Civics (100 Questions) Practice Test

Practice test questions — Civics (100 Questions)

1. What is the supreme law of the land?

   • The Bill of Rights
   • The Constitution ✓
   • The Declaration of Independence
   • Federal statutes passed by Congress

   The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. Adopted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, it establishes the structure of the federal government, defines the rights and duties of citizens, and sets the relationship between the states and the federal government. The Supremacy Clause in Article … Full explanation →

2. What does the Constitution do?

   • Lists all federal laws
   • Sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights of Americans ✓
   • Establishes the United States as a monarchy
   • Creates the United Nations

   The Constitution has three main functions. First, it sets up the government by establishing the three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) and how they interact. Second, it defines the government by specifying its powers, limits, and structure, including the relationship between federal and s… Full explanation →

3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

   • All men are
   • We the People ✓
   • When in the
   • Government of the

   The Constitution begins 'We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...' The opening phrase 'We the People' is the foundational statement of American democracy: the government's authority comes from the people, not from a king or any other source. This was a radical ide… Full explanation →

4. What is an amendment?

   • A federal law passed by Congress
   • A change or addition to the Constitution ✓
   • A treaty with another country
   • An executive order from the President

   An amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution. Amendments allow the Constitution to evolve over time without being rewritten. The amendment process is intentionally difficult: an amendment must be proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress (or by a convention of two-thirds of state… Full explanation →

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

   • The Federalist Papers
   • The Articles of Confederation
   • The Bill of Rights ✓
   • The Emancipation Proclamation

   The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. Ratified in 1791, they were demanded by many state ratifying conventions as a condition of approving the Constitution. They protect individual rights including freedom of speech, religion, the press, the right… Full explanation →

6. How many US Senators are there?

   • Fifty
   • One hundred ✓
   • Four hundred thirty-five
   • Two hundred

   There are 100 US Senators — two from each of the 50 states. This is set by Article I of the Constitution, which gives each state equal representation in the Senate regardless of population. Senators serve six-year terms, and elections are staggered so that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for e… Full explanation →

7. We elect a US Senator for how many years?

   • Two years
   • Four years
   • Six years ✓
   • Eight years

   Senators serve six-year terms. The Constitution sets the term length and staggers elections so that one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. This staggered system means the Senate never turns over completely in a single election, providing institutional continuity. There is no con… Full explanation →

8. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

   • 100
   • 435 ✓
   • 538
   • Varies depending on population

   The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. This number was set by the Reapportionment Act of 1929 and has not changed since. Each state's number of representatives is based on its population as measured by the census every ten years. The Constitution requires at least one representative pe… Full explanation →

9. We elect a US Representative for how many years?

   • Two years ✓
   • Four years
   • Six years
   • Until they choose to retire

   US Representatives serve two-year terms. The Constitution sets this short term because the framers wanted the House to remain closely accountable to the people. All 435 House seats are up for election in every general election (every even-numbered year). There is no constitutional term limit. The Se… Full explanation →

10. We elect a President for how many years?

    • Two years
    • Four years ✓
    • Six years
    • Eight years

    The President of the United States is elected for a four-year term. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits a person to being elected President twice, for a maximum of eight years (or up to ten years if they assumed the presidency mid-term and served less than two years of the previous Presiden… Full explanation →

11. Name one right only for United States citizens.

    • Freedom of speech
    • The right to vote in a federal election ✓
    • Freedom of religion
    • The right to a fair trial

    The right to vote in a federal election is reserved to US citizens. Permanent residents (green card holders) and other non-citizens cannot vote in federal elections, and most state and local elections also restrict voting to citizens, though a few localities allow non-citizen voting in certain local… Full explanation →

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

    • Paying taxes
    • Obeying the law
    • Serving on a jury in federal court ✓
    • Respecting the rights of others

    Serving on a jury is a responsibility reserved to US citizens. Federal court juries and most state and local court juries are drawn only from citizens. Voting in federal elections is also reserved to citizens. Paying taxes, obeying the law, and respecting the rights of others are responsibilities th… Full explanation →

13. What is one reason colonists came to America?

    • To escape religious persecution ✓
    • To meet Native Americans
    • To find Spanish colonies
    • To create a kingdom

    There were many reasons colonists came to America, and the USCIS accepts several correct answers including freedom, political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, practice their religion, and escape persecution. Religious persecution drove many groups: the Pilgrims fled persecution in E… Full explanation →

14. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

    • July 4, 1776 ✓
    • December 25, 1776
    • September 17, 1787
    • November 11, 1789

    The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which is why Independence Day is celebrated on that date. The Declaration was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson with edits from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others. It announced the thirteen American … Full explanation →

15. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?

