U.S. Citizenship Civics Test — All Questions

What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?

• a.The Declaration of Independence
• b.The U.S. Constitution✓
• c.The Bill of Rights alone
• d.Federal statutes passed by Congress

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.U.S. Constitution

What does the U.S. Constitution do?

• a.It lists only the powers of the states
• b.It declares independence from Great Britain
• c.It serves as a temporary wartime agreement
• d.It sets up the government and protects the basic rights of Americans✓

The Constitution creates the structure of the national government and defines its powers. It also protects the basic rights of people living in the United States. It replaced the earlier Articles of Confederation.U.S. Constitution

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

• a.We the People✓
• b.We the States
• c.In Congress assembled
• d.Life and liberty

The Preamble begins 'We the People,' expressing that government power comes from the people. This phrase captures the idea of self-government. It signals that citizens, not a king, are the source of authority.U.S. Constitution

What is an amendment to the Constitution?

• a.A treaty with a foreign country
• b.A law passed only by the President
• c.A federal court ruling
• d.A change or addition to the Constitution✓

An amendment is a formal change or addition to the Constitution. Amendments allow the document to adapt over time. They must be proposed and ratified through the process set out in Article V.U.S. Constitution

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

• a.The Emancipation Proclamation
• b.The Federalist Papers
• c.The Bill of Rights✓
• d.The Articles of Confederation

The first ten amendments are known collectively as the Bill of Rights. They were ratified in 1791 to protect individual liberties. They include freedoms such as speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.U.S. Constitution

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

• a.33
• b.25
• c.10
• d.27✓

The Constitution currently has 27 amendments. The first ten form the Bill of Rights. The most recent, the 27th Amendment, concerns congressional pay and was ratified in 1992.27th Amendment

What is freedom of religion?

• a.Only certain approved religions are allowed
• b.The government chooses your religion
• c.You must belong to a national church
• d.You can practice any religion, or practice no religion✓

Freedom of religion means a person may follow any religion or none at all. The government cannot establish an official religion or forbid worship. This right is protected by the First Amendment.First Amendment

What is the economic system of the United States?

• a.A command economy run by the government
• b.A socialist economy with no private property
• c.A barter-only system
• d.A capitalist or market economy✓

The United States has a capitalist, or market, economy. Prices and production are largely determined by supply and demand among private businesses. Individuals and companies can own property and start businesses.

What is the 'rule of law'?

• a.Laws apply only to elected officials
• b.Only citizens must follow the law
• c.Everyone must follow the law, including leaders and the government✓
• d.The President can ignore the courts

The rule of law means no one is above the law, including government officials and leaders. Everyone must follow the same laws. This principle protects against arbitrary or unfair use of power.U.S. Constitution

Name one branch of the U.S. government.

• a.The Cabinet
• b.The Federal Reserve
• c.Congress (the legislative branch)✓
• d.The Electoral College

The three branches are legislative (Congress), executive (the President), and judicial (the courts). Congress is the legislative branch that makes laws. Separating powers among branches prevents any one from becoming too strong.U.S. Constitution

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• a.A single ruling party
• b.Checks and balances (separation of powers)✓
• c.The Bill of Rights alone
• d.The national anthem

A system of checks and balances lets each branch limit the others. For example, the President can veto laws, and the courts can review them. This separation of powers keeps any one branch from dominating.U.S. Constitution

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

• a.The Speaker of the House
• b.The Secretary of State
• c.The President✓
• d.The Chief Justice

The President leads the executive branch. This branch carries out and enforces federal laws. The President is also head of state and Commander in Chief.U.S. Constitution

Who makes federal laws?

• a.The Supreme Court
• b.The President alone
• c.State governors
• d.Congress✓

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.U.S. Constitution

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

• a.The President and Vice President
• b.The Cabinet and the courts
• c.The states and the territories
• d.The Senate and the House of Representatives✓

Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members and the House has 435 voting members. Both must agree to pass federal laws.U.S. Constitution

How many U.S. Senators are there?

