65/20 Civics — American History Questions for Senior Applicants

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-citizens to vote in local elections, but federal elections require citizenship). Either answer is acceptable on the USCIS test. RIGHTS that are also only for citizens: voting in federal elections, running for federal office, applying for a U.S. passport. RESPONSIBILITIES that apply to all PERSONS in the U.S. (not just citizens): paying federal taxes (on income earned in U.S.), obeying the law, registering for the Selective Service (if male, 18-25, regardless of citizenship status). RIGHTS that apply to all persons in the U.S.: freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom to petition the government, freedom of assembly, the right to bear arms.

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 to fight, old enough to vote.' Voting requirements include: U.S. CITIZENSHIP (only citizens vote in federal elections); AGE 18 OR OLDER on Election Day; REGISTRATION in your state (some states allow same-day registration; others require advance registration); RESIDENCE in the voting precinct; not currently disqualified by felony conviction (varies by state). The voting age was 21 in many states throughout most of American history. The 15th Amendment (1870) extended voting rights regardless of race; the 19th Amendment (1920) extended voting rights to women; the 24th Amendment (1964) eliminated poll taxes.

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; PUBLICLY SUPPORT OR OPPOSE AN ISSUE OR POLICY; RUN FOR OFFICE; WRITE TO A NEWSPAPER. Civic participation is a foundational American value. Democratic government requires informed citizens who engage with the issues, hold leaders accountable, and contribute to community decision-making. Citizens can participate at many levels: local (city council, school board), state (governor, state legislature), and federal (Congress, President). Volunteering and joining civic organizations also strengthens communities. The First Amendment protects most forms of political participation (speech, press, assembly, petition).

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 deadline shifts to the next business day. Taxpayers can request an EXTENSION (Form 4868) for an additional 6 months to file (until October 15), but any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. Some special situations have different deadlines: residents of certain states with disasters; military personnel serving overseas. Tax filing is a responsibility of all persons earning income in the U.S. — both citizens and non-citizens (including legal residents and many visa holders). State income tax deadlines vary; many follow the federal date but check your state's department of revenue.

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 colonies to victory against Britain. He presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that drafted the Constitution. As President, he established many traditions: voluntarily stepping down after two terms (a precedent followed until FDR), forming the first Cabinet, and giving the first State of the Union address. His farewell address (1796) warned against political parties, foreign entanglements, and sectionalism. Washington's image appears on the U.S. dollar bill and the quarter. He is often called the 'Father of His Country.' John Adams was the SECOND president (1797-1801); Thomas Jefferson was the THIRD (1801-1809); Benjamin Franklin, though a founding father, never served as president.

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 with Elizabeth Cady Stanton. In 1872, she was arrested for voting in the presidential election (women could not yet legally vote). She traveled and lectured extensively, often facing hostility, to advocate for the right of women to vote, own property, and participate fully in civic life. Anthony also worked for the ABOLITION OF SLAVERY before the Civil War and supported civil rights for African Americans. She did not live to see women gain the right to vote — the 19TH AMENDMENT (1920) was ratified 14 years after her death, but is sometimes called the 'Anthony Amendment' in her honor. Her image appears on the U.S. dollar coin (Susan B. Anthony dollar, 1979-1981; 1999).

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 public schools unconstitutional; MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT (1955-1956) — sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat; led by Martin Luther King Jr.; MARCH ON WASHINGTON (1963) — King delivered 'I Have a Dream' speech; CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 — outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and public accommodations; VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 — eliminated barriers to voting like literacy tests; FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1968. Key leaders included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm X, John Lewis, and Medgar Evers. The movement used nonviolent civil disobedience, court challenges, and political organizing to achieve major legislative victories. Its legacy continues to influence ongoing struggles for racial justice.

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 was chosen in 1790 as part of a compromise between northern and southern states. Construction of the federal city began in the 1790s, and the federal government officially moved from Philadelphia to Washington in 1800. The city is named after George Washington; 'D.C.' stands for District of Columbia, named after Christopher Columbus. Washington, D.C. contains the WHITE HOUSE (presidential residence and offices), the CAPITOL BUILDING (where Congress meets), the SUPREME COURT, and the Smithsonian museums. It has approximately 700,000 residents but as a federal district, residents have unique political status — they pay federal taxes but have no voting member of Congress (one non-voting delegate in the House). Earlier U.S. capitals included Philadelphia (multiple periods, 1774-1800), New York City (1785-1790), and others.

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 gift from FRANCE to the United States in 1886, commemorating the alliance between the two nations during the American Revolution. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with the iron framework by Gustave Eiffel (later designer of the Eiffel Tower), it stands 305 feet tall (including pedestal). The statue depicts a robed woman (representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom) holding a torch and a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776). A famous poem by Emma Lazarus, 'The New Colossus,' is inscribed on a plaque at the pedestal: 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.' For millions of immigrants arriving in America by ship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Statue of Liberty was the first sight of their new country.

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 across the United States. Common traditions include: FIREWORKS displays (in towns and cities nationwide); PARADES; BARBECUES and outdoor gatherings; DISPLAYS OF THE FLAG; PATRIOTIC MUSIC and concerts; READING the Declaration of Independence aloud at public events; FAMILY GATHERINGS and picnics. The first Independence Day celebration occurred in 1777, just one year after independence was declared. The day became a federal holiday in 1870 and a paid federal holiday in 1938. The signing of the actual Declaration document took place on August 2, 1776 — but the declaration was approved by Congress on July 4, which is why that date is celebrated. Founders John Adams predicted Independence Day would be celebrated 'with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.' Other major U.S. federal holidays include: New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), Christmas (December 25).