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

    The Atlantic Ocean is on the East Coast of the United States. It borders states from Maine in the north through Florida in the south. The Pacific Ocean is on the West Coast, bordering California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska (and Hawaii sits in the Pacific). The Gulf of Mexico, an arm of the Atlan… Full explanation →

16. What was one of the main causes of the Civil War?

    • Slavery ✓
    • Taxation of tea
    • Land disputes with Mexico
    • Religious conflict

    SLAVERY was the central cause of the American Civil War (1861-1865). By 1860, deep divisions existed between Northern states (where slavery had been abolished) and Southern states (whose economy depended on enslaved labor). When Abraham Lincoln was elected president in November 1860 — running on a p… Full explanation →

17. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

    • The military
    • Checks and balances (and separation of powers) ✓
    • The United Nations
    • State governments only

    CHECKS AND BALANCES is the system by which each branch of the federal government has the power to limit or check the power of the other two branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful. Both 'checks and balances' and 'separation of powers' are acceptable answers on the USCIS tes… Full explanation →

18. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

    • Colorado River or Rio Grande
    • Missouri River or Mississippi River ✓
    • Hudson River or Potomac River
    • Ohio River or Tennessee River

    The USCIS Civics Question 88 asks to name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. The accepted answers are the MISSOURI RIVER and the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. The Missouri River (approximately 2,341 miles) is technically the longest river in the US by most measurements, though historically it … Full explanation →

19. What is the 'rule of law'?

    • The president can do whatever they want
    • Everyone must follow the law — including the government, and no one is above the law ✓
    • Only judges follow the law
    • Laws only apply to immigrants

    The RULE OF LAW is a foundational principle of American democracy meaning that EVERYONE must follow the law — including the government, politicians, judges, and all citizens. No one is above the law. Acceptable USCIS answers include: 'Everyone must follow the law'; 'Leaders must obey the law'; 'Gove… Full explanation →

20. What is the name of the national anthem?

    • America the Beautiful
    • The Star-Spangled Banner ✓
    • God Bless America
    • My Country 'Tis of Thee

    THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER is the national anthem of the United States. It was designated the official national anthem by Congress in 1931. The lyrics were written by FRANCIS SCOTT KEY in September 1814 during the War of 1812 — Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry (near Baltimore, Mar… Full explanation →

21. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

    • Florida
    • The Louisiana Territory ✓
    • Texas
    • California

    The LOUISIANA TERRITORY (Louisiana Purchase) was purchased from France in 1803 for approximately $15 million — one of the largest land deals in history. President Thomas Jefferson negotiated the purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, adding approximately 828,000 square miles of land … Full explanation →

22. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. Name one power of the states.

    • Print money
    • Provide schooling and education (also acceptable: provide police protection, provide safety / fire departments, give a driver's license, approve zoning and land use) ✓
    • Declare war
    • Make treaties with foreign countries

    The TENTH AMENDMENT to the Constitution establishes FEDERALISM by reserving to the states (or to the people) all powers not specifically granted to the federal government. USCIS Civics Question 45 asks for one power of the states. Acceptable answers: PROVIDE SCHOOLING AND EDUCATION; PROVIDE PROTECTI… Full explanation →

23. Name ONE American Indian tribe in the United States.

    • Hawaiian and Filipino
    • Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Creek, Blackfeet, Seminole, Cheyenne, Arawak, Shawnee, Mohegan, Huron, Oneida, Lakota, Crow, Teton, Hopi, or Inuit (among others) ✓
    • Spanish and French
    • British and Irish

    USCIS Civics Question 87 asks the applicant to name one American Indian tribe. There is a long list of acceptable answers, and any one federally recognized tribe is correct. SOME WELL-KNOWN TRIBES: CHEROKEE (historically in the Southeast, forced to relocate via Trail of Tears 1838-1839; now primaril… Full explanation →

24. What is the role of the Supreme Court?

    • To pass laws
    • To interpret the Constitution and laws — to decide if a law or government action is constitutional; its decisions set binding precedent for all lower courts in the United States ✓
    • To command the military
    • To approve the federal budget

    The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Its primary role is CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION — deciding whether laws and government actions comply with the Constitution. This is JUDICIAL REVIEW, established by Marbury v. Madison (1803). Nine Justices sit on the Supreme Court: one C… Full explanation →

