Practice questions

Answers required: 1

• the Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme law: other laws and government actions must conform to it.

Answers required: 1

• sets up the government
• defines the government
• protects basic rights of Americans

One acceptable answer is that it establishes government; it also defines government and protects basic rights.

Answers required: 1

• We the People

“We the People” opens the Constitution and links government authority to the people.

Answers required: 1

• a change (to the Constitution)
• an addition (to the Constitution)

An amendment changes or adds to the Constitution; it is not simply an ordinary statute.

Answers required: 1

• the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments, which protect fundamental freedoms.

Answers required: 1

• speech
• religion
• assembly
• press
• petition the government

Speech is one example. Religion, assembly, press and petitioning government are also published answers; only one is requested.

Answers required: 1

• twenty-seven (27)

There are 27 amendments in the published bank. The first ten together form the Bill of Rights.

Answers required: 1

• announced our independence (from Great Britain)
• declared our independence (from Great Britain)
• said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)

It announced independence from Great Britain. Distinguish declaring independence from the Constitution’s later framework for government.

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• life
• liberty
• pursuit of happiness

Give two of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; for example, life and liberty.

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• You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

It includes practicing any religion or practicing none. Remember that freedom also protects the choice not to believe.

Answers required: 1

• capitalist economy
• market economy

Capitalist economy and market economy are accepted descriptions: markets and private enterprise play central roles.

Answers required: 1

• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.

No one is above the law: people, leaders and government must obey it. Any one published formulation expresses this principle.

Answers required: 1

• Congress
• legislative
• President
• executive
• the courts
• judicial

Congress is legislative, the President executive, and the courts judicial. Name just one branch or its listed institution.

Answers required: 1

• checks and balances
• separation of powers

Checks and balances, or separation of powers, limit concentrated authority by dividing power and allowing branches to check one another.

Answers required: 1

• the President

The President heads the executive branch. This asks for the office, not the current officeholder’s name.

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• Congress
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
• (U.S. or national) legislature

Congress makes federal laws. Its two chambers are the Senate and House of Representatives; the President’s signing role is separate.

Answers required: 2

• the Senate and House (of Representatives)

Name both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together they form Congress, the federal legislature.

Answers required: 1

• one hundred (100)

There are 100 senators: each of the 50 states has two, regardless of population.

Answers required: 1

• six (6)

A senator’s term is six years. Compare this with two years for a representative and four for a President.

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. Senators.]

Use senate.gov to identify either current senator for your state and check again before the interview. D.C. and territories have no U.S. senators.

• [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. Senators.]

Answers required: 1

• four hundred thirty-five (435)

The House has 435 voting members. The question excludes nonvoting delegates and resident commissioners.

Answers required: 1

• two (2)

A representative serves a two-year term. House elections therefore occur more frequently than Senate elections for a full term.

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]

Use house.gov with your current address to find your congressional district’s representative. Recheck before the interview and follow the official territorial exceptions.

• [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]

Answers required: 1

• all people of the state

A senator represents all people of the state, not just voters or supporters of the senator’s party.

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• (because of) the state’s population
• (because) they have more people
• (because) some states have more people

House seats are apportioned by population, so more populous states have more representatives. Senate representation remains equal by state.

Answers required: 1

• four (4)

A presidential term lasts four years. This is the length of one term, not the two-term limit.

Answers required: 1

• November

The presidential general election is in November. Do not confuse election month with the January inauguration.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.

The name can change. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates near your interview date and confirm the incumbent on whitehouse.gov.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.

Check the current Vice President at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and whitehouse.gov before the interview; this is a changing officeholder.

Answers required: 1

• the Vice President

The Vice President is first in the succession order. Give the office, not a person’s name.

Answers required: 1

• the Speaker of the House

The Speaker of the House comes next after the Vice President in the succession sequence tested here.

Answers required: 1

• the President

The President is Commander in Chief. This civilian office holds the military’s highest command authority.

Answers required: 1

• the President

The President signs bills into law. Congress passes bills; presidential signing is a distinct executive role.

Answers required: 1

• the President

The President can veto a bill, returning it without approval. A veto is one check on Congress’s legislative power.

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• advises the President

The Cabinet advises the President. Its members bring expertise from departments and other senior executive positions.

