2008 civics test: all 100 questions and answers

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

The federal government has three main parts, and each has its own job. This helps share power.

• checks and balances
• separation of powers

The branches can limit each other. This system helps stop one part of government from becoming too strong.

• the President

The President leads the executive branch. This branch carries out and enforces the laws.

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

Federal laws are made by Congress. Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

• the Senate and House (of Representatives)

Congress has two parts, also called two chambers. The Senate is one part, and the House of Representatives is the other.

• one hundred (100)

Each state has 2 senators. There are 50 states, so 2 times 50 equals 100.

• six (6)

A U.S. Senator serves a longer term than a representative. The term is 6 years.

• 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.]

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer depends on your state. Check your state’s official website for the current names.

• four hundred thirty-five (435)

The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. These seats are divided among the states by population.

• two (2)

U.S. Representatives have short terms, so elections happen often. The term is 2 years.

• 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.]

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer depends on where you live. Check your state’s official website to find your current U.S. Representative.

• all people of the state

A senator represents the whole state, not only one area. This is why each senator serves all people in the state.

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

States with more people get more Representatives in the House. House seats are based on population.

• four (4)

A presidential term lasts 4 years. Then the country votes again in the next election.

• November

People vote for President in November. This national election happens in the fall.

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

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer can change. Find the current name at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

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

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer can change. Find the current name at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

• the Vice President

The Vice President is next after the President. If the President cannot serve, the Vice President becomes President.

• the Speaker of the House

There is an order for who serves next. After the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House is next.

• the President

The President leads the armed forces as Commander in Chief. This means the President is the top civilian leader of the military.

• the President

A bill is a proposed law. It becomes law when the President signs it.

• the President

A veto means saying no to a bill. The President can reject a bill with a veto.

• advises the President

The Cabinet is a group of top advisors from major government departments. Its job is to advise the President.

• 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

Cabinet-level positions lead major parts of the executive branch. Learn at least two titles from this list.

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

The judicial branch is the court system. It interprets laws and checks if laws follow the Constitution.

• the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the top court in the country. It is the highest level in the judicial branch.

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

The Supreme Court is the highest court. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current number of justices.

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

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer can change over time. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current name.

• to print money
• to declare war
• to create an army
• to make treaties

The federal government has national powers for the whole country. These include money, war, the military, and treaties.

• provide schooling and education
• provide protection (police)
• provide safety (fire departments)
• give a driver’s license
• approve zoning and land use

State governments handle many local matters in each state. Examples are schools, police, fire services, driver licenses, and land use.

• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer depends on your state and can change. Check your state's official website; if you live in D.C., it does not have a governor.

• 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.]

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer depends on where you live. Check your state's or territory's official website; D.C. is not a state and does not have a state capital.

• Democratic and Republican

These are the two main political parties in U.S. national politics. Many elected officials belong to one of them.

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

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer can change after an election. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current answer.

• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

This answer changes with elections or appointments — check the official USCIS “Test Updates” page before your interview.

This answer can change when House leadership changes. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current name.

• 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).

Several amendments expanded voting rights over time. They protect voting by age, sex, race, and ability to vote without a poll tax.

• serve on a jury
• vote in a federal election

Some duties in civic life are only for citizens. Jury service helps courts decide cases fairly, and federal voting lets citizens choose national leaders.

• vote in a federal election
• run for federal office

Citizens get some special political rights. For example, they can vote in federal elections and may run for federal office.

• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech
• freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of religion
• the right to bear arms

The Constitution protects important freedoms for people living in the United States. These rights include speaking, meeting, religion, and asking the government for change.

• the United States
• the flag

The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty. It is made to the United States and to its flag.

• 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

At naturalization, a person promises loyalty to the United States and to follow its laws. The oath can also include defending the country if needed.

• eighteen (18) and older

The voting age in presidential elections is 18. Younger people cannot vote for President.

• 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

Democracy works when people take part, not only when they vote. People can also join groups, help campaigns, contact officials, or speak publicly about issues.

• April 15

Federal income tax forms are usually due on April 15 each year. This is an important yearly deadline to remember.

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

Men must register with the Selective Service at age 18. The registration period continues until age 26.

