USCIS Civics Naturalization Test Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, principles, institutions, and historical events tested in the official USCIS Naturalization Civics Test.

The Constitution

The supreme law of the land that sets up the government, defines the government, and protects the basic rights of Americans.

"We the People"

The first three words of the Constitution that express the foundational idea of self-government.

Amendment

A formal change or addition made to the United States Constitution.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.

First Amendment Rights

The five fundamental freedoms protected under the First Amendment: speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition the government.

Declaration of Independence

A historic document written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776, that announced and declared American independence, stating that the United States is free from Great Britain.

Rights in the Declaration of Independence

The unalienable rights identified in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Freedom of Religion

The right that allows an individual to practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

Rule of Law

The legal principle that everyone, including political leaders and the government itself, must obey the law, and that no one is above the law.

Economic System of the United States

A capitalist economy or market economy.

Checks and Balances

A system of constitutional principles, along with the separation of powers, that prevents any single branch of government from becoming too powerful.

U.S. Congress

The national legislative branch responsible for making federal laws, comprised of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

U.S. Senate

One of the two chambers of Congress consisting of 100 Senators (two per state), each elected for a six-year term to represent all people of their state.

U.S. House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress consisting of 435 voting members who are elected for two-year terms, with each state's number of representatives determined by its population.

Executive Branch

The branch of government led by the President of the United States, who serves a four-year term, acts as Commander in Chief of the military, signs bills into law, and holds veto power.

Presidential Order of Succession

The line of leadership establishing that the Vice President becomes President if the President can no longer serve, followed by the Speaker of the House if neither can serve.

President's Cabinet

An advisory body to the President consisting of the Vice President, the Attorney General, and Cabinet-level department heads such as the Secretaries of State, Defense, Treasury, and Homeland Security.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that reviews laws, explains laws, resolves legal disputes, and decides if a law violates the Constitution.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States federal judiciary, composed of nine justices and led by the Chief Justice.

Federal Powers

Powers assigned exclusively to the national government under the Constitution, such as printing money, declaring war, creating an army, and making treaties.

State Powers

Powers retained by individual states under the Constitution, including providing schooling and education, providing police and fire protection, issuing driver's licenses, and approving zoning and land use.

Pledge of Allegiance

A promise showing loyalty to the United States and to the American flag.

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance

The set of promises made when becoming a U.S. citizen, including renouncing loyalty to other countries, defending and obeying the Constitution and laws, being loyal to the U.S., and serving in the military or doing work for the nation if needed.

Selective Service Registration

The requirement that all male citizens register for military draft eligibility at age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 26.

April 15

The annual deadline for filing federal income tax forms in the United States.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 assembly where the Founding Fathers wrote the United States Constitution.

The Federalist Papers

A series of published essays that supported the passage and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, authored by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and Publius.

Benjamin Franklin

A founding father famous for serving as a U.S. diplomat, being the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, serving as the first Postmaster General, writing "Poor Richard's Almanac," and starting the first free libraries.

George Washington

The first President of the United States and the figure recognized as the "Father of Our Country."

Louisiana Territory

A vast territory purchased by the United States from France in 1803.

U.S. Civil War

The war fought between the Northern and Southern states from 1861 to 1865, precipitated by problems involving slavery, economic issues, and states' rights.

Emancipation Proclamation

A presidential proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln that freed slaves in the Confederacy and Confederate states.

Susan B. Anthony

A 19th-century leader who actively fought for women's rights and civil rights.

Cold War

A geopolitical era of tension following World War II during which the primary concern of the United States was the spread of Communism.

Civil Rights Movement

A social movement in American history that campaigned to end racial discrimination and achieve equal rights for all Americans, notably led by Martin Luther King, Jr.

September 11, 2001

The date on which terrorists carried out coordinated attacks against the United States.

The Star-Spangled Banner

The official national anthem of the United States of America.

Flag Symbolism

The design of the American flag featuring 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies and 50 stars representing the 50 individual states.