Civics Test, Explained
What is the civics test?
In a nutshell, the Civics Test is part of the application process to become a naturalized citizen. Most, if not all, persons applying to become a citizen must be prepared to answer questions regarding the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Are there exceptions where a person does not have to take the civics test?
An applicant does not have to take the English reading, writing, speaking, and understanding test, and may take the civics test in the applicant’s language of choice if, at the time the applicant submits the Form N-400 either: (1) the applicant is 50 years old or older and has been a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) for at least 20 years; or (2) the applicant is 55 years old or older and has been an LPR for at least 15 years. Further, if the applicant has a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, they may be eligible for an exception.
What does the civics test look like?
During the naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will ask the applicant up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions related to U.S. government and history. The applicant must answer 6 out of the 10 questions successfully in order to pass the test.
What are the questions that may be asked on the civics test?
Here are some of the questions that may be asked during the civics test:
What is the supreme law of the land?
What does the Constitution do?
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are the three words?
What is an amendment?
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
What are the rights provided under the First Amendment?
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
What is the Declaration of Independence?
What are the rights under the Declaration of Independence?
What is freedom of religion?
What is the economic system in the U.S.?
What is the “rule of law”?
What are the branches of government?
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
Who makes federal laws?
What are the two part of Congress?
How many senators are there?
How long are senators elected for?
Name one of your state’s senators.
How many voting members are there in the House of Representatives?
How long are House Representatives elected for?
Name one of your state’s representatives.
Who does a senator represent?
Why do some states have more representatives than others?
How long is a president elected for?
What month are presidential elections held in?
Who is the current president?
Who is the current vice-president?
Who becomes president if the president can no longer serve?
Who becomes president if the president and vice-president can no longer serve?
Who is the commander in chief of the military?
Who signs bills into law?
Who vetoes bills?
What does the president’s cabinet do?
Name the cabinet-level positions.
What does the judicial branch do?
What is the highest court in the U.S.?
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
What are some powers that belong to the federal government?
What are some powers that belong to the states?
Who is the current governor in your state?
What is your state’s capital?
What are the two major political parties in the U.S.?
What is the current president’s political party?
Who is the current Speaker of the House?
What are the four amendments to the Constitution that deal with who can vote?
What are some of the responsibilities that only U.S. citizens have?
What are some of the rights that only U.S. citizens have?
What are some of the rights that everyone has who live in the U.S.?
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
What are some promises you make when you become a U.S. citizen?
How old do you have to be to vote?
What are some ways Americans can participate in democracy?
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
What are the reasons that the colonists came to America?
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
Why did the colonists fight the British?
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Name the 13 original states.
What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
When was the Constitution written?
Name the authors of The Federal Papers.
What was Benjamin Franklin famous for?
Who is the Father of the U.S.?
Who was the first president?
What territory did the U.S. buy from France in 1803?
Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1800s.
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
What problems led to the Civil War?
Name important things that Abraham Lincoln did.
What is the Emancipation Proclamation?
Who is Susan B. Anthony?
Name one war fought by the U.S. in the 1900s.
Who was the president during World War I?
Who was the president during World War II and the Great Depression?
Who did the U.S. fight against in World War I?
What war did President Eisenhower fight in as a general?
What was the main concern during the Cold War?
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
Who is Martin Luther King, Jr.?
What happened on September 11, 2001?
Name American Indian tribes in the U.S.
Name the longest rivers in the U.S.
What ocean is on the west coast of the U.S.?
What ocean is on the east coast of the U.S.?
Name a U.S. Territory.
Name a state that borders Canada.
Name a state that borders Mexico.
What is the capital of the U.S.?
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
What is the name of the national anthem?
When is Independence Day?
Name the national holidays.
What happens if I fail the civics test?
If you fails the civics test, you will generally be given another opportunity to retake the test, typically within 60-90 days. It will focus only on the civics portion.
If you fail the second time, you can request a hearing with an immigration judge, where you will get a third and final opportunity to pass the test. If you fail the test a third time, your application for naturalization will be denied, and you will need to reapply from the beginning.
