Civics (65+ Applicants) Practice Test

Practice test questions — Civics (65+ Applicants)

1. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

   • The right to bear arms
   • Speech, religion, assembly, press, or petition the government ✓
   • Trial by jury
   • The right to vote

   The First Amendment protects five fundamental freedoms: SPEECH (the right to express opinions without government censorship); RELIGION (the right to practice any religion or none, and freedom from government-established religion); PRESS (the right of news media to publish without government control)…

2. What did the Declaration of Independence do?

   • Established the Supreme Court
   • Announced our independence from Great Britain and declared that the American colonies were free ✓
   • Created the federal Constitution
   • Ended slavery

   The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, formally announced that the thirteen American colonies were separating from British rule and forming an independent nation. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it declared that 'all men are created equal' with certain 'unalienable Rights' …

3. What is the economic system in the United States?

   • Communist economy
   • Capitalist economy (or market economy) ✓
   • Socialist economy
   • Barter economy

   The United States operates a CAPITALIST economy, also called a MARKET ECONOMY. Either answer is accepted by USCIS. Key features include: private ownership of property and businesses; market-based pricing through supply and demand; profit motive driving production; competition between businesses; lim…

4. Name ONE branch or part of the government.

   • The Department of Defense
   • Congress (legislative), the President (executive), or the courts (judicial) ✓
   • The Federal Reserve
   • The military

   The U.S. federal government has THREE branches, established by the Constitution to provide CHECKS AND BALANCES so no single branch becomes too powerful: (1) LEGISLATIVE BRANCH — Congress, which consists of the Senate (100 members, 2 per state) and House of Representatives (435 members based on state…

5. How many U.S. Senators are there?

   • 50
   • 100 ✓
   • 435
   • 538

   There are 100 U.S. Senators — exactly 2 from each of the 50 states, regardless of state population. This equal representation in the Senate was a key compromise in the Constitution (the 'Great Compromise' or 'Connecticut Compromise') ensuring that smaller states would have equal voice in one chamber…

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

   • 2 years
   • 6 years ✓
   • 4 years
   • Life

   U.S. Senators serve 6-YEAR terms. The Constitution sets this longer term so the Senate has more stability and continuity than the House. About one-third of Senate seats are up for election every 2 years, so the Senate is never entirely new — providing institutional memory. There is no term limit; se…

7. We elect a President for how many years?

   • 2 years
   • 4 years ✓
   • 6 years
   • 8 years

   The President of the United States serves a 4-YEAR term. The Constitution set this term length in Article II. Originally there was no limit on the number of terms — George Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, creating a strong tradition that lasted until Franklin D. Roosevelt was ele…

8. What is the name of the President of the United States now?

   • Joe Biden
   • Whoever is the current President at the time of your interview (USCIS updates its accepted answer list to reflect changes) ✓
   • Donald Trump
   • Barack Obama

   This question's correct answer changes whenever a new President takes office. USCIS provides interviewers with the current correct answer at the time of each naturalization interview. As of May 2026, applicants should check the USCIS website or call USCIS directly before their interview for the curr…

9. What is one power of the federal government?

   • Issue driver's licenses
   • To print money, declare war, create an army, or make treaties ✓
   • Approve zoning and land use
   • Provide schooling and education

   The Constitution gives the FEDERAL (national) government certain ENUMERATED POWERS, including: (1) print money (only the federal government can create currency); (2) declare WAR; (3) create an ARMY and military forces; (4) make TREATIES with foreign nations; (5) regulate interstate commerce; (6) est…

10. What is one power of the states?

    • Print money
    • Provide schooling and education, provide protection (police), provide safety (fire departments), give a driver's license, or approve zoning and land use ✓
    • Declare war on other countries
    • Make treaties

    Under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are RESERVED to the states or to the people. State government powers include: PROVIDE SCHOOLING AND EDUCATION (most public schools are state and local responsibility, though ther…

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

    • Paying taxes
    • Serve on a jury or vote in a federal election ✓
    • Obeying the law
    • Driving safely

