    Answer

    • One hundred (100)

    There are 100 U.S. senators: two from each of the 50 states.

  7. 22

    How long is a term for a U.S. senator?

    Answer

    • Six (6) years

    Senators serve six-year terms. About one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.

  8. 23Changes

    Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?

    Official answer

    • 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.

    Depends on where you live. Look up yours on senate.gov.

    Give the name of one of the two U.S. senators from the state where you live. Check senate.gov before your interview, because senators can change after elections.

  9. 24

    How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?

    Answer

    • Four hundred thirty-five (435)

    The House has 435 voting members, divided among the states by population.

  10. 25

    How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?

    Answer

    • Two (2) years

    Members of the House serve two-year terms, so every House seat is up for election every two years.

  11. 26

    Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?

    Answer

    • To more closely follow public opinion

    Because House members face voters every two years, they have to stay closer to what the people in their district want.

  12. 27

    How many senators does each state have?

    Answer

    • Two (2)

    Every state has exactly two senators, no matter how many people live there.

  13. 28

    Why does each state have two senators?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Equal representation (for small states)
    • The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

    The Great Compromise of 1787 gave every state two senators so small states have an equal voice in the Senate, while House seats are based on population.

  14. 29Changes

    Name your U.S. representative.

    Official answer

    • 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.

    Depends on where you live. Look up yours on house.gov.

    Give the name of the member of the House who represents your congressional district. Look it up by ZIP code on house.gov before your interview.

  15. 3065/20Changes

    What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Mike Johnson
    • Johnson

    As of September 29, 2026. This answer changes; check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates before your interview.

    The Speaker leads the House of Representatives and is second in line to become President after the Vice President. The answer changes when a new Speaker is chosen, so check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

  16. 31

    Who does a U.S. senator represent?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Citizens of their state
    • People of their state

    A senator represents everyone in the whole state, not just one district and not only the people who voted for them.

  17. 32

    Who elects U.S. senators?

    Answer

    • Citizens from their state

    Since the 17th Amendment (1913), the voters of each state elect their senators directly. Before that, state legislatures chose them.

  18. 33

    Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Citizens in their (congressional) district
    • Citizens in their district
    • People from their (congressional) district
    • People in their district

    Each House member represents one congressional district, the area of the state that elected them.

  19. 34

    Who elects members of the House of Representatives?

    Answer

    • Citizens from their (congressional) district

    The voters who live in a congressional district elect that district’s member of the House.

  20. 35

    Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (Because of) the state’s population
    • (Because) they have more people
    • (Because) some states have more people

    House seats are divided among the states by population, counted in the census every 10 years. More people means more representatives.

  21. 3665/20

    The President of the United States is elected for how many years?

    Answer

    • Four (4) years

    A presidential term is four years. Presidential elections are held every four years in November.

  22. 37

    The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (Because of) the 22nd Amendment
    • To keep the president from becoming too powerful

    The 22nd Amendment (1951) limits a president to two elected terms, to keep any one person from holding too much power for too long.

  23. 3865/20Changes

    What is the name of the President of the United States now?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Donald J. Trump
    • Donald Trump
    • Trump

    As of September 29, 2026. This answer changes; check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates before your interview.

    The President is the head of the executive branch. This answer changes after elections, so check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates right before your interview.

  24. 3965/20Changes

    What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • JD Vance
    • Vance

    As of September 29, 2026. This answer changes; check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates before your interview.

    The Vice President is first in line to become President and also serves as President of the Senate. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current answer.

  25. 40

    If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?

    Answer

    • The Vice President (of the United States)

    The Vice President is first in the line of succession. The Speaker of the House is next after the Vice President.

  26. 41

    Name one power of the president.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Signs bills into law
    • Vetoes bills
    • Enforces laws
    • Commander in Chief (of the military)
    • Chief diplomat
    • Appoints federal judges

    The President signs or vetoes bills, enforces laws, commands the military, leads foreign relations, and appoints federal judges.

  27. 42

    Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

    Answer

    • The President (of the United States)

    The Constitution makes the President the Commander in Chief, which keeps the military under civilian control.

