US Citizenship Test: Symbols and Holidays Questions Explained

The exact questions USCIS asks about symbols

• Why does the flag have 13 stripes? Because there were 13 original colonies. Either “the stripes represent the original colonies” or “13 original colonies” is accepted.
• Why does the flag have 50 stars? Because there is one star for each state, and there are 50 states.
• What is the name of the national anthem? The Star-Spangled Banner. It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the British attack on Fort McHenry in Baltimore, though the test only asks for the title.
• The nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean? “Out of many, one,” or “We all become one.” This question appears on the 128-question version of the test.
• Where is the Statue of Liberty? New York Harbor or Liberty Island. USCIS also accepts New Jersey, “near New York City,” and “on the Hudson River.”
• What is the capital of the United States? Washington, D.C.

The exact questions about holidays

• What is Independence Day? A holiday celebrating the Declaration of Independence and U.S. independence from Great Britain. When do we celebrate it? July 4.
• What is Memorial Day? A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service. It falls on the last Monday in May.
• What is Veterans Day? A holiday to honor people who have served in the U.S. military. It falls on November 11.
• Name three national U.S. holidays. Any three of: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Memory tips that work

Many applicants confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Remember that “memorial” means remembering people who have died, so Memorial Day honors those who died in service, while Veterans Day honors everyone who served, living or dead. For the flag, think “13 stripes, 13 colonies; 50 stars, 50 states.” For the motto, the Latin words “E Pluribus Unum” appear on U.S. coins and the one-dollar bill, so you can check the answer in your pocket.

Symbols in the reading and writing test

The English test uses a short official vocabulary list, and several symbol and holiday words are on it: “American flag,” “Independence Day,” “Memorial Day,” “Flag Day,” “Presidents’ Day,” “Labor Day,” “Columbus Day,” and “Thanksgiving.” Practicing these words for the civics test also prepares you to read and write them, which is one reason this section of the test is considered easy points.

Last reviewed and expanded by the USCitizenTestPractice Editorial Team in September 2026, based on the USCIS Policy Manual, the official 2025 civics test materials, and current USCIS fee and form instructions. This is an independent study resource, not legal advice.