    Two responsibilities are RESERVED ONLY FOR U.S. CITIZENS: (1) SERVE ON A JURY — citizens may be called for jury duty; lawful permanent residents and visa holders are not eligible; (2) VOTE IN A FEDERAL ELECTION — only citizens can vote in federal elections (some local jurisdictions allow non-citizen…

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

    • 16
    • 18 ✓
    • 21
    • 25

    U.S. citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote in federal elections, including for President. The 26TH AMENDMENT (1971) lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, largely in response to the Vietnam War — young men were being drafted at 18 but could not vote until 21, creating the slogan 'old enough …

13. What are TWO ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

    • Stay home and not participate
    • Vote and join a political party (any two from: vote, join political party, help with campaign, join civic group, join community group, give opinion on an issue, call senators/representatives, publicly support or oppose an issue, run for office, write to a newspaper) ✓
    • Only complain about politicians
    • Never volunteer

    USCIS lists multiple ways Americans participate in democracy. Applicants must name TWO. Acceptable answers include: VOTE; JOIN A POLITICAL PARTY; HELP WITH A CAMPAIGN; JOIN A CIVIC GROUP; JOIN A COMMUNITY GROUP; GIVE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL YOUR OPINION ON AN ISSUE; CALL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES; PU…

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

    • January 1
    • April 15 ✓
    • July 4
    • December 31

    Federal income tax returns are typically due by APRIL 15 each year. This is the deadline for individuals to file Form 1040 (or its variants) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), reporting income earned in the previous calendar year. If April 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadli…

15. Who was the first President of the United States?

    • Thomas Jefferson
    • George Washington ✓
    • John Adams
    • Benjamin Franklin

    GEORGE WASHINGTON was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He was unanimously elected by the Electoral College — the only president ever to receive every electoral vote. Washington had previously commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, leading the…

16. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

    • She was a U.S. President
    • She fought for women's rights and civil rights ✓
    • She wrote the Constitution
    • She invented the telephone

    SUSAN B. ANTHONY (1820-1906) was a pioneering American social reformer who dedicated her life to WOMEN'S RIGHTS and CIVIL RIGHTS. Either answer is acceptable on the USCIS test. Her primary cause was women's SUFFRAGE — the right to vote. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869 …

17. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

    • The Industrial Revolution
    • The Civil Rights Movement ✓
    • The American Revolution
    • The Cold War

    The CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT was a struggle, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s, to end RACIAL DISCRIMINATION against African Americans and to secure equal rights and full citizenship under the law. Key events include: BROWN v. BOARD OF EDUCATION (1954) — Supreme Court ruled racial segregation in pub…

18. What is the capital of the United States?

    • New York City
    • Washington, D.C. ✓
    • Philadelphia
    • Boston

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (District of Columbia) is the capital of the United States. It was established by the Constitution and was specifically designed to NOT be part of any state, so no single state would have the political advantage of containing the federal capital. The location along the Potomac River…

19. Where is the Statue of Liberty?

    • California (Pacific coast)
    • New York (Harbor); also acceptable: Liberty Island, New Jersey (next to New York), or on the Hudson River ✓
    • Washington, D.C.
    • Texas (Gulf coast)

    The STATUE OF LIBERTY stands in NEW YORK HARBOR on LIBERTY ISLAND. USCIS accepts several answers: New York (Harbor); Liberty Island; New Jersey (because some maps show Liberty Island as part of NJ waters, though it's federally administered); near New York City; on the Hudson River. The statue was a …

20. When do we celebrate Independence Day?

    • January 1
    • July 4 ✓
    • November 11
    • December 25

    INDEPENDENCE DAY (also called the FOURTH OF JULY) is celebrated on JULY 4 each year. It commemorates July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, formally separating the thirteen American colonies from British rule. The day is observed as a FEDERAL HOLIDAY acr…

21. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

    • Speaker of the House and Chief Justice
    • Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense (also accepted: Secretary of Treasury, Attorney General, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Homeland Security, Vice President) ✓
    • Senate Majority Leader and Governor
    • Chairman of the Federal Reserve and CIA Director

    The CABINET is made up of the heads of the 15 executive departments plus the Vice President, who together advise the President. The USCIS Civics Question 37 asks for two Cabinet-level positions. Any two from this list are acceptable: Vice President; Secretary of State (foreign affairs); Secretary of…