  28. 43

    Who signs bills to become laws?

    Answer

    • The President (of the United States)

    After Congress passes a bill, the President signs it to make it law (or vetoes it).

  29. 4465/20

    Who vetoes bills?

    Answer

    • The President (of the United States)

    The President can veto (reject) a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

  30. 45

    Who appoints federal judges?

    Answer

    • The President (of the United States)

    The President nominates and appoints federal judges; the Senate must confirm them. The Senate confirms, but it does not appoint.

  31. 46

    The executive branch has many parts. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • President (of the United States)
    • Cabinet
    • Federal departments and agencies

    The executive branch includes the President, the Cabinet, and the federal departments and agencies that carry out the law.

  32. 47

    What does the President’s Cabinet do?

    Answer

    • Advises the President (of the United States)

    The Cabinet is made up of the heads of the executive departments and other top officials who advise the President.

  33. 48

    What are two Cabinet-level positions?

    Name any two

    • 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

    The Cabinet includes the Vice President, the heads of the 15 executive departments (such as the Secretary of State and the Attorney General), and several other Cabinet-level officials like the Director of National Intelligence. Name any two. The official list writes the defense post as “Secretary of War (Defense)” because the Department of Defense took “Department of War” as a secondary name in September 2025.

  34. 49

    Why is the Electoral College important?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • It decides who is elected president.
    • It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.

    Voters in each state choose electors, and the electors’ votes decide who becomes President. The framers designed it as a middle path between a national popular vote and having Congress pick the President.

  35. 50

    What is one part of the judicial branch?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Supreme Court
    • Federal Courts

    The judicial branch is the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts. The Department of Justice is part of the executive branch, not the judicial branch.

  36. 51

    What does the judicial branch do?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Reviews laws
    • Explains laws
    • Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
    • Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution

    Courts interpret laws, settle legal disputes, and can strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

  37. 5265/20

    What is the highest court in the United States?

    Answer

    • Supreme Court

    The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court. Its decisions on federal law and the Constitution are final.

  38. 53

    How many seats are on the Supreme Court?

    Answer

    • Nine (9)

    The Supreme Court has nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight associate justices. Congress sets that number by law.

  39. 54

    How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?

    Answer

    • Five (5)

    With nine justices, a majority of five decides a case. (Four votes are enough to agree to hear a case, but not to decide it.)

  40. 55

    How long do Supreme Court justices serve?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (For) life
    • Lifetime appointment
    • (Until) retirement

    Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, serve for life unless they retire, resign, or are removed by impeachment.

  41. 56

    Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • To be independent (of politics)
    • To limit outside (political) influence

    Because justices never face reelection, they can decide cases on the law without worrying about politics or pressure.

  42. 57Changes

    Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • John G. Roberts, Jr.
    • John Roberts
    • Roberts

    As of September 29, 2026. This answer changes; check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates before your interview.

    The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court. John Roberts has held the job since 2005; check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates before your interview.

  43. 58

    Name one power that is only for the federal government.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Print paper money
    • Mint coins
    • Declare war
    • Create an army
    • Make treaties
    • Set foreign policy

    The Constitution gives the national government alone the power to issue money, make war, raise an army, and deal with other countries.

  44. 59

    Name one power that is only for the states.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Provide schooling and education
    • Provide protection (police)
    • Provide safety (fire departments)
    • Give a driver’s license
    • Approve zoning and land use

    States handle everyday matters like schools, police and fire protection, driver’s licenses, and land use.

  45. 60

    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.

    The 10th Amendment says any power the Constitution does not give the federal government (or deny to the states) is kept by the states or the people.

  46. 6165/20Changes

    Who is the governor of your state now?

    Official answer

    • Answers will vary.

    District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.

    Depends on where you live. Look up yours on USA.gov.

    Name the current governor of the state where you live. Governors change after elections, so check your state’s official website before your interview.

  47. 62Changes

    What is the capital of your state?

    Official answer

    • 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.

    Depends on where you live. See every state capital.