25. What is one responsibility that is ONLY for United States citizens?

    • Pay taxes
    • Obey the law
    • Serve on a jury ✓
    • Drive safely

    JURY DUTY is a responsibility for US citizens specifically — non-citizens cannot serve on federal or state juries. Serving on a jury is how citizens participate in the justice system. USCIS Question 50: 'What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?' is different from Question 49: 'What is … Full explanation →

26. Who was Susan B. Anthony?

    • A US Senator from New York
    • A fighter for women's rights and suffrage — she worked to achieve equal rights for women, particularly the right to vote, before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 ✓
    • A Founding Mother who signed the Declaration of Independence
    • A Civil War general

    Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was one of the most prominent leaders of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. She dedicated her life to achieving voting rights for women. In 1872, she was arrested for illegally voting in a presidential election — she famously argued her case in court but… Full explanation →

27. Name one US territory.

    • Canada
    • Puerto Rico — and other US territories include Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands ✓
    • Mexico
    • Cuba

    US TERRITORIES are areas under US sovereignty that are not states. Residents of territories are US nationals (and most are US citizens by birth) but territories do not have full Congressional voting representation and their residents cannot vote in presidential elections while residing in the territ… Full explanation →

28. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was important because it:

    • Created the Electoral College
    • Prohibited discriminatory voting practices that had been used to prevent African Americans from voting — particularly in the Southern states; it enforced the 15th Amendment's guarantee of voting rights regardless of race ✓
    • Gave women the right to vote
    • Lowered the voting age to 18

    The VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 was landmark civil rights legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the Civil Rights Movement. Although the 15th Amendment (1870) had technically guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race, Southern states had systematically disenfranchised Black vot… Full explanation →

29. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

    • Ended World War I
    • Freed enslaved people in the Confederate (rebel) states — issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, it declared all enslaved people in Confederate states to be legally free, marking a turning point in the Civil War ✓
    • Gave women the right to vote
    • Established the federal income tax

    The EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the Civil War. It declared 'all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free.' KEY POINTS: It applied only to Confederate states (not Border States that remaine… Full explanation →

30. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

    • Pay taxes and drive
    • Vote and run for office — also accepted: write to a senator or representative, join a political party, help with a campaign, join a civic group, join a community group, give an elected official your opinion, call senators and representatives, publicly support or oppose an issue ✓
    • Follow laws and pay taxes
    • Work and own property

    DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION USCIS Question 55 asks for two ways Americans can participate in democracy. Many correct answers are accepted: VOTE — the most fundamental act of democratic participation; RUN FOR OFFICE — eligible citizens can seek elected positions; CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS — call, write,… Full explanation →

31. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

    • 10
    • 17
    • 27 ✓
    • 50

    The U.S. Constitution has 27 AMENDMENTS. The first 10 amendments are the Bill of Rights (ratified 1791). The most recent, the 27th Amendment (concerning Congressional pay), was ratified in 1992. USCIS Civics Question: 'How many amendments does the Constitution have?' — Answer: twenty-seven (27). The… Full explanation →

32. Who is in charge of the executive branch?

    • The Chief Justice
    • The Speaker of the House
    • The President ✓
    • The Senate Majority Leader

    The PRESIDENT is in charge of the EXECUTIVE BRANCH. The executive branch carries out and enforces federal laws. It includes the President, Vice President, the Cabinet, and federal agencies and departments. USCIS Civics Question: 'Who is in charge of the executive branch?' — Answer: the President. TH… Full explanation →

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

    • Thomas Jefferson
    • George Washington ✓
    • Abraham Lincoln
    • John Adams

    GEORGE WASHINGTON was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He is known as the 'Father of His Country.' Washington also led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787. USCIS Civics Question: 'Who was… Full explanation →

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

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

    The two parts of Congress are the SENATE and the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Together they form the bicameral (two-chamber) legislative branch. SENATE: 100 senators (2 per state), 6-year terms; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: 435 voting members, based on state population, 2-year terms; USCIS Civics Question… Full explanation →

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

    • 435
    • 100 ✓
    • 50
    • 9

    There are 100 U.S. SENATORS — two from each of the 50 states. USCIS Civics Question: 'How many U.S. Senators are there?' — Answer: one hundred (100). Each state has equal representation in the Senate (2 senators each) regardless of population — this was part of the Great Compromise. Senators serve 6… Full explanation →