22. What was one important thing Abraham Lincoln did?

    • He wrote the Constitution
    • He freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation) / saved (or preserved) the Union / led the United States during the Civil War ✓
    • He fought in the Revolutionary War
    • He created the national park system

    The USCIS Civics Question 72 asks for one important thing Abraham Lincoln did. Three answers are acceptable: FREED THE SLAVES — Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring all enslaved people in the Confederate states to be free; the 13th Amendment (1865) then abolishe…

23. What is the supreme law of the land?

    • The Declaration of Independence
    • The Constitution — it is the highest law of the United States; all other laws must be consistent with it ✓
    • Federal statutes passed by Congress
    • Executive orders by the President

    The CONSTITUTION is the supreme law of the United States — this is stated explicitly in Article VI, Clause 2 (the Supremacy Clause): 'This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof...shall be the supreme Law of the Land.' USCIS Civics Question 1 asks fo…

24. Name one state that borders Mexico.

    • Florida or Georgia
    • California, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas — all four states share a border with Mexico ✓
    • Nevada or Utah
    • Louisiana or Mississippi

    Four US states share a border with MEXICO along the southern border of the United States: CALIFORNIA (southwestern corner — San Diego is near the border); ARIZONA; NEW MEXICO; TEXAS (the longest US-Mexico border segment, including El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville). The USCIS Civics Question 91 asks …

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

    • Promise to vote in every election
    • Give up loyalty to other countries / defend the Constitution and laws of the United States / obey the laws of the United States / serve in the military if needed / serve the nation if needed / be loyal to the United States ✓
    • Promise to never travel abroad
    • Promise to pay double taxes

    The USCIS Civics Question 53 asks for one promise made when becoming a US citizen. Acceptable answers are all drawn from the OATH OF ALLEGIANCE that every person recites at their naturalization ceremony: GIVE UP LOYALTY to other countries and governments; DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS of the Unit…

26. How many amendments does the Constitution have?

    • 10
    • 21
    • 27 ✓
    • 33

    As of 2024, the Constitution has 27 AMENDMENTS. The first 10 amendments, ratified in 1791, are called the BILL OF RIGHTS. The most recent amendment, the 27th (about Congressional pay raises), was ratified in 1992 — though it was first proposed in 1789. The amendment process requires two-thirds appro…

27. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

    • Ended World War I
    • Freed enslaved people in the Confederate states — declared by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863 ✓
    • Gave women the right to vote
    • Established the income tax

    The EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION (1863) freed enslaved people in the Confederate (rebel) states. USCIS Question 74 (65/20 list): 'What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?' — Accepted answers: freed the slaves; freed slaves in the Confederacy; freed slaves in the Confederate states; freed slaves in mo…

28. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Which of the following correctly describes one of them?

    • Citizens must own property to vote
    • Citizens 18 and older can vote — the 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 ✓
    • Only men can vote
    • Only property owners can vote

    The FOUR VOTING AMENDMENTS are: 15th Amendment (1870) — citizens cannot be denied the vote based on race; 19th Amendment (1920) — citizens cannot be denied the vote based on sex (gave women the right to vote); 24th Amendment (1964) — citizens cannot be required to pay a poll tax to vote in federal e…

29. What is the highest court in the United States?

    • The District Court
    • The Supreme Court — the final authority on federal law and constitutional interpretation, with nine Justices serving lifetime appointments ✓
    • The Court of Appeals
    • The Federal Court

    THE SUPREME COURT is the highest court in the United States. It is the final authority on: the meaning of the Constitution; federal law interpretation; disputes between states; and cases involving federal questions. Nine Justices serve: the Chief Justice of the United States and eight Associate Just…

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

    • The Atlantic Ocean
    • The Pacific Ocean ✓
    • The Indian Ocean
    • The Arctic Ocean

    The PACIFIC OCEAN borders the West Coast of the United States — including the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. The ATLANTIC OCEAN borders the East Coast. The GULF OF MEXICO borders parts of the South (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida). USCIS Question 88 (6…

