2025 civics test: all 128 questions and answers

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

The government has three main parts, and each has a different job. Together they make, carry out, and interpret laws.

• Executive branch

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

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

Congress is the part of the federal government that makes laws. A good memory clue is: legislative means lawmaking.

• Senate and House (of Representatives)

Congress has two parts, also called two chambers. They are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget

Congress has important national powers. For example, it makes laws, can declare war, and approves the federal budget.

• One hundred (100)

There are 100 senators because each of the 50 states has 2 senators. 50 × 2 = 100.

• Six (6) years

A senator serves for 6 years. This is longer than a House term.

• 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, so it can change. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and your state's official website; if you live in D.C. or a U.S. territory, there are no U.S. senators.

• Four hundred thirty-five (435)

The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. Seats are divided among the states based on population.

• Two (2) years

A House member serves for 2 years. These short terms mean elections happen often.

• To more closely follow public opinion

Representatives have shorter terms so they stay closer to what people think and want. Voters can choose again after a short time.

• Two (2)

Every state has 2 senators, no matter how big or small the state is. This makes the Senate equal for all states.

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

Each state has 2 senators so all states have equal representation in the Senate. This came from the Great Compromise.

• 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 because each district has a different representative. Check your state's official website to find your current U.S. representative.

• 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. Find the current name at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

• Citizens of their state
• People of their state

A U.S. senator represents all the people in one whole state. This is different from a House member, who represents one district.

• Citizens from their state

U.S. senators are chosen by voters in their state. The election happens at the state level.

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

A House member represents one district, not the whole state. Each district has its own representative.

• Citizens from their (congressional) district

People in that district choose their House member by voting. Only voters from that district elect that representative.

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

States with more people get more seats in the House. The number of representatives is based on population.

• Four (4) years

One presidential term lasts four years. After that, there is another election.

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

The Constitution limits a president to two terms in office. This rule helps stop one person from holding the job too long.

• 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 changes over time. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current name.

• 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 changes over time. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the current name.

• The Vice President (of the United States)

If the president cannot serve, the vice president takes over. This keeps the government working without a break.

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

The president has several important powers in the executive branch. On the test, you only need to name one accepted power.

• The President (of the United States)

The president leads the U.S. military as Commander in Chief. This is one main job of the executive branch.

• The President (of the United States)

After Congress passes a bill, the president can sign it. Then it becomes a law.

• The President (of the United States)

A veto means the president rejects a bill. The bill does not become law at that time.

• The President (of the United States)

Federal judges are chosen by the president. This is one important power of the executive branch.

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

The executive branch includes the president and many offices that carry out laws. On the test, name any one accepted part.

• Advises the President (of the United States)

The Cabinet is a group of top advisers from major departments. Their job is to advise the president.

• 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

Cabinet-level positions are top jobs in the executive branch. For the test, you can name any two from the list.

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

The Electoral College is the system that officially chooses the president. It was made as a middle way between a direct vote by the people and a choice by Congress.

• Supreme Court
• Federal Courts

The judicial branch is the court system. It includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

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

The judicial branch uses courts to interpret laws and settle legal disagreements. It also checks whether laws fit the Constitución de Estados Unidos.

• Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the top court in the country. Its decisions guide other courts.

• Nine (9)

There are nine seats on the Supreme Court. So the Court has nine justices.

• Five (5)

A majority is usually needed to decide a case. On a nine-member Court, that is usually five justices.

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

Supreme Court justices do not serve for a fixed term. They usually serve for life, unless they retire.

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

Life terms help justices make decisions without short-term political pressure. This helps keep the Court independent.

• 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. Find the current name at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates.

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

Only the federal government has some national powers. These include money, war, and relations with other countries.

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

States have powers over many local services. These include schools, driver's licenses, and police or fire protection.

• (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

The 10th Amendment says the federal government has only the powers given to it. Other powers stay with the states or the people.

• 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; D.C. 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 official website; D.C. is not a state and does not have a state capital.

• 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).

These amendments slowly expanded voting rights in the United States. They protect voting by age 18 and older, by sex, and without a poll tax, and they say race cannot block voting.

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

These rights and duties belong to U.S. citizens. Citizens can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and may serve on a jury.

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

These are basic freedoms protected in the United States. They let people speak, meet, believe, and ask the government for change.

• The United States
• The flag

The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty. It is made to the country and also to its flag as a national symbol.

• 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 support the United States and follow its laws. They also promise to put loyalty to the United States first.

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

People can become U.S. citizens in different legal ways. For example, some are citizens at birth, and others become citizens later through a legal process.

• 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 and helping your community or government. People can do this by voting, sharing opinions, or working with groups.

• Vote
• Pay taxes
• Obey the law
• Serve in the military
• Run for office
• Work for local, state, or federal government

Serving your country can mean military service, but it can also mean doing your civic duties every day. Simple actions like voting, paying taxes, and following laws also help the country.

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

Federal taxes help pay for the national government and its services. Paying them is required by law and is also a civic duty.

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

Registering for the Selective Service is required for men in that age group by law. It also helps make a military draft fair if one is ever needed.

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

The colonists came for different reasons, such as more freedom, safety, or better work. Many wanted a new life with more opportunity.