    Name the capital city of the state where you live. It is often not the biggest city (for example, Albany, not New York City, is New York’s capital).

    All 50 state capitals (plus territories)
    • AlabamaMontgomery
    • AlaskaJuneau
    • ArizonaPhoenix
    • ArkansasLittle Rock
    • CaliforniaSacramento
    • ColoradoDenver
    • ConnecticutHartford
    • DelawareDover
    • FloridaTallahassee
    • GeorgiaAtlanta
    • HawaiiHonolulu
    • IdahoBoise
    • IllinoisSpringfield
    • IndianaIndianapolis
    • IowaDes Moines
    • KansasTopeka
    • KentuckyFrankfort
    • LouisianaBaton Rouge
    • MaineAugusta
    • MarylandAnnapolis
    • MassachusettsBoston
    • MichiganLansing
    • MinnesotaSaint Paul
    • MississippiJackson
    • MissouriJefferson City
    • MontanaHelena
    • NebraskaLincoln
    • NevadaCarson City
    • New HampshireConcord
    • New JerseyTrenton
    • New MexicoSanta Fe
    • New YorkAlbany
    • North CarolinaRaleigh
    • North DakotaBismarck
    • OhioColumbus
    • OklahomaOklahoma City
    • OregonSalem
    • PennsylvaniaHarrisburg
    • Rhode IslandProvidence
    • South CarolinaColumbia
    • South DakotaPierre
    • TennesseeNashville
    • TexasAustin
    • UtahSalt Lake City
    • VermontMontpelier
    • VirginiaRichmond
    • WashingtonOlympia
    • West VirginiaCharleston
    • WisconsinMadison
    • WyomingCheyenne

    Territories

    • American SamoaPago Pago
    • GuamHagåtña
    • Northern Mariana IslandsSaipan
    • Puerto RicoSan Juan
    • U.S. Virgin IslandsCharlotte Amalie

    D.C. is not a state and has no capital; that is the answer for D.C. residents.

CRights and Responsibilities63–72

  1. 63

    There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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).

    The 15th (race), 19th (women), 24th (no poll tax), and 26th (age 18) Amendments expanded who can vote. Describe any one.

  2. 64

    Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Citizens
    • Citizens of the United States
    • U.S. citizens

    Voting in federal elections, holding federal office, and serving on a jury are reserved for U.S. citizens. Green card holders cannot do these.

  3. 65

    What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?

    Name any three

    • 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, like freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, protect everyone in the country, not just citizens. You need to name three.

  4. 6665/20

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • The United States
    • The flag

    The Pledge is a promise of loyalty to the flag and to the country it stands for, “one Nation under God, indivisible.”

  5. 67

    Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.

    Name any two

    • 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

    In the Oath of Allegiance, new citizens promise to give up loyalty to other countries, support and defend the Constitution and laws, and serve the nation if required.

  6. 68

    How can people become United States citizens?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
    • Naturalize
    • Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)

    People become citizens by birth in the U.S. (14th Amendment), by naturalizing, or by deriving citizenship through a parent under laws passed by Congress.

  7. 69

    What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?

    Name any two

    • 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

    Civic participation means taking part in public life: voting, campaigning, joining civic groups, or contacting officials about issues. Name any two.

  8. 70

    What is one way Americans can serve their country?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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.

  9. 71

    Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Required by law
    • All people pay to fund the federal government
    • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
    • Civic duty

    Federal taxes pay for the national government. Paying them is required by law, and the 16th Amendment lets Congress collect income tax.

  10. 72

    It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Required by law
    • Civic duty
    • Makes the draft fair, if needed

    Federal law requires almost all men ages 18 through 25 living in the U.S. to register, so a draft would be fair if one were ever needed.

American HistoryQuestions 73–118 · 46

AColonial Period and Independence73–89

  1. 73

    The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Freedom
    • Political liberty
    • Religious freedom
    • Economic opportunity
    • Escape persecution

    Colonists came for freedom, including religious freedom, for economic opportunity, and to escape persecution in Europe.