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

Many colonists came for a better life or more freedom. Common reasons were religion, work, and escape from persecution.

• American Indians
• Native Americans

The first people in America were Native peoples, long before Europeans arrived. They lived in many different nations and communities.

• Africans
• people from Africa

Millions of Africans were forced across the Atlantic and sold as slaves. This was part of the transatlantic slave trade.

• because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
• because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
• because they didn’t have self-government

Colonists were angry about British control. They objected to high taxes, soldiers in homes, and not having self-government.

• (Thomas) Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. The document explained why the colonies wanted to be free from Britain.

• July 4, 1776

July 4, 1776, is the birthday of the Declaration of Independence. That is why Independence Day is on July 4.

• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

The first 13 states formed the original United States. Learn any three names from the list.

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

At the Constitutional Convention, leaders met to make a new plan for the country. That plan became the Constitution.

• 1787

The Constitution was written in 1787. You can remember it as the year the new U.S. government plan was created.

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

The Federalist Papers were essays that explained and defended the new Constitution. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote them using the name Publius.

• 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 remembered for many important jobs and ideas in early U.S. history. For this test, any one famous example is enough.

• (George) Washington

George Washington is called the “Father of Our Country” because he helped lead the nation at the beginning. He is an important symbol of the founding of the United States.

• (George) Washington

George Washington was the first President of the United States. He served after the country became independent.

• the Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

In 1803, the United States bought a very large area from France. This land purchase helped the country grow west.

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

The United States fought several wars in the 1800s. You only need to name one of them.

• the Civil War
• the War between the States

The war between the North and the South is called the Civil War. It was a major conflict inside the United States.

• slavery
• economic reasons
• states’ rights

The Civil War had more than one cause. Slavery was a main issue, and people also argued about money and state power.

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

Abraham Lincoln led the country during the Civil War. He is also remembered for helping end slavery and keeping the Union together.

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

The Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for slaves in the Confederacy. It is remembered as an important step against slavery during the Civil War.

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

Susan B. Anthony worked for equal rights, especially for women. She is strongly connected with the fight for women’s voting rights.

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

The United States fought several wars in the 1900s. You only need to give one correct example.

• (Woodrow) Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was President during World War I. This was the first world war of the 1900s.

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt was President during the Great Depression and World War II. He led the country through two very difficult periods.

• Japan, Germany, and Italy

In World War II, the United States fought three main Axis powers. Remember the group: Japan, Germany, and Italy.

• World War II

Dwight Eisenhower was a top military leader before he became President. He served in World War II.

• Communism

During the Cold War, the United States worried most about the spread of communism. This was a long period of tension after World War II.

• civil rights (movement)

The civil rights movement worked to stop unfair treatment based on race. It pushed for equal rights under the law.

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

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a leader in the civil rights movement. He worked for equal rights for Black Americans and for all people.

• Terrorists attacked the United States.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States. People often call this event 9/11.

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

Any one federally recognized American Indian tribe is a correct answer. These tribes are native peoples of the United States with their own histories and cultures.

• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River)

The Missouri and the Mississippi are the two longest rivers in the United States. You only need to name one of them.

• Pacific (Ocean)

The Pacific Ocean is on the west side of the United States. States like California, Oregon, and Washington touch it.

• Atlantic (Ocean)

The Atlantic Ocean is on the east side of the United States. States from Maine to Florida are along this coast.

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

A U.S. territory belongs to the United States but is not a state. You only need to name one territory.

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

The United States shares its northern border with Canada. Any state that touches that border is correct.

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas

The United States shares its southern border with Mexico. There are four U.S. states along that border.

• Washington, D.C.

The capital is the main city of the U.S. government. It is Washington, D.C., not a state.

• 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 the New York Harbor area. It stands on Liberty Island near New York City.

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

The 13 stripes remember the first 13 colonies. These colonies later became the first states.

• because there is one star for each state
• because each star represents a state
• because there are 50 states

The U.S. flag has one star for each state. There are 50 states, so the flag has 50 stars.

• The Star-Spangled Banner

This is the official song of the United States. People often sing it at public events and sports games.

• July 4

Independence Day is the birthday of the United States as a country. It is celebrated every year on July 4.

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

These are holidays celebrated across the United States. You only need to name any two.