CSLB General Building (B) Trade Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many U.S. Citizenship Civics Test practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original U.S. Citizenship Civics Test practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the U.S. Citizenship Civics Test exam like?+
About 128 questions. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. American Government
What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?
- a.The U.S. Constitution
- b.The Declaration of Independence
- c.Federal statutes passed by Congress
- d.The Bill of Rights alone
Answer: a
Explanation: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land; all other laws must agree with it. Ratified in 1788, it establishes the framework of the federal government. When a law conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution controls.
Source: U.S. Constitution
- 2. American Government
Who makes federal laws?
- a.Congress
- b.The President alone
- c.The Supreme Court
- d.State governors
Answer: a
Explanation: Congress, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives, makes federal laws. Bills must pass both chambers before going to the President. The President can then sign or veto them.
Source: U.S. Constitution
- 3. American Government
How long is one term for the President?
- a.2 years
- b.4 years
- c.6 years
- d.8 years
Answer: b
Explanation: The President serves a four-year term. Under the 22nd Amendment, a President may be elected to no more than two terms. Elections for President are held every four years.
Source: U.S. Constitution
- 4. American Government
What is the highest court in the United States?
- a.The Court of Appeals
- b.The federal district court
- c.The Supreme Court
- d.The state supreme court
Answer: c
Explanation: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It has the final say on questions of federal law and the Constitution. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts.
Source: U.S. Constitution
- 5. American Government
What does it mean that the U.S. Constitution can be amended?
- a.It must be rewritten every year
- b.It only applied to the founding generation
- c.It cannot be changed at all
- d.It can be changed over time to meet new needs
Answer: d
Explanation: The Constitution can be changed through amendments, allowing it to adapt over time. This is why it has been amended 27 times. Article V describes the process for proposing and ratifying amendments.
Source: U.S. Constitution
- 6. American History
What founding document was written in 1787?
- a.The U.S. Constitution
- b.The Declaration of Independence
- c.The Emancipation Proclamation
- d.The Bill of Rights
Answer: a
Explanation: The Constitution was written in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. It replaced the weaker Articles of Confederation. It was ratified and took effect in 1789.
Source: U.S. Constitution
- 7. American History
What U.S. war ended slavery?
- a.The Civil War
- b.The Revolutionary War
- c.World War I
- d.The War of 1812
Answer: a
Explanation: The Civil War (1861-1865) ended slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation and Union victory paved the way. The 13th Amendment then abolished slavery nationwide.
- 8. American History
Who was the United States' main rival during the Cold War?
- a.Great Britain
- b.The Soviet Union
- c.Japan
- d.Mexico
Answer: b
Explanation: During the Cold War, the United States' main rival was the Soviet Union. The two superpowers competed politically and militarily for decades without direct war. The Cold War ended with the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.
- 9. Symbols & Holidays
Why does the U.S. flag have 13 stripes?
- a.Because there are 13 amendments
- b.Because the flag has 13 stars
- c.Because there were 13 original colonies
- d.To honor 13 Presidents
Answer: c
Explanation: The 13 stripes on the U.S. flag represent the 13 original colonies that became the first states. The stripes alternate red and white. They are a reminder of the nation's beginnings.
- 10. Symbols & Holidays
Which of the following is a national U.S. holiday?
- a.Valentine's Day
- b.Halloween
- c.Groundhog Day
- d.Thanksgiving
Answer: d
Explanation: Thanksgiving is one of the nation's federal holidays, observed on the fourth Thursday of November. Other national holidays include New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. Valentine's Day and Halloween are not federal holidays.