  2. 7465/20

    Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • American Indians
    • Native Americans

    American Indians, also called Native Americans, lived throughout North America for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

  3. 75

    What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Africans
    • People from Africa

    Millions of Africans were captured, brought to the Americas against their will, and sold into slavery.

  4. 76

    What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • American Revolution
    • The (American) Revolutionary War
    • War for (American) Independence

    The American Revolution (1775–1783) won the colonies their independence from Britain.

  5. 77

    Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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

    Colonists were taxed by a Parliament where they had no vote, forced to house British soldiers, and denied self-government. Acts like the Stamp Act and events like the Boston Massacre pushed them toward independence.

  6. 7865/20

    Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

    Answer

    • (Thomas) Jefferson

    Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776; he later became the third president.

  7. 79

    When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

    Answer

    • July 4, 1776

    The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776, which is why the U.S. celebrates Independence Day on July 4.

  8. 80

    The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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)

    Key events include the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, Washington crossing the Delaware, Saratoga, the winter at Valley Forge, and the British surrender at Yorktown.

  9. 81

    There were 13 original states. Name five.

    Name any five

    • 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. You need to name five of them.

  10. 82

    What founding document was written in 1787?

    Answer

    • (U.S.) Constitution

    The Constitution was written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The Declaration of Independence came earlier, in 1776.

  11. 83

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

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

    Madison, Hamilton, and Jay wrote the Federalist Papers under the shared pen name “Publius.”

  12. 84

    Why were the Federalist Papers important?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
    • They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.

    The Federalist Papers were essays that explained the new Constitution and argued for ratifying it.

  13. 85

    Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Founded the first free public libraries
    • First Postmaster General of the United States
    • Helped write the Declaration of Independence
    • Inventor
    • U.S. diplomat

    Franklin was an inventor, a diplomat in France, the first Postmaster General, a helper on the Declaration, and a founder of early public libraries.

  14. 8665/20

    George Washington is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • “Father of Our Country”
    • First president of the United States
    • General of the Continental Army
    • President of the Constitutional Convention

    Washington led the Continental Army, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and became the first president, earning the title “Father of Our Country.”

  15. 87

    Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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

    Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, served as the first Secretary of State and third president, and doubled the country’s size with the Louisiana Purchase.

  16. 88

    James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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

    Madison did so much to shape the Constitution that he is called its “Father”; he co-wrote the Federalist Papers and was the fourth president, in office during the War of 1812.

  17. 89

    Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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

    Hamilton was Washington’s aide during the war, co-wrote the Federalist Papers, and as the first Secretary of the Treasury helped create the First Bank of the United States.

B1800s90–99

  1. 90

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Louisiana Territory
    • Louisiana

    In the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the U.S. bought a huge territory west of the Mississippi River from France, roughly doubling the country’s size.

  2. 91

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

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

    U.S. wars in the 1800s include the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War (1898).

  3. 92

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

    Answer

    • The Civil War

    The Civil War (1861–1865) was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states that seceded (the Confederacy).

  4. 93

    The Civil War had many important events. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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.

    The war began at Fort Sumter, turned at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, and ended with the surrender at Appomattox in 1865, shortly before Lincoln was assassinated.

  5. 9465/20

    Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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

    Lincoln, the 16th president, led the country through the Civil War, preserved the Union, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and gave the Gettysburg Address.

  6. 95

    What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Freed the slaves
    • Freed slaves in the Confederacy
    • Freed slaves in the Confederate states
    • Freed slaves in most Southern states

    Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation declared enslaved people in the Confederate states free. Slavery was abolished everywhere in the U.S. by the 13th Amendment in 1865.

  7. 96

    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.

  8. 97

    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 and guarantees equal protection of the laws.

  9. 98

    When did all men get the right to vote?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • After the Civil War
    • During Reconstruction
    • (With the) 15th Amendment
    • 1870

    The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870 during Reconstruction after the Civil War, said men could not be denied the vote because of race.

  10. 99

    Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Susan B. Anthony
    • Elizabeth Cady Stanton
    • Sojourner Truth
    • Harriet Tubman
    • Lucretia Mott
    • Lucy Stone

    Leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the 1800s campaign for women’s rights, including the right to vote.