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• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Defense
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Attorney General
• Vice President

Give two positions, for example Secretary of State and Attorney General. The question asks for titles, not current officeholders.

Answers required: 1

• reviews laws
• explains laws
• resolves disputes (disagreements)
• decides if a law goes against the Constitution

One role is resolving legal disputes. Courts also interpret laws and decide whether laws conflict with the Constitution.

Answers required: 1

• the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court. “Supreme” signals its position at the top of the federal judicial system.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

This 2008 question is marked for updates. Check the number at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates before the interview; distinguish serving justices from authorized seats.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.

Check the current Chief Justice at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and supremecourt.gov before the interview. This asks for a name, not the court itself.

Answers required: 1

• to print money
• to declare war
• to create an army
• to make treaties

Printing money is one published example. Declaring war, creating an army and making treaties are other accepted federal powers.

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• provide schooling and education
• provide protection (police)
• provide safety (fire departments)
• give a driver’s license
• approve zoning and land use

Issuing driver’s licenses is one example. Education, police, fire protection and zoning also appear as accepted state powers.

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]

Find your current governor on your state’s official government website and recheck before the interview. D.C. has no governor.

• [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]

Use your state’s official website to identify its capital; it need not be its largest city. Apply the official D.C. and territory exceptions.

• [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]

Answers required: 2

• Democratic and Republican

Name both Democratic and Republican. “Major” describes their prominence; it does not mean no other parties exist.

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Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the political party of the President.

Check the President’s party using uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates near the interview. The answer follows the current President, not a memorized election year.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and house.gov for the current Speaker before the interview. This House office is separate from the U.S. President.

Answers required: 1

• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).

One accepted example is voting from age 18. Other listed answers concern race, women’s voting rights or ending poll taxes.

Answers required: 1

• serve on a jury
• vote in a federal election

Serving on a jury or voting in a federal election is accepted. The key distinction is citizenship, rather than simply living in the country.

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• vote in a federal election
• run for federal office

Voting in a federal election or running for federal office is accepted. Choose one; these differ from freedoms enjoyed by everyone living in the country.

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• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech
• freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of religion
• the right to bear arms

Give two listed rights, such as speech and religion. These protections are not limited to citizens; other published choices are also accepted.

Answers required: 1

• the United States
• the flag

The United States or the flag is accepted. The pledge expresses loyalty to the country, not to a particular political party.

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• give up loyalty to other countries
• defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
• obey the laws of the United States
• serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
• serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• be loyal to the United States

Obeying U.S. laws is one accepted promise. Other published promises concern constitutional loyalty or service to the nation when needed.

Answers required: 1

• eighteen (18) and older

Citizens must be 18 or older. The question tests minimum voting age, not the minimum age to become President.

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• 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

Give two listed activities, for example voting and contacting elected officials. Participation also includes community groups, campaigns and expressing policy views.

Answers required: 1

• April 15

The published test answer is April 15. Actual filing deadlines may shift for weekends, holidays or relief; verify your tax year at irs.gov.

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• at age eighteen (18)
• between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)

The bank accepts age 18 or the 18-to-26 range. Registration generally concerns ages 18–25, before the 26th birthday; consult sss.gov for applicability.

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• freedom
• political liberty
• religious freedom
• economic opportunity
• practice their religion
• escape persecution

Religious freedom is one accepted reason. The published list also includes political liberty, economic opportunity and escaping persecution.

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• American Indians
• Native Americans

Native Americans or American Indians is accepted. Indigenous peoples lived in the Americas long before European colonization.

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• Africans
• people from Africa

Africans or people from Africa is accepted. The question concerns forced transportation and enslavement, not voluntary migration.

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• because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
• because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
• because they didn’t have self-government

One reason was taxation without representation. Quartering British troops and lacking self-government are also accepted reasons.

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• (Thomas) Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the principal drafter. Remember his connection with the Declaration rather than confusing it with the later Constitution.

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• July 4, 1776

It was adopted on July 4, 1776. This is the full historical date, while the annual holiday is July 4.

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• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

Give three from the original thirteen, for example Virginia, Massachusetts and New York. Later states such as California do not fit this question.

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• The Constitution was written.
• The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.