31. What is the capital of the United States?

    • New York City
    • Los Angeles
    • Washington, D.C. ✓
    • Philadelphia

    Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. The 'D.C.' stands for 'District of Columbia' — it is a federal district, not part of any state, created specifically to house the nation's capital. The US Capitol building (where Congress meets), the White House (where the President lives and wor…

32. Name one right only for United States citizens.

    • The right to drive a car
    • The right to vote in federal elections — only US citizens may vote in federal elections; and the right to run for federal office ✓
    • The right to work
    • The right to attend public school

    RIGHTS ONLY FOR US CITIZENS: VOTE in federal elections (non-citizens may not vote in federal elections); RUN FOR FEDERAL OFFICE (President must be natural-born citizen; senators and representatives must be US citizens). Other rights like working, attending public school, and due process of law apply…

33. When was the Constitution written?

    • 1776
    • 1787 ✓
    • 1800
    • 1865

    The Constitution was written in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was signed on September 17, 1787. It was ratified (officially approved) in 1788 when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it. The Constitution went into effect in 1789. REMEMBER: 1776 = …

34. What are the two major political parties in the United States today?

    • Conservative and Liberal
    • Democrat and Republican ✓
    • Federal and State
    • Progressive and Traditional

    The two major political parties in the United States are the DEMOCRATIC Party and the REPUBLICAN Party. The Democratic Party's symbol is the donkey; the Republican Party's symbol is the elephant. Other parties exist (Libertarian, Green, etc.) but the two major parties have dominated US politics sinc…

35. Name one state that borders Mexico.

    • Florida
    • Oregon
    • California — along with Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, California shares a border with Mexico along the southern United States ✓
    • Nevada

    Four US states share a land border with Mexico: CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO, and TEXAS. The US-Mexico border is approximately 1,954 miles long. Mexico borders the United States to the south. USCIS Question 91 (65/20 list): 'Name one state that borders Mexico.' — Any of the four is a correct answ…

36. What is the supreme law of the land?

    • The President's orders
    • The Constitution ✓
    • State laws
    • The Declaration of Independence

    The CONSTITUTION is the supreme law of the land. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What is the supreme law of the land?' — Answer: the Constitution. All other laws must agree with it; the Supreme Court can strike down laws that violate it. The Constitution establishes the framework of the federal govern…

37. What does the Constitution do?

    • Only lists the states
    • Sets up the government, defines the government, and protects the basic rights of Americans ✓
    • Declares war
    • Collects taxes only

    The Constitution: SETS UP the government; DEFINES the government (its structure and powers); and PROTECTS the basic rights of Americans. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What does the Constitution do?' — Accepted answers: sets up the government; defines the government; protects basic rights of American…

38. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

    • The right to own a car
    • Speech (also: religion, assembly, press, petition the government) ✓
    • The right to free housing
    • The right to vote at any age

    FIRST AMENDMENT freedoms include: SPEECH; RELIGION; ASSEMBLY; PRESS; and the right to PETITION the government. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?' — Any one of these is accepted: speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government. The First A…

39. Who is the 'Father of Our Country'?

    • Abraham Lincoln
    • George Washington ✓
    • Thomas Jefferson
    • Benjamin Franklin

    GEORGE WASHINGTON is called the 'Father of Our Country.' USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Who is the Father of Our Country?' — Answer: (George) Washington. He led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and served as the first President of …

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

    • The President and Vice President
    • The Senate and the House (of Representatives) ✓
    • The states and the federal government
    • The Supreme Court and the lower courts

    The two parts of Congress are the SENATE and the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?' — Answer: the Senate and House (of Representatives). Together they form the bicameral legislative branch. The Senate has 100 members (2 per state); t…

41. Who makes federal laws?

    • The President alone
    • Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) ✓
    • The Supreme Court
    • State governors

    CONGRESS makes federal laws. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Who makes federal laws?' — Accepted answers: Congress; Senate and House (of Representatives); (U.S. or national) legislature. Congress is the legislative branch. A bill must pass both the Senate and the House, then be signed by the President…

42. Who signs bills to become laws?

    • The Chief Justice
    • The President ✓
    • The Speaker of the House
    • The Vice President