• a.100✓
• b.435
• c.50
• d.538

There are 100 U.S. Senators. Each of the 50 states elects two senators, regardless of population. This gives every state equal representation in the Senate.U.S. Constitution

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

• a.4 years
• b.6 years✓
• c.2 years
• d.8 years

A U.S. Senator serves a six-year term. Senate terms are staggered so about one-third are elected every two years. There is no limit on how many terms a senator may serve.U.S. Constitution

How can you find out who your U.S. Senators are?

• a.The President appoints your senators
• b.Every state shares the same two senators
• c.The Vice President is your senator
• d.It depends on the state where you live; each state has two senators✓

Your U.S. Senators depend on the state where you live. Each state elects two senators to represent it. You can look up your current senators at senate.gov.U.S. Constitution

How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?

• a.100
• b.538
• c.435✓
• d.50

The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. Seats are divided among the states based on population. This number was fixed by law in 1929.U.S. Constitution

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

• a.1 year
• b.2 years✓
• c.4 years
• d.6 years

A U.S. Representative serves a two-year term. All 435 House seats are up for election every two years. There is no limit on the number of terms.U.S. Constitution

Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

• a.Because of the state's population✓
• b.Because of the number of cities in the state
• c.Because of how long the state has existed
• d.Because of the state's land area

The number of Representatives a state has is based on its population. States with more people receive more seats in the House. This is why a census is taken every ten years to reapportion seats.U.S. Constitution

How many senators does each state have?

• a.Two (2)✓
• b.Three (3)
• c.It depends on population
• d.One (1)

Each state has exactly two senators, for a total of 100. This is true no matter how large or small the state's population is. Equal Senate representation was a key compromise at the Constitutional Convention.U.S. Constitution

Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

• a.Only one congressional district
• b.Only the state's largest city
• c.All people of the state✓
• d.Only the people who voted for the senator

A U.S. Senator represents all of the people in his or her state. Senators are elected statewide. This is different from Representatives, who represent smaller districts.U.S. Constitution

Who does a U.S. Representative represent?

• a.Only members of one party
• b.The whole state
• c.All people in the representative's congressional district✓
• d.The entire nation

A U.S. Representative represents all the people living in his or her congressional district. Each state is divided into districts of roughly equal population. Representatives are elected by the voters of their district.U.S. Constitution

How can you find out who the Speaker of the House of Representatives is now?

• a.The Speaker is appointed by the President
• b.The Speaker is always the Vice President
• c.The Speaker is chosen by the Supreme Court
• d.The Speaker is the leader chosen by the House; check house.gov for the current name✓

The Speaker of the House leads the House of Representatives and is elected by its members, usually from the majority party. The person holding this office changes over time. You can find the current Speaker at house.gov.U.S. Constitution

How old must a person be to become President of the United States?

• a.At least 35 years old✓
• b.At least 30 years old
• c.At least 40 years old
• d.At least 25 years old

The Constitution requires the President to be at least 35 years old. The person must also be a natural-born citizen and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. These qualifications are set in Article II.U.S. Constitution

How long is one term for the President?

• a.2 years
• b.8 years
• c.6 years
• d.4 years✓

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.U.S. Constitution

In what month do we vote for President?

• a.October
• b.July
• c.November✓
• d.January

Presidential elections are held in November. Voting takes place on the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month. The new President is inaugurated the following January.U.S. Constitution

How can you find out the name of the President now?

• a.The President is the current head of the executive branch; look up the name at whitehouse.gov✓
• b.The President is the same as the Chief Justice
• c.There is no way to know who the President is
• d.The President is chosen by Congress each year

The President is the current head of the executive branch and Commander in Chief. Because the officeholder changes, you should verify the current name at whitehouse.gov. Presidents are elected every four years.U.S. Constitution

If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

• a.The Chief Justice
• b.The Secretary of State
• c.The Vice President✓
• d.The Speaker of the House

If the President cannot serve, the Vice President becomes President. This line of succession is set by the Constitution and federal law. The Speaker of the House would be next after the Vice President.U.S. Constitution

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

• a.The Secretary of Defense
• b.A five-star general
• c.The President✓
• d.The Speaker of the House

The President is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. armed forces. This gives civilian control over the military. The role is defined in Article II of the Constitution.U.S. Constitution

Who signs bills to become laws?