The Constitution was written there. The convention concerned designing the new framework of government, not declaring independence.

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• 1787

The Constitution was written in 1787. Keep this separate from 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence.

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• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius

Madison, Hamilton or Jay is accepted; Publius is their shared pen name. Only one writer or the accepted pen name is needed.

Answers required: 1

• U.S. diplomat
• oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
• first Postmaster General of the United States
• writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”
• started the first free libraries

Being a U.S. diplomat is one accepted example. Other published answers include his postal, library, writing and convention roles.

Answers required: 1

• (George) Washington

George Washington is called the Father of Our Country because of his founding leadership. He was also the first President.

Answers required: 1

• (George) Washington

George Washington was the first U.S. President. This is a historical person, unlike questions asking who holds office now.

Answers required: 1

• the Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

The Louisiana Territory was the purchase. The historical territory was much larger than today’s state of Louisiana.

Answers required: 1

• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War

The Civil War is one accepted example. The War of 1812, Mexican-American War and Spanish-American War also belong to the 1800s.

Answers required: 1

• the Civil War
• the War between the States

The Civil War, also called the War between the States in this version, was fought between the Union and Confederacy.

Answers required: 1

• slavery
• economic reasons
• states’ rights

Slavery is one accepted answer and central to the conflict. The published bank also accepts economic reasons or states’ rights.

Answers required: 1

• freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• saved (or preserved) the Union
• led the United States during the Civil War

Preserving the Union is one accepted achievement. Leading during the Civil War or issuing the Emancipation Proclamation also fits the published answers.

Answers required: 1

• freed the slaves
• freed slaves in the Confederacy
• freed slaves in the Confederate states
• freed slaves in most Southern states

It declared freedom for enslaved people in the Confederate areas it covered. Nationwide abolition came later through the 13th Amendment.

Answers required: 1

• fought for women’s rights
• fought for civil rights

She fought for women’s rights, particularly voting rights. The published bank also accepts that she fought for civil rights.

Answers required: 1

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

World War II is one example. World War I, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War are also published answers from the 1900s.

Answers required: 1

• (Woodrow) Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was President during World War I. Associate Wilson with the first world war, not Franklin Roosevelt’s later presidency.

Answers required: 1

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt served during both periods. Do not confuse him with Theodore Roosevelt, a different President.

Answers required: 1

• Japan, Germany, and Italy

The published answer names Japan, Germany and Italy together: the principal Axis powers opposing the United States.

Answers required: 1

• World War II

Eisenhower was a general in World War II before becoming President. The question links his military career to that war.

Answers required: 1

• Communism

The 2008 bank’s answer is communism. It refers to the ideological rivalry of the Cold War, especially with the Soviet Union.

Answers required: 1

• civil rights (movement)

The civil rights movement worked to end racial discrimination. “Civil rights” concerns equal treatment and legal rights, not a military conflict.

Answers required: 1

• fought for civil rights
• worked for equality for all Americans

He fought for civil rights and equality for all Americans. One of those published descriptions is enough.

Answers required: 1

• Terrorists attacked the United States.

Terrorists attacked the United States. The question identifies the September 11 attacks, rather than a later military response.

Answers required: 1

• Cherokee
• Navajo
• Sioux
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Pueblo
• Apache
• Iroquois
• Creek
• Blackfeet
• Seminole
• Cheyenne
• Arawak
• Shawnee
• Mohegan
• Huron
• Oneida
• Lakota
• Crow
• Teton
• Hopi
• Inuit

[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

Cherokee or Navajo is one example; many other listed tribes qualify. The official note allows officers to consult a federally recognized tribe list.

• [USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

Answers required: 1

• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River)

Missouri or Mississippi is accepted. Name one river; the question does not require both.

Answers required: 1

• Pacific (Ocean)

The Pacific Ocean borders the West Coast. Pair west with Pacific and east with Atlantic.

Answers required: 1

• Atlantic (Ocean)

The Atlantic Ocean borders the East Coast. Pair east with Atlantic and west with Pacific.

Answers required: 1

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam

Puerto Rico is one accepted example. Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands are also listed territories.

Answers required: 1

• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Montana
• Idaho
• Washington
• Alaska

New York is one accepted example; Alaska is another. Choose any state in the published northern-border list.