    The PRESIDENT signs bills to become laws. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Who signs bills to become laws?' — Answer: the President. After Congress passes a bill, it goes to the President, who can SIGN it into law or VETO it. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both hous…

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

    • Paying sales tax
    • Serving on a jury (and voting in a federal election) ✓
    • Driving a car
    • Attending school

    Responsibilities ONLY for U.S. citizens include: SERVING ON A JURY; and VOTING in a federal election. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?' — Accepted answers: serve on a jury; vote in a federal election. These are reserved for citizens. N…

44. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

    • The Secretary of Defense
    • The President ✓
    • The top general
    • The Speaker of the House

    The PRESIDENT is the Commander in Chief of the military. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?' — Answer: the President. Under the Constitution, the President leads the armed forces. While Congress has the power to declare war and fund the military, the Preside…

45. Why does the flag have 50 stars?

    • For 50 presidents
    • Because there is one star for each state (50 states) ✓
    • For 50 years of independence
    • For 50 amendments

    The flag has 50 STARS because there is ONE STAR FOR EACH STATE (there are 50 states). USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Why does the flag have 50 stars?' — Accepted answers: because there is one star for each state; because each star represents a state; because there are 50 states. The flag also has 13 …

46. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

    • She was a president
    • She fought for women's rights (and civil rights) ✓
    • She wrote the Constitution
    • She was a Supreme Court justice

    SUSAN B. ANTHONY fought for WOMEN'S RIGHTS (and civil rights). USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What did Susan B. Anthony do?' — Accepted answers: fought for women's rights; fought for civil rights. She was a leading figure in the women's suffrage movement, working to secure women's right to vote (achi…

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

    • The Civil War
    • World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or the (Persian) Gulf War ✓
    • The Revolutionary War
    • The War of 1812

    Wars fought by the United States in the 1900s (20th century) include: WORLD WAR I; WORLD WAR II; the KOREAN WAR; the VIETNAM WAR; and the (PERSIAN) GULF WAR. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.' — Any of these is accepted. NOTE: The Civil War (1860s),…

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

    • The Atlantic Ocean
    • The Pacific Ocean ✓
    • The Indian Ocean
    • The Arctic Ocean

    The PACIFIC OCEAN is on the West Coast of the United States. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?' — Answer: the Pacific (Ocean). The ATLANTIC OCEAN is on the East Coast. These two questions (Pacific = West, Atlantic = East) are common geography items o…

49. When do we celebrate Independence Day?

    • January 1
    • July 4 ✓
    • November 11
    • December 25

    INDEPENDENCE DAY is celebrated on JULY 4. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'When do we celebrate Independence Day?' — Answer: July 4. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. It i…

50. Who was President during World War II?

    • Abraham Lincoln
    • Franklin Roosevelt ✓
    • George Washington
    • Woodrow Wilson

    FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT (FDR) was President during World War II. USCIS 65/20 Civics Question: 'Who was President during World War II?' — Answer: (Franklin) Roosevelt. FDR led the United States through most of World War II (and the Great Depression before it), serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. NO…

51. What is the supreme law of the land? (65/20 version)

    • The Declaration of Independence
    • The Constitution ✓
    • State law
    • The President's orders

    The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. This question is part of the special 65/20 list — the reduced set of 20 civics questions available to applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20 or more years. The answer is the same as on the standard test: the Con…

52. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? (65/20 version)

    • The House and the President
    • The Senate and House (of Representatives) ✓
    • The Senate and the Supreme Court
    • The states and the territories

    The two parts of the U.S. Congress are the Senate and the House (of Representatives). This is one of the 65/20 civics questions for older, long-term residents. Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the Senate, with 100 members (two per state), and the House of Representatives, with 435…

53. Who signs bills to become laws? (65/20 version)

    • The Chief Justice
    • The President ✓
    • The Speaker of the House
    • The Vice President

    The President signs bills to become laws. This is a 65/20 civics question. After both the House and the Senate pass a bill, it goes to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it. If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can still make it law by overriding the veto with a two-thirds vote in b…

54. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? (65/20 version)

    • Paying taxes
    • Serving on a jury or voting in a federal election ✓
    • Obeying the law
    • Attending school