• a.The Speaker of the House
• b.The President✓
• c.The Chief Justice
• d.The Vice President

The President signs bills passed by Congress to make them law. If the President signs a bill, it becomes law. The President may instead veto the bill and send it back to Congress.U.S. Constitution

Who vetoes bills?

• a.The Vice President
• b.The Senate majority leader
• c.The President✓
• d.The Supreme Court

The President can veto, or reject, a bill passed by Congress. A veto sends the bill back without the President's signature. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.U.S. Constitution

What does the President's Cabinet do?

• a.It advises the President✓
• b.It writes the nation's laws
• c.It elects the Vice President
• d.It decides Supreme Court cases

The Cabinet is a group of advisors who help the President make decisions. Its members lead the major executive departments. Cabinet members are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.U.S. Constitution

What is one power of the federal government?

• a.To approve local zoning
• b.To print money✓
• c.To provide local schooling
• d.To issue driver's licenses

The Constitution gives the federal government powers such as printing money, declaring war, creating an army, and making treaties. These are national responsibilities. Powers not given to the federal government are generally left to the states.U.S. Constitution

What is one power of the states?

• a.To provide schooling and education✓
• b.To make treaties with other countries
• c.To declare war
• d.To print money

States handle matters such as education, issuing driver's licenses, providing police and safety, and approving zoning and land use. These powers are reserved to the states. The 10th Amendment confirms that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.10th Amendment

How can you find out who the Governor of your state is now?

• a.The President appoints each Governor
• b.The Governor is chosen by the Supreme Court
• c.Every state has the same Governor
• d.The Governor is the head of your state's executive branch; look it up for the state where you live✓

The Governor leads the executive branch of a state and depends on where you live. Because the officeholder changes, verify the current Governor for your state. People in some U.S. territories have a Governor as well.U.S. Constitution

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

• a.The Labor Party and the Green Party
• b.The Tory Party and the Liberal Party
• c.The Federalist Party and the Whig Party
• d.The Democratic Party and the Republican Party✓

The two major political parties in the U.S. today are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Other smaller parties also exist. Political parties help organize elections and government.

What does the judicial branch do?

• a.It prints money
• b.It writes new tax laws
• c.It reviews and explains laws and resolves disputes✓
• d.It commands the armed forces

The judicial branch reviews laws, explains their meaning, and settles legal disputes. It can decide whether a law goes against the Constitution. The federal courts, headed by the Supreme Court, make up this branch.U.S. Constitution

What is the highest court in the United States?

• a.The federal district court
• b.The Supreme Court✓
• c.The Court of Appeals
• d.The state supreme court

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.U.S. Constitution

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

• a.Fifteen (15)
• b.Twelve (12)
• c.Nine (9)✓
• d.Seven (7)

The Supreme Court currently has nine justices. This includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The number is set by Congress, not the Constitution, and has been nine since 1869.

How can you find out who the Chief Justice of the United States is now?

• a.The Chief Justice is elected by voters each year
• b.The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court; look up the current name at supremecourt.gov✓
• c.The Chief Justice is chosen by the Speaker of the House
• d.The Chief Justice is always the Vice President

The Chief Justice is the head of the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary. Because the officeholder changes over time, verify the current name at supremecourt.gov. The Chief Justice is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.U.S. Constitution

What is one right or freedom protected by the First Amendment?

• a.The right to a driver's license
• b.The right to own a business
• c.Freedom of speech✓
• d.The right to a free college education

The First Amendment protects freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, press, and the right to petition the government. Freedom of speech is one of these. These rights are core to American democracy.First Amendment

What is one right protected by the Second Amendment?

