civics-test

100 U.S. Civics Questions (2026) – USCIS Citizenship Test Practice

Practice the 100 civics questions used in the USCIS naturalization interview.
Study the answers, read the short explanations, then test yourself with quiz mode.

Tip: Practice 10 questions daily. Use exam mode weekly for confidence.

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Note: Some answers (governor/senators) depend on your state and can change.

Question 1 — What is the supreme law of the land?

✅ Correct Answer: The Constitution

Explanation: The Constitution is the highest law in the United States. All other laws must follow it.

Question 2 — What does the Constitution do?

✅ Correct Answer: Sets up the government / Defines the government / Protects basic rights of Americans

Explanation: It explains how the government works and protects important rights and freedoms.

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

✅ Correct Answer: We the People

Explanation: It means the people give the government its power.

Question 4 — What is an amendment?

✅ Correct Answer: A change (to the Constitution) / An addition (to the Constitution)

Explanation: Amendments update the Constitution over time.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The Bill of Rights

Explanation: The Bill of Rights protects key freedoms like speech and religion.

Question 6 — What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

✅ Correct Answer: Speech / Religion / Assembly / Press / Petition the government

Explanation: The First Amendment protects several core freedoms.

Question 7 — How many amendments does the Constitution have?

✅ Correct Answer: 27

Explanation: There are 27 amendments that have been added over time.

Question 8 — What did the Declaration of Independence do?

✅ Correct Answer: Announced our independence (from Great Britain) / Declared our independence / Said the United States is free

Explanation: It stated the colonies were no longer part of Great Britain.

Question 9 — What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

✅ Correct Answer: Life / Liberty / Pursuit of happiness

Explanation: The Declaration lists basic rights all people have.

Question 10 — What is freedom of religion?

✅ Correct Answer: You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion

Explanation: The government cannot force a religion on you.

Question 11 — What is the economic system in the United States?

✅ Correct Answer: Capitalist economy / Market economy

Explanation: Businesses and people make many economic decisions in a market system.

Question 12 — What is the “rule of law”?

✅ Correct Answer: Everyone must follow the law / Leaders must obey the law / Government must obey the law / No one is above the law

Explanation: Laws apply to everyone equally.

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Question 13 — Name one branch or part of the government.

✅ Correct Answer: Congress / Legislative / President / Executive / Courts / Judicial

Explanation: The U.S. government has three branches with different jobs.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Checks and balances / Separation of powers

Explanation: Each branch can limit the power of the others.

Question 15 — Who is in charge of the executive branch?

✅ Correct Answer: The President

Explanation: The President leads the executive branch and enforces laws.

Question 16 — Who makes federal laws?

✅ Correct Answer: Congress / Senate and House (of Representatives) / (U.S. or national) legislature

Explanation: Congress is the lawmaking branch.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The Senate and House (of Representatives)

Explanation: Congress is split into two chambers.

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

✅ Correct Answer: 100

Explanation: Each state has 2 Senators (50 states × 2 = 100).

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

✅ Correct Answer: 6

Explanation: Senators serve 6-year terms.

Question 20 — Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answers vary by state

Explanation: This changes. Premium includes state-specific practice pages.

Question 21 — The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

✅ Correct Answer: 435

Explanation: The number of Representatives is set by law.

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

✅ Correct Answer: 2

Explanation: House members serve 2-year terms.

Question 23 — Name your U.S. Representative.

✅ Correct Answer: Answers vary by district

Explanation: Your Representative depends on your address and district.

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

✅ Correct Answer: All people of the state

Explanation: Senators represent the entire state.

Question 25 — Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

✅ Correct Answer: (Because of) the state’s population / (Because) they have more people / (Because) some states have more people

Explanation: Representation is based on population.

Question 26 — We elect a President for how many years?

✅ Correct Answer: 4

Explanation: Presidents serve 4-year terms.

Question 27 — In what month do we vote for President?

✅ Correct Answer: November

Explanation: Federal elections are held in November.

Question 28 — What is the name of the President of the United States now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answer changes over time

Explanation: This can change. Premium will keep “current leaders” updated.

Question 29 — What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answer changes over time

Explanation: This can change. Premium will keep “current leaders” updated.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The Vice President

Explanation: The Vice President becomes President if needed.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The Speaker of the House

Explanation: The Speaker is next in the line of succession after VP.

Question 32 — Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

✅ Correct Answer: The President

Explanation: The President leads the armed forces.

Question 33 — Who signs bills to become laws?

✅ Correct Answer: The President

Explanation: A bill becomes law after presidential signature (or other constitutional process).

Question 34 — Who vetoes bills?

✅ Correct Answer: The President

Explanation: A veto rejects a bill passed by Congress.

Question 35 — What does the President’s Cabinet do?

