Applicants 65 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for 20+ years qualify for the 65/20 special consideration — studying a reduced set of 20 designated civics questions (marked with an asterisk on the official list) rather than the full 100. These are the most essential facts.
How these questions were selected
These 10 questions were curated by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from our Civics (65+ Applicants) practice bank. Each was selected because it covers a concept that appears frequently on the real exam and that many candidates find difficult on their first attempt. The full practice test has 20 questions — work through all of them once you've reviewed this guide.
The questions
Question 2
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
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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 Americans. It establishes the three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), the system of checks and balances, and (through the Bill of Rights and amendments) guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms.
Source: USCIS Civics 65/20 — What the Constitution DoesQuestion 4
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
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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); the House has 435 voting members (based on state population). Both must pass a bill for it to become law.
Source: USCIS Civics 65/20 — Two Parts of CongressQuestion 5
Who makes federal laws?
- The President alone
- Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) ✓
- The Supreme Court
- State governors
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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 (or a veto overridden) to become law. The President (executive) enforces laws; the courts (judicial) interpret them.
Source: USCIS Civics 65/20 — Who Makes Federal LawsQuestion 6
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
- The Secretary of Defense
- The President ✓
- The top general
- The Speaker of the House
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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 President directs military operations as Commander in Chief — another element of the separation of powers and checks and balances.
Source: USCIS Civics 65/20 — Commander in ChiefQuestion 7
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
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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 STRIPES representing the 13 original colonies. The number of stars has changed over time as states were added, reaching 50 when Hawaii became a state in 1959.
Source: USCIS Civics 65/20 — Why 50 StarsQuestion 10
Who is the 'Father of Our Country'?
- Abraham Lincoln
- George Washington ✓
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
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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 the United States (1789-1797). His leadership in founding the nation earned him this title.
Source: USCIS Civics 65/20 — Father of Our CountryThe 65/20 essentials: The Constitution is the supreme law and sets up/defines the government and protects rights; the First Amendment protects speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition; Congress (Senate + House) makes federal laws and the President signs them; the President is Commander in Chief; the flag has 50 stars (one per state) and 13 stripes; the Pacific is on the West Coast; and Independence Day is July 4. George Washington is the Father of Our Country.
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