2025 U.S. Civics Test Review

Key vocabulary and concepts from the 2025 version of the 128 civics questions and answers for the U.S. naturalization test.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the land that forms the government, defines its powers, and protects the rights of the people.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect the basic rights of Americans and people living in the United States.

Twenty-seven ($27$)

The total number of amendments currently in the U.S. Constitution.

Declaration of Independence

The founding document adopted on July $4$, $1776$, which announced the American colonies were free from British control.

Capitalism

The economic system of the United States, also referred to as a free market economy.

Rule of Law

The principle that no one is above the law and that everyone, including leaders and the government, must follow the law.

Legislative Branch

The part of the federal government, known as Congress, which is responsible for writing laws, declaring war, and making the federal budget.

U.S. Senate

A part of Congress consisting of $100$ senators ($2$ per state) who serve $6$-year terms.

House of Representatives

A part of Congress with $435$ voting members who serve $2$-year terms to closely follow public opinion.

Executive Branch

The branch of government led by the President, who is in charge of enforcing laws and serving as Commander in Chief.

$22$nd Amendment

The constitutional amendment that limits the President of the United States to serving only two terms.

President’s Cabinet

A group that advises the President, consisting of positions such as the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other department heads.

Electoral College

The system that decides who is elected president, serving as a compromise between a popular election and congressional selection.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government consisting of the Supreme Court and federal courts that reviews, explains, and resolves disputes about the law.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, usually consisting of $9$ justices who serve lifetime appointments.

$10$th Amendment

States that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

Oath of Allegiance

A promise made by new citizens to be loyal to the United States, defend the Constitution, and obey the laws of the country.

Selective Service

A federal registration required by law for all men age $18$ through $25$ to ensure a fair draft if one is needed.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay that helped people understand and supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution.

Louisiana Territory

The vast area of land the United States purchased from France in $1803$.

Emancipation Proclamation

The document issued by Abraham Lincoln that freed the slaves in the Confederacy and most Southern states.

$14$th Amendment

The amendment stating that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are U.S. citizens.

$19$th Amendment

The amendment that granted all women the right to vote in $1920$.

Great Depression

The longest economic recession in modern history, which began with the stock market crash of $1929$.

Cold War

A period of tension where the Soviet Union was the main rival of the United States and communism was a primary concern.

Civil Rights Movement

A social movement that fought to end racial discrimination and worked for equality for all Americans.

E Pluribus Unum

The nation’s first motto, which means "Out of many, one."

Memorial Day

A national holiday dedicated to honoring soldiers who died while in military service.

Veterans Day

A national holiday held to honor people who have served in the U.S. military.