✅ Correct Answer: Advises the President

Explanation: Cabinet members lead major departments and advise the President.

Question 36 — What are two Cabinet-level positions?

✅ Correct Answer: Secretary of State / Defense / Treasury / Education / Homeland Security / etc.

Explanation: These are leaders of major government departments.

Question 37 — What does the judicial branch do?

✅ Correct Answer: Reviews laws / Explains laws / Resolves disputes / Decides if a law goes against the Constitution

Explanation: Courts interpret laws and ensure they follow the Constitution.

Question 38 — What is the highest court in the United States?

✅ Correct Answer: The Supreme Court

Explanation: The Supreme Court is the top court in the federal judiciary.

Question 39 — How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

✅ Correct Answer: 9

Explanation: By law, the Supreme Court has 9 justices.

Question 40 — Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answer can change over time

Explanation: This depends on the current Chief Justice.

Question 41 — Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?

✅ Correct Answer: To print money / Declare war / Create an army / Make treaties

Explanation: The federal government handles national-level responsibilities.

Question 42 — Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?

✅ Correct Answer: Provide schooling/education / Provide protection (police) / Provide safety (fire departments) / Give a driver’s license

Explanation: States manage many local services.

Question 43 — Who is the Governor of your state now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answers vary by state

Explanation: This changes. Premium will provide state-specific answers.

Question 44 — What is the capital of your state?

✅ Correct Answer: Answers vary by state

Explanation: Each state has its own capital city.

Question 45 — What are the two major political parties in the United States?

✅ Correct Answer: Democratic and Republican

Explanation: These are the two main parties in U.S. politics.

Question 46 — What is the political party of the President now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answer changes over time

Explanation: This depends on the current President.

Question 47 — What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

✅ Correct Answer: Answer changes over time

Explanation: The Speaker can change.

Question 48 — There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

✅ Correct Answer: Citizens 18+ can vote / No poll tax / Any citizen can vote (women, etc.)

Explanation: Voting rights expanded through amendments.

Question 49 — What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

✅ Correct Answer: Serve on a jury / Vote in a federal election

Explanation: Some duties are for citizens only.

Question 50 — Name one right only for United States citizens.

✅ Correct Answer: Vote in a federal election / Run for federal office

Explanation: Certain political rights are limited to citizens.

Question 51 — What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

✅ Correct Answer: Freedom of expression / Freedom of speech / Freedom of assembly / Freedom to petition / Freedom of religion / Right to bear arms

Explanation: Many constitutional rights apply broadly, not only to citizens.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The United States / The flag

Explanation: The pledge expresses loyalty to the country and its flag.

Question 53 — What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

✅ Correct Answer: Give up loyalty to other countries / Defend the Constitution / Obey laws / Serve the nation if needed

Explanation: The Oath of Allegiance includes these promises.

Question 54 — How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

✅ Correct Answer: 18 and older

Explanation: The voting age for federal elections is 18+.

Question 55 — What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

✅ Correct Answer: Vote / Join a political party / Help with a campaign / Join civic group / Contact officials / Run for office / Write to a newspaper

Explanation: Democracy depends on participation.

Question 56 — When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?

✅ Correct Answer: April 15

Explanation: This is the usual filing deadline (some years can vary).

Question 57 — When must all men register for the Selective Service?

✅ Correct Answer: At age 18 / Between 18 and 26

Explanation: Selective Service registration applies to eligible men in that age range.

Question 58 — What is one reason colonists came to America?

✅ Correct Answer: Freedom / Political liberty / Religious freedom / Economic opportunity / Escape persecution

Explanation: Many came seeking freedom and opportunity.

Question 59 — Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

✅ Correct Answer: American Indians / Native Americans

Explanation: Indigenous peoples lived here long before European settlement.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Africans / People from Africa

Explanation: Slavery brought many Africans to America against their will.

Question 61 — Why did the colonists fight the British?

✅ Correct Answer: High taxes / No self-government / British army stayed in homes / etc.

Explanation: Colonists wanted representation and self-rule.

Question 62 — Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

✅ Correct Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Explanation: Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration.

Question 63 — When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

✅ Correct Answer: July 4, 1776

Explanation: Independence Day celebrates this date.

Question 64 — There were 13 original states. Name three.

✅ Correct Answer: Any three of: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Explanation: These were the first states in the U.S.

Question 65 — What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

✅ Correct Answer: The Constitution was written

Explanation: Leaders met to create the Constitution in 1787.

Question 66 — When was the Constitution written?

✅ Correct Answer: 1787

Explanation: The Constitution was drafted in 1787.

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

✅ Correct Answer: James Madison / Alexander Hamilton / John Jay / Publius

Explanation: These writers argued for ratifying the Constitution.

Question 68 — What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?