    Serving on a jury and voting in a federal election are responsibilities reserved only for U.S. citizens; either answer is accepted on this 65/20 civics question. While everyone in the United States must obey the law and pay taxes, jury duty and voting in federal elections are rights and responsibili…

55. What are the two major political parties in the United States? (65/20 version)

    • Federalist and Whig
    • Democratic and Republican ✓
    • Liberal and Conservative
    • Labor and Tory

    The two major political parties in the United States are the Democratic and Republican parties. This is a 65/20 civics question. These two parties have dominated American national politics for well over a century, though other minor parties also exist and participate in elections. The civics test as…

56. Who was President during World War I? (65/20 version)

    • Franklin Roosevelt
    • Woodrow Wilson ✓
    • Theodore Roosevelt
    • Harry Truman

    Woodrow Wilson was President during World War I. This is a 65/20 civics question. Wilson served as president from 1913 to 1921 and led the nation when it entered World War I in 1917. He is also known for proposing the Fourteen Points and the League of Nations after the war. Franklin Roosevelt was pr…

57. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. (65/20 version)

    • The Civil War
    • World War I (or World War II, Korean, Vietnam, or the Gulf War) ✓
    • The Revolutionary War
    • The War of 1812

    Wars fought by the United States in the 1900s (the twentieth century) include World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the (Persian) Gulf War — naming any one is correct on this 65/20 civics question. The Civil War (1860s), the Revolutionary War (1770s–80s), and the War of 181…

58. What is the capital of the United States? (65/20 version)

    • New York City
    • Washington, D.C. ✓
    • Philadelphia
    • Boston

    The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. This is a 65/20 civics question. Washington, D.C. (the District of Columbia) is home to the federal government, including the White House, the Capitol where Congress meets, and the Supreme Court. It is a federal district, not part of any state. Ne…

59. When do we celebrate Independence Day? (65/20 version)

    • July 4 ✓
    • January 1
    • November 11
    • December 25

    We celebrate Independence Day on July 4. This is a 65/20 civics question. July 4th marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. It is a federal holiday celebrated nationwide. January 1 is New Year's Day, November …

60. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? (65/20 version)

    • The Preamble
    • The Bill of Rights ✓
    • The Articles
    • The Federalist Papers

    The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. This is a 65/20 civics question. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press; the right to bear arms; protection against unreasonable searches; a…

61. What does the judicial branch do? (65/20 version)

    • Makes laws
    • Reviews and explains laws (interprets the laws) ✓
    • Commands the military
    • Collects taxes

    The judicial branch reviews and explains the laws — it interprets the laws, resolves disputes, and decides whether laws agree with the Constitution. Any of these is an acceptable answer on this 65/20 civics question. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court. By contrast, the legislative br…

62. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? (65/20 version)

    • To never travel abroad
    • To give up loyalty to other countries and to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States ✓
    • To join the military
    • To pay double taxes

    When you become a U.S. citizen, you take the Oath of Allegiance, in which you promise to give up loyalty to other countries, to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, to obey the laws, and to serve the nation if needed — naming any of these promises is correct on this 65/…

63. What did Susan B. Anthony do? (65/20 version)

    • She invented the telephone
    • She fought for women's rights (and civil rights) ✓
    • She was the first First Lady
    • She led an army

    Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights and for civil rights. This is a 65/20 civics question. Anthony was a leading nineteenth-century activist in the movement for women's suffrage — the right of women to vote — and also worked against slavery. Her efforts helped pave the way for the Nineteenth …

64. Who does a U.S. Senator represent? (65/20 version)

    • Only their political party
    • All people of their state ✓
    • Only people who voted for them
    • The President

    A U.S. Senator represents all the people of their state. This is a 65/20 civics question. Each state has two senators, and they represent everyone who lives in that state — not just members of their party or only the voters who supported them. This is a key principle of representative government: el…

65. Name one state that borders Canada. (65/20 version)

    • Florida
    • Michigan (or Maine, New York, Washington, and others) ✓
    • Texas
    • Arizona

    States that border Canada include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and several others — naming any one is correct on this 65/20 civics question. Michigan, for example, shares a northern border with Canada. Florida, Texas, and Ari…