• a.The right to bear arms✓
• b.The right to vote
• c.The right to free speech
• d.The right to a jury trial

The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms. This is one of the rights in the Bill of Rights. Like other rights, it can be subject to certain regulations.Second Amendment

There are several amendments about who can vote. Describe one of them.

• a.Any citizen who is eighteen (18) years old or older can vote✓
• b.Only members of Congress can vote
• c.Only people born in the capital can vote
• d.Only landowners can vote

Several amendments expanded voting rights. The 26th Amendment set the voting age at 18. Others guarantee that citizens cannot be denied the vote based on race (15th) or sex (19th), and that no poll tax may be required (24th).26th Amendment

What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

• a.To pay sales tax
• b.To serve on a jury✓
• c.To attend public school
• d.To obey traffic laws

Serving on a jury and voting in a federal election are responsibilities reserved for U.S. citizens. Everyone in the country must follow laws and pay taxes. But jury duty is a duty only citizens perform.

Name one right only for United States citizens.

• a.The right to a fair trial
• b.The right to vote in a federal election✓
• c.The right to worship freely
• d.The right to freedom of speech

Voting in a federal election and running for federal office are rights reserved for U.S. citizens. Many other rights, such as free speech and religion, belong to everyone in the country. Citizenship brings full participation in choosing the government.

What is one right of everyone living in the United States?

• a.The right to serve on a federal jury
• b.The right to run for President
• c.The right to vote in federal elections
• d.Freedom of assembly✓

Rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and petition belong to everyone living in the United States, not only citizens. The right to assemble peacefully is one of them. A few rights, like voting in federal elections, are reserved for citizens.First Amendment

When must all men register for the Selective Service?

• a.At age eighteen (18)✓
• b.Only during a declared war
• c.At age sixteen (16)
• d.At age twenty-one (21)

Almost all male U.S. residents must register with the Selective Service at age 18. Registration continues to age 25. It allows the country to draft soldiers if Congress ever authorizes it.

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

• a.To serve in Congress
• b.To pay a yearly citizenship fee
• c.To give up loyalty to other countries✓
• d.To join a political party

In the Oath of Allegiance, new citizens promise to give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws, obey U.S. laws, and serve the nation if needed. Giving up prior allegiance is one of these promises. Taking the Oath completes the naturalization process.

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

• a.Command the army and veto bills
• b.Vote and join a political party✓
• c.Appoint judges and sign treaties
• d.Print money and declare war

Americans can participate by voting, joining a political party, running for office, contacting officials, and peacefully protesting. Voting and joining a party are two examples. Participation keeps government responsive to the people.

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

• a.July 4
• b.January 1
• c.April 15✓
• d.December 31

Federal income tax returns are generally due by April 15 each year. Paying taxes is a responsibility of people who live and work in the United States. The 16th Amendment gave Congress the power to collect an income tax.16th Amendment

What does it mean that the U.S. Constitution can be amended?

• a.It can be changed over time to meet new needs✓
• b.It only applied to the founding generation
• c.It cannot be changed at all
• d.It must be rewritten every year

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.U.S. Constitution

Who serves as head of state, head of government, and Commander in Chief of the military?

• a.The Speaker of the House
• b.The Chief Justice
• c.The President✓
• d.The Vice President

In the United States, the President serves as head of state, head of government, and Commander in Chief all at once. Many other countries divide these roles among different people. The President's powers are described in Article II.U.S. Constitution

Who confirms the President's nominations to the Cabinet and the Supreme Court?

• a.The House of Representatives
• b.State governors
• c.The Supreme Court
• d.The Senate✓

The Senate confirms, or approves, many presidential nominations, including Cabinet members and federal judges. This is part of the system of checks and balances. The President nominates, but the Senate must consent.U.S. Constitution

Who has the power to declare war?

• a.The President alone
• b.The Supreme Court
• c.The Secretary of Defense
• d.Congress✓

The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war. This is another example of checks and balances, since the President commands the military but cannot formally declare war. Article I lists this power among those of Congress.U.S. Constitution