CRecent American History and Other Important Historical Information100–118

  1. 100

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

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

    U.S. wars in the 1900s include both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War (1991).

  2. 101

    Why did the United States enter World War I?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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)

    The U.S. joined World War I in 1917 after German submarines attacked American ships, siding with the Allied Powers against the Central Powers.

  3. 102

    When did all women get the right to vote?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 1920
    • After World War I
    • (With the) 19th Amendment

    The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920 just after World War I, guaranteed women the right to vote.

  4. 103

    What was the Great Depression?

    Answer

    • Longest economic recession in modern history

    The Great Depression was a severe economic collapse in the 1930s, with massive unemployment and bank failures.

  5. 104

    When did the Great Depression start?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • The Great Crash (1929)
    • Stock market crash of 1929

    The Great Depression began with the stock market crash of October 1929.

  6. 105

    Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?

    Answer

    • (Franklin) Roosevelt

    Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times (1932–1944) and led the country through the Depression and most of World War II.

  7. 106

    Why did the United States enter World War II?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (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)

    Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, brought the U.S. into World War II with the Allies against the Axis Powers.

  8. 107

    Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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)

    Eisenhower commanded Allied forces in World War II, then as the 34th president ended the Korean War fighting and created the Interstate Highway System.

  9. 108

    Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Soviet Union
    • USSR
    • Russia

    The Cold War (about 1947–1991) was a long rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR). Russia was the largest and most powerful of the Soviet republics.

  10. 109

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Communism
    • Nuclear war

    During the Cold War the U.S. worried about the spread of communism and the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

  11. 110

    Why did the United States enter the Korean War?

    Answer

    • To stop the spread of communism

    The U.S. entered the Korean War in 1950 after communist North Korea invaded South Korea, to stop communism from spreading.

  12. 111

    Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?

    Answer

    • To stop the spread of communism

    The U.S. fought in Vietnam to keep communist North Vietnam from taking over South Vietnam. Same answer as the Korean War question.

  13. 112

    What did the civil rights movement do?

    Answer

    • Fought to end racial discrimination

    The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s worked to end racial segregation and discrimination, especially against Black Americans.

  14. 11365/20

    Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one.

    Acceptable answers · you only need 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”

    Dr. King led the civil rights movement using nonviolent protest and called for equality in his “I Have a Dream” speech.

  15. 114

    Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?

    Answer

    • To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait

    Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990; in 1991 the U.S. led a coalition that drove the Iraqi military out.

  16. 11565/20

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

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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, hitting the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania.

  17. 116

    Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (Global) War on Terror
    • War in Afghanistan
    • War in Iraq

    After 9/11 the U.S. launched the Global War on Terror, including the wars in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).

  18. 117

    Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • 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

    There are hundreds of federally recognized tribes; naming any one from the official list, like Cherokee or Navajo, is enough. The official list points to bia.gov for a complete list.

  19. 118

    Name one example of an American innovation.

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Light bulb
    • Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine)
    • Skyscrapers
    • Airplane
    • Assembly line
    • Landing on the moon
    • Integrated circuit (IC)

    The official list credits Americans with innovations like the light bulb, the airplane, the assembly line, skyscrapers, and the moon landing.

Symbols and HolidaysQuestions 119–128 · 10

ASymbols119–124

  1. 119

    What is the capital of the United States?

    Answer

    • Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C. is the nation’s capital, home to Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court.

  2. 120

    Where is the Statue of Liberty?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • New York (Harbor)
    • Liberty Island
    • New Jersey
    • Near New York City
    • On the Hudson (River)

    The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The official list also accepts New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).

  3. 12165/20

    Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (Because there were) 13 original colonies
    • (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies

    The 13 red and white stripes stand for the 13 original colonies that became the first states.

  4. 122

    Why does the flag have 50 stars?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • (Because there is) one star for each state
    • (Because) each star represents a state
    • (Because there are) 50 states

    Each of the 50 stars stands for one state. The 50th star was added in 1960 after Hawaii became a state.

  5. 123

    What is the name of the national anthem?