• American Indians
• Native Americans

Native peoples lived in America long before Europeans arrived. They were the first peoples of this land.

• Africans
• People from Africa

Millions of Africans were taken by force and sold as slaves. This was a cruel part of early American history.

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

This was the war in which the colonies fought Britain for freedom and independence. It created the United States as a new country.

• 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

The colonists believed Britain treated them unfairly. Many were angry about taxes, British control, and not having a voice in 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

This is the date the Declaration of Independence was officially accepted. It is celebrated every year as Independence Day.

• (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)

The American Revolution included key battles, hard winters, and important documents. Remember one event that helped the colonies move toward independence.

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

The first 13 states came from the original colonies after independence. Learn all 13 and practice saying any five.

• (U.S.) Constitution

The Constitution created the national government and its basic rules. It was written in 1787.

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

The Federalist Papers were essays that explained and defended the new Constitution. Some writers used the pen name Publius.

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

These essays helped people understand the Constitution better. They also supported its approval by the states.

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

Benjamin Franklin was a founder with many talents and public jobs. He is remembered as an inventor, writer, diplomat, and leader.

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

George Washington led the Continental Army during the Revolution. Later, he became the first U.S. president.

• 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

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was also president when the United States grew with the Louisiana Purchase.

• “Father of the Constitution”
• Fourth president of the United States
• President during the War of 1812
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers

James Madison helped shape the Constitution, so he is called the Father of the Constitution. He also helped write the Federalist Papers.

• 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

Alexander Hamilton helped build the country's financial system. He was the first Secretary of the Treasury and a writer of the Federalist Papers.

• Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

This land purchase is known as the Louisiana Purchase. It made the United States much larger.

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

The United States fought several wars in the 1800s. Learn these official examples and remember any one.

• The Civil War

The Civil War was fought between the North and the South. It was one of the most important wars in U.S. history.

• (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 Civil War had major battles, important orders, and a final surrender. Pick one event and practice it well.

• 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

Abraham Lincoln led the country during the Civil War. He is also known for helping end slavery and for the Gettysburg Address.

• 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 Confederate states. It was a key step toward ending slavery.

• The Civil War

The Civil War led to the end of slavery in the United States. After the war, the country made major legal changes.

• 14th Amendment

This amendment says who is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization. Think: the 14th Amendment defines citizenship.

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

After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment protected voting rights for men regardless of race. The key year to remember is 1870.

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

These women were important leaders for equal rights in the 1800s. Any one of these names is correct.

• 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 name one of them.

• 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 United States joined World War I after attacks on American ships and to help the Allied Powers. The Central Powers were the other side in the war.

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

In 1920, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote across the country. This was after World War I.

• Longest economic recession in modern history

The Great Depression was a very long time of economic hardship. Many people lost jobs, money, and homes.

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

The Great Depression began with the stock market crash in 1929. Remember the year 1929.

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt was president during both the Great Depression and most of World War II. His last name is enough for the answer.

• (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)

The United States entered World War II after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. It also fought with the Allied Powers against the Axis Powers.

• 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 was a top general in World War II and later became president. He is also known for the Interstate Highway System.

• Soviet Union
• USSR
• Russia

During the Cold War, the main rival of the United States was the Soviet Union, also called the USSR. Russia was the largest part of it.

• Communism
• Nuclear war

During the Cold War, the United States worried about communism spreading and about nuclear war. Either answer names a major concern.

• To stop the spread of communism

The United States entered the Korean War to stop communism from spreading. This was a major goal during the Cold War.

• To stop the spread of communism

The United States entered the Vietnam War for the same Cold War reason: to stop the spread of communism. This helps connect the two wars.

• Fought to end racial discrimination

The civil rights movement worked to end racial discrimination. It pushed for equal rights and fair treatment under the law.

• 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”

He was a leader in the civil rights movement. People remember his work for equal treatment and his famous speeches.

• To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait

Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. The United States and its allies fought to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

• 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 that day, terrorists attacked important places in the United States using hijacked airplanes. People often call it “9/11.”

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

After the attacks of September 11, the United States began military actions in several places. Any one official example is enough.

• 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 For a complete list of tribes, please visit bia.gov.

American Indian tribes are native peoples of the United States. You only need to name one tribe from the official list.

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

An innovation is a new idea or invention that changes how people live or work. This question asks for one important example connected to the United States.

• Washington, D.C.

The capital is the city where the national government is based. It is not part of any state.

• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor on Liberty Island. It is a symbol of freedom and welcome.

• (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 stars stand for the states in the country. There are 50 states, so there are 50 stars.

• The Star-Spangled Banner

This is the official song of the United States. It is sung at many public events and ceremonies.

• Out of many, one
• We all become one

This motto says the country became one nation from many people or groups. It helps people remember unity.

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

Independence Day celebrates when the United States became independent from Britain. It is celebrated on July 4.

• 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

National holidays are special days recognized across the country. On the test, you need to name any three from the official list.

• A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service

Memorial Day remembers members of the military who died while serving. It is different from Veterans Day, which honors all who served.

• 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 honors people who served in the U.S. military. It includes living veterans and is different from Memorial Day.