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

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

    A U.S. Senator is elected for 6 YEARS. USCIS Civics Question: 'We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?' — Answer: six (6). Senate terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years, providing continuity. TERM LENGTHS to know: U.S. Senator — 6 yea… Full explanation →

37. What does the judicial branch do?

    • Makes laws
    • Reviews and explains laws; resolves disputes; decides if a law goes against the Constitution ✓
    • Commands the army
    • Collects taxes

    The JUDICIAL BRANCH: Reviews and explains laws; resolves disputes (disagreements); decides if a law goes against (is consistent with) the Constitution. USCIS Civics Question: 'What does the judicial branch do?' — Accepted answers: reviews laws; explains laws; resolves disputes (disagreements); decid… Full explanation →

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

    • The Court of Appeals
    • The District Court
    • The Supreme Court ✓
    • The Federal Trade Court

    The SUPREME COURT is the highest court in the United States. USCIS Civics Question: 'What is the highest court in the United States?' — Answer: the Supreme Court. It has 9 justices (1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices), appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who serve for life … Full explanation →

39. Why did the colonists fight the British?

    • Because of high taxes (taxation without representation); because the British army stayed in their houses; because they didn't have self-government ✓
    • Because of a soccer match
    • Because Britain was too far away
    • To gain new colonies

    COLONISTS FOUGHT THE BRITISH because of: high taxes (TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION — they were taxed but had no representatives in the British Parliament); the British army staying in their houses (quartering, boarding); lack of self-government (they wanted to govern themselves). USCIS Civics Ques… Full explanation →

40. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

    • For the 13 original colonies ✓
    • For 13 presidents
    • For the 13th Amendment
    • For 13 states added last

    The U.S. flag has 13 STRIPES because they represent the 13 ORIGINAL COLONIES that became the first 13 states. USCIS Civics Question: 'Why does the flag have 13 stripes?' — Accepted answers: because there were 13 original colonies; because the stripes represent the original colonies. The flag also ha… Full explanation →

41. When do we celebrate Independence Day?

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

    INDEPENDENCE DAY is celebrated on JULY 4. USCIS Civics Question: 'When do we celebrate Independence Day?' — Answer: July 4. This commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. OTHER U.S. HOLIDAYS that… Full explanation →

42. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

    • The right to vote and the right to bear arms
    • Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ✓
    • The right to free housing and free food
    • The right to own slaves

    Two (of the three) rights named in the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE are LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. USCIS Civics Question: 'What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?' — Accepted answers: life; liberty; pursuit of happiness. The famous phrase: 'We hold these truths to be… Full explanation →

43. How many years is one term for the President?

    • Two
    • Four ✓
    • Six
    • Eight

    One term for the President is four (4) years. This is an official USCIS civics question. The President is elected to a four-year term and, under the Twenty-second Amendment, may be elected to no more than two terms (a maximum of eight years, with a narrow exception for a vice president who succeeds … Full explanation →

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

    • The Secretary of Defense
    • The President ✓
    • A five-star general
    • The Speaker of the House

    The President is the Commander in Chief of the military. This is an official USCIS civics question. The Constitution places civilian control over the armed forces by designating the President — an elected civilian official — as their commander in chief. While military officers lead the forces operat… Full explanation →

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

    • The right to bear arms
    • Freedom of speech (also religion, assembly, press, or to petition the government) ✓
    • The right to a jury trial
    • Protection from unreasonable searches

    One right or freedom from the First Amendment is freedom of speech; the other acceptable answers are freedom of religion, assembly, the press, and the right to petition the government. This is an official USCIS civics question. The First Amendment protects these core expressive and religious freedom… Full explanation →

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

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

    George Washington is called the 'Father of Our Country.' This is an official USCIS civics question. Washington commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and served as the first President of the United States. His leadership in f… Full explanation →

47. Who was the first President?

    • John Adams
    • George Washington ✓
    • Thomas Jefferson
    • James Madison

    George Washington was the first President of the United States. This is an official USCIS civics question. Washington took office in 1789 after being unanimously chosen by the Electoral College, and he served two terms before voluntarily stepping down, setting an important precedent. John Adams was … Full explanation →

48. What did the Declaration of Independence do?

    • Ended slavery
    • Announced (declared) the independence of the United States from Great Britain ✓
    • Created the Supreme Court
    • Set up the first Congress

    The Declaration of Independence announced and declared the independence of the United States from Great Britain. This is an official USCIS civics question; acceptable answers include that it 'declared our independence (from Great Britain)' or 'said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)… Full explanation →