Citizenship 65/20 — The Special Consideration Civics Questions

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 government, the three branches, and the rights of the people; it was written in 1787 and is the foundational legal document of the United States.

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.

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 Amendment protects these fundamental freedoms of expression and belief; it is one of the most important and frequently tested parts of the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitution).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 on the citizenship test; knowing the oceans bordering the U.S. coasts is basic required knowledge.

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 is one of the most important national holidays in the United States.

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.