    Answer

    • The Star-Spangled Banner

    “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, is the national anthem.

  6. 124

    The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • Out of many, one
    • We all become one

    “E Pluribus Unum” is Latin for “out of many, one”: many states (and peoples) joined into one nation.

BHolidays125–128

  1. 125

    What is Independence Day?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain)
    • The country’s birthday

    Independence Day, July 4, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the country’s birthday.

  2. 12665/20

    Name three national U.S. holidays.

    Name any three

    • 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

    Name any three holidays from the official list, such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Juneteenth (June 19) is on the 2025 list too.

  3. 127

    What is Memorial Day?

    Answer

    • A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service

    Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, honors service members who died while serving. Veterans Day honors everyone who has served.

  4. 128

    What is Veterans Day?

    Acceptable answers · you only need one

    • A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military
    • A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)

    Veterans Day, November 11, honors everyone who serves or has served in the U.S. military. Memorial Day is the one for those who died in service.

On this page

How to use this list

The complete list is at the top of this page, numbered 1–128 exactly as USCIS numbers it, with every acceptable answer. Questions marked for 65/20 are flagged. Use it three ways:

  1. Read a section, then cover the answers and say them out loud. The real test is oral, so recognition isn't enough.
  2. Pick one answer for every "name one" question and drill only that one. You get no extra credit for knowing all 25 tribes.
  3. Test yourself in Interview Mode once you've been through everything.

The 128 questions by category

Official categories of the 2025 civics test
CategorySectionQuestionsCount
American GovernmentPrinciples of American Government1–1515
System of Government16–6247
Rights and Responsibilities63–7210
American HistoryColonial Period and Independence73–8917
1800s90–9910
Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information100–11819
Symbols and HolidaysSymbols119–1246
Holidays125–1284

"System of Government" is the biggest single chunk at 47 questions. Good news: it's also the most repetitive. Four of those questions (42–45) have the same answer: "the President."

Answers that change, and where to check them

Eight questions whose answers depend on timing or where you live
#QuestionAnswer as of Sept. 29, 2026 / where to check
30Speaker of the HouseMike Johnson
38PresidentDonald J. Trump
39Vice PresidentJD Vance
57Chief JusticeJohn G. Roberts, Jr.
23One of your state's U.S. senatorssenate.gov
29Your U.S. representativehouse.gov (search by ZIP code)
61Your governorYour state's official website
62Your state capitalYour state's official website

USCIS posts current answers for the officials questions at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates. Check it the week of your interview. D.C. and U.S. territory residents: the official list has specific answers for you (for example, D.C. has no U.S. senators and no governor), shown in the list below.

Same answer, different question

Group these and you knock out a dozen questions at once:

  • "The President": Commander in Chief (42), signs bills (43), vetoes bills (44), appoints federal judges (45). Also: the President runs the executive branch (17).
  • "Declaration of Independence": said the colonies were free from Britain (9); has "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" (11).
  • "The Constitution": supreme law of the land (2); founding document written in 1787 (82).
  • "To stop the spread of communism": Korean War (110) and Vietnam War (111).
  • "The Civil War": war between the North and South (92); the war that ended slavery (96).

Numbers and dates cheat sheet

Every number you need
NumberWhat it answers#
27Amendments to the Constitution7
100U.S. senators21
6 yearsSenator's term22
435Voting members of the House24
2 yearsRepresentative's term25
2Senators per state27
4 yearsPresident's term36
9Supreme Court seats53
5Justices usually needed to decide a case54
1776Declaration of Independence adopted (July 4)79
1787Constitution written82
1803Louisiana bought from France90
1870All men get the right to vote (15th Amendment)98
1920All women get the right to vote (19th Amendment)102
1929Great Depression starts (stock market crash)104
13 / 50Stripes (original colonies) / stars (states)121, 122

One hook per famous person

Eight questions ask what a person is famous for. Any listed answer works, so lock in one:

  • Benjamin Franklin (85): U.S. diplomat or inventor
  • George Washington (86): "Father of Our Country" or first president
  • Thomas Jefferson (87): writer of the Declaration of Independence
  • James Madison (88): "Father of the Constitution"
  • Alexander Hamilton (89): first Secretary of the Treasury
  • Abraham Lincoln (94): led the United States during the Civil War
  • Dwight Eisenhower (107): general during World War II
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. (113): fought for civil rights

Easy picks for the long “name one” lists

Suggested answers to memorize (all from the official list)
#Question asks forEasy pick
14A document that influenced the ConstitutionDeclaration of Independence
48Two Cabinet-level positionsSecretary of State, Attorney General
65Three rights of everyone in the U.S.Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly
69Two examples of civic participationVote, run for office
77Why Americans declared independenceTaxation without representation
81Five of the 13 original statesNew York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia
117An American Indian tribeCherokee
118An American innovationAirplane
126Three national holidaysIndependence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

How to read the answer list

The official list uses a few conventions. Know them and you'll save yourself a lot of memorizing:

  • Words in parentheses are optional. "(Thomas) Jefferson" means "Jefferson" is enough. "Senate and House (of Representatives)" means "Senate and House" works.
  • Each bullet is a separate acceptable answer. For "What is the economic system of the United States?" you can say "capitalism" or "free market economy." You don't need both.
  • Brackets are instructions, not answers. For example, the note on question 23 tells D.C. and territory residents to say they have no U.S. senators.
  • "Answers will vary" means the answer depends on where you live. Look yours up.

The amendment questions in one place

Amendments show up all over the list. Learn them as a set:

Amendments that answer questions on the 2025 test
AmendmentWhat it doesQuestion
10thPowers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people60
14thCitizenship for people born or naturalized in the U.S.68, 97
15thMen of any race can vote (1870)63, 98
16thFederal income tax71
19thWomen can vote (1920)63, 102
22ndPresident limited to two terms37
24thNo poll tax to vote63
26thCitizens 18 and older can vote63

Question 63 asks you to describe one of the four voting amendments (15th, 19th, 24th, 26th). "Citizens eighteen and older can vote" is the easiest to remember.

Questions people mix up

  • Who becomes President if the President can't serve (40)? The Vice President, not the Speaker. The Speaker comes after the Vice President.
  • Who appoints federal judges (45)? The President. The Senate confirms them, but "the Senate" is the wrong answer.
  • Who elects U.S. senators (32)? Citizens from their state, not the state legislature (that ended with the 17th Amendment).
  • Memorial Day (127) vs. Veterans Day (128): Memorial Day honors those who died in military service; Veterans Day honors everyone who served.
  • 13 stripes (121) vs. 50 stars (122): stripes = original colonies, stars = states.
  • Men's vote (98) vs. women's vote (102): 15th Amendment, 1870 vs. 19th Amendment, 1920.
  • Holidays (126): You need three, not one. Juneteenth counts: it's on the 2025 list. Easy picks: Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

A two-week sprint

Already know some U.S. history? Ten questions a day covers the list in under two weeks:

  1. Days 1–7: questions 1–72 (government). Look up your four local answers on day 1.
  2. Days 8–12: questions 73–128 (history, symbols, holidays).
  3. Days 13–14: one Interview Mode round each morning and evening; drill only your misses.

New to U.S. history? Use the 6-week plan in our main guide instead.

More U.S. Citizenship Test guides

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to memorize all 128 questions?

Yes, unless you qualify for 65/20. The officer can ask any question on the list. 65/20 applicants only study the 20 marked questions (see the 65/20 list).

Do my answers have to match the list word for word?

Officers work from the official answer list. You don't need to recite a bullet exactly, but stay close to the listed wording so there's no doubt your answer is on the list.

Is this the complete official list?

Yes: all 128 questions and acceptable answers from USCIS's 2025 civics test, in USCIS's numbering. The only additions are current names for the four officials questions, as of September 29, 2026.

Where do I get the official PDF?

On USCIS's Study for the Test page.

I filed before October 20, 2025. Is this my list?

No. You take the 2008 test, which uses a different list of 100 questions. Get that list from USCIS.

Sources & official links