Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test

These flashcards cover key civics topics that are important for the naturalization test.

What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution

What does the Constitution do?

Sets up the government, defines the government, and protects basic rights of Americans.

What are the first three words of the Constitution that demonstrate self-government?

We the People

What is an amendment?

A change or an addition to the Constitution.

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

The Bill of Rights.

Name one right or freedom from the First Amendment.

Speech, religion, assembly, press, or petition the government.

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

Twenty-seven.

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Announced our independence from Great Britain.

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What is freedom of religion?

You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

What is the economic system in the United States?

Capitalist economy or market economy.

What is the rule of law?

Everyone must follow the law, leaders must obey the law, and government must obey the law.

Name one branch or part of the government.

Congress, legislative, or executive.

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances or separation of powers.

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

The President.

Who makes federal laws?

Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).

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

The Senate and House of Representatives.

How many U.S. Senators are there?

One hundred.

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

Six.

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

Four hundred thirty-five.

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

Two.

Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

All people of the state.

Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

Because of the state’s population.

We elect a President for how many years?

Four.

In what month do we vote for President?

November.

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

The Vice President.

If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The Speaker of the House.

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President.

Who signs bills to become laws?

The President.

Who vetoes bills?

The President.

What does the President's Cabinet do?

Advises the President.

What are two Cabinet-level positions?

Examples include Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.

What does the judicial branch do?

Reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, and decides if a law goes against the Constitution.

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court.

What is one power of the federal government?

To print money.

What is one power of the states?

Provide schooling and education.

Who is the Governor of your state now?

Answers will vary.

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

Democratic and Republican.

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

Serve on a jury.

What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

The United States or the flag.

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

Give up loyalty to other countries.

How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

Eighteen.

Name one way that Americans can participate in their democracy.

Voting.

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

April 15.

What is one reason colonists came to America?

Freedom.

Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

American Indians or Native Americans.

What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

Africans.

Why did the colonists fight the British?

Because of high taxes.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

July 4, 1776.

Name three original states.

Examples include New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

The Constitution was written.

When was the Constitution written?

1787.

Name one of the writers of the Federalist Papers.

James Madison.

What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?

U.S. diplomat.

Who is the Father of Our Country?

George Washington.

What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

The Louisiana Territory.

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

The Civil War.

What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

Freed the slaves.

What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

Freed the slaves in the Confederacy.

What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?

Fought for civil rights.

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.

World War I.

Who was President during World War I?

Woodrow Wilson.

Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?

Franklin Roosevelt.

Who did the United States fight in World War II?

Japan, Germany, and Italy.

During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

Communism.

What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

Civil rights movement.

What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

Terrorists attacked the United States.

Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

Cherokee.

Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

Missouri River.

What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?

Pacific Ocean.

What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?

Atlantic Ocean.

Name one U.S. territory.

Puerto Rico.

Name one state that borders Canada.

Maine.

Name one state that borders Mexico.

California.

What is the capital of the United States?

Washington, D.C.

Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Because there were 13 original colonies.

Why does the flag have 50 stars?

Because there is one star for each state.

What is the name of the national anthem?

The Star-Spangled Banner.

When do we celebrate Independence Day?

July 4.

Name two national U.S. holidays.

Examples include Independence Day and Thanksgiving.