✅ Correct Answer: U.S. diplomat / Oldest member of Constitutional Convention / First Postmaster General / Writer / Inventor / Founded first free libraries

Explanation: Franklin was a key founder and inventor.

Question 69 — Who is the “Father of Our Country”?

✅ Correct Answer: George Washington

Explanation: Washington led the Continental Army and was the first President.

Question 70 — Who was the first President?

✅ Correct Answer: George Washington

Explanation: He served as the first U.S. President.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The Louisiana Territory / Louisiana

Explanation: The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the U.S.

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

✅ Correct Answer: War of 1812 / Mexican-American War / Civil War / Spanish-American War

Explanation: The U.S. fought multiple wars in the 1800s.

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

✅ Correct Answer: The Civil War

Explanation: It was fought over issues including slavery and union.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Slavery / Economic reasons / States’ rights

Explanation: Slavery was a major cause of the Civil War.

Question 75 — What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

✅ Correct Answer: Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation) / Saved the Union / Led the U.S. during the Civil War

Explanation: Lincoln preserved the Union and helped end slavery.

Question 76 — What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

✅ Correct Answer: Freed the slaves / Freed slaves in the Confederacy / Freed slaves in Confederate states

Explanation: It declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states.

Question 77 — What did Susan B. Anthony do?

✅ Correct Answer: Fought for women’s rights / Fought for civil rights

Explanation: She was a leader in women’s suffrage.

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

✅ Correct Answer: World War I / World War II / Korean War / Vietnam War / (Persian) Gulf War

Explanation: The U.S. fought several major wars in the 1900s.

Question 79 — Who was President during World War I?

✅ Correct Answer: Woodrow Wilson

Explanation: Wilson was President during World War I.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Franklin Roosevelt

Explanation: FDR served during both the Depression and most of World War II.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Japan, Germany, and Italy

Explanation: These were the main Axis powers.

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

✅ Correct Answer: World War II

Explanation: Eisenhower was a top U.S. general in World War II.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Communism

Explanation: The U.S. opposed the spread of communism.

Question 84 — What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

✅ Correct Answer: Civil rights movement

Explanation: The civil rights movement pushed for equality under the law.

Question 85 — What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?

✅ Correct Answer: Fought for civil rights / Worked for equality for all Americans

Explanation: He led nonviolent efforts for civil rights.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Terrorists attacked the United States

Explanation: The attacks occurred in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Cherokee / Navajo / Sioux / Chippewa / Choctaw / Pueblo / Apache / Iroquois / Creek / Blackfeet / Seminole / etc.

Explanation: There are many tribes; any one acceptable answer works.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Missouri River / Mississippi River

Explanation: These are the two longest rivers commonly listed.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Pacific Ocean

Explanation: The Pacific borders the U.S. West Coast.

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

✅ Correct Answer: Atlantic Ocean

Explanation: The Atlantic borders the U.S. East Coast.

Question 91 — Name one U.S. territory.

✅ Correct Answer: Puerto Rico / U.S. Virgin Islands / American Samoa / Northern Mariana Islands / Guam

Explanation: These are U.S. territories (not states).

Question 92 — Name one state that borders Canada.

✅ Correct Answer: Maine / New Hampshire / Vermont / New York / Pennsylvania / Ohio / Michigan / Minnesota / North Dakota / Montana / Idaho / Washington / Alaska

Explanation: Any one bordering state is acceptable.

Question 93 — Name one state that borders Mexico.

✅ Correct Answer: California / Arizona / New Mexico / Texas

Explanation: These four states border Mexico.

Question 94 — What is the capital of the United States?

✅ Correct Answer: Washington, D.C.

Explanation: Washington, D.C. is the nation’s capital.

Question 95 — Where is the Statue of Liberty?

✅ Correct Answer: New York (Harbor) / Liberty Island (New Jersey is also acceptable)

Explanation: The statue is in New York Harbor on Liberty Island.

Question 96 — Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

✅ Correct Answer: Because there were 13 original colonies

Explanation: The stripes represent the original colonies.

Question 97 — Why does the flag have 50 stars?

✅ Correct Answer: Because there are 50 states

Explanation: Each star represents one state.

Question 98 — What is the name of the national anthem?

✅ Correct Answer: The Star-Spangled Banner

Explanation: This is the U.S. national anthem.

Question 99 — When do we celebrate Independence Day?

✅ Correct Answer: July 4

Explanation: Independence Day is July 4th each year.

Question 100 — Name two national U.S. holidays.

✅ Correct Answer: New Year’s Day / MLK Day / Presidents’ Day / Memorial Day / Juneteenth / Independence Day / Labor Day / Columbus Day / Veterans Day / Thanksgiving / Christmas

Explanation: Any two of these national holidays are acceptable.

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