Answers required: 1

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas

California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas border Mexico. Give one of these four states.

Answers required: 1

• Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is the national capital. Distinguish the federal district from Washington state in the northwest.

Answers required: 1

• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island
• New Jersey
• near New York City
• on the Hudson (River)

[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

New York Harbor or Liberty Island is accepted. The official note also accepts New Jersey, near New York City or on the Hudson River.

• [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

Answers required: 1

• because there were 13 original colonies
• because the stripes represent the original colonies

The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. They preserve the founding number rather than the current number of states.

Answers required: 1

• because there is one star for each state
• because each star represents a state
• because there are 50 states

Each star represents a state, so 50 stars represent 50 states. Contrast stars for states with stripes for original colonies.

Answers required: 1

• The Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Learn the title; the question does not ask you to sing it.

Answers required: 1

• July 4

Independence Day is July 4 each year. It commemorates adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Answers required: 2

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Give two listed holidays, for example Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Dates and descriptions are not requested in this question.

Answers required: 1

• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy

Republic, constitution-based federal republic and representative democracy are accepted descriptions. Citizens govern through elected representatives within a constitutional framework.

Answers required: 1

• (U.S.) Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme law: other laws and government actions must conform to it.

Answers required: 1

• Forms the government
• Defines powers of government
• Defines the parts of government
• Protects the rights of the people

One acceptable answer is that it establishes government; it also defines government and protects basic rights.

Answers required: 1

• Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• (Example of) social contract

It means self-government or popular sovereignty: authority rests on the people’s consent. The listed social-contract wording is also accepted.

Answers required: 1

• Amendments
• The amendment process

Changes are made through amendments and the amendment process. Constitutional changes follow a special procedure, rather than ordinary lawmaking alone.

Answers required: 1

• (The basic) rights of Americans
• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States

It protects basic rights of Americans or people living in the United States. These protections are associated with the first ten amendments.

Answers required: 1

• Twenty-seven (27)

There are 27 amendments in the published bank. The first ten together form the Bill of Rights.

Answers required: 1

• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.

One accepted reason is freedom from British control. Its statements on equality, inherent rights and individual freedoms are other published reasons.

Answers required: 1

• Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence announced separation from Britain. The Constitution later established the framework of the federal government.

Answers required: 2

• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government

Equality and liberty are two examples. Social contract, natural rights, limited government and self-government are also published choices.

Answers required: 1

• Declaration of Independence

These words are in the Declaration of Independence. They identify rights; they are not the opening words of the Constitution.

Answers required: 1

• Capitalism
• Free market economy

Capitalist economy and market economy are accepted descriptions: markets and private enterprise play central roles.

Answers required: 1

• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.

No one is above the law: people, leaders and government must obey it. Any one published formulation expresses this principle.

Answers required: 1

• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Federalist Papers
• Anti-Federalist Papers
• Virginia Declaration of Rights
• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
• Mayflower Compact
• Iroquois Great Law of Peace

The Declaration of Independence is one accepted example. Choose one document from the published list; you need not describe every influence.

Answers required: 1

• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers

Dividing authority prevents one part from becoming too powerful. Checks and balances and separation of powers express this purpose.

Answers required: 3

• Legislative, executive, and judicial
• Congress, president, and the courts

Give legislative, executive and judicial, or Congress, President and courts. Include all three parts in your oral response.

Answers required: 1

• Executive branch

The executive branch is the answer. The question asks which branch the President leads, rather than asking for the President’s name.

Answers required: 1

• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature
• Legislative branch

Congress makes federal laws. Its two chambers are the Senate and House of Representatives; the President’s signing role is separate.

Answers required: 2

• Senate and House (of Representatives)

Name both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together they form Congress, the federal legislature.

Answers required: 1

• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget

Writing laws is one accepted power. Declaring war or making the federal budget are other published examples; only one is required.

Answers required: 1

• One hundred (100)

There are 100 senators: each of the 50 states has two, regardless of population.

Answers required: 1

• Six (6) years

A senator’s term is six years. Compare this with two years for a representative and four for a President.

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. senators.]

Use senate.gov to identify either current senator for your state and check again before the interview. D.C. and territories have no U.S. senators.

• [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. senators.]

Answers required: 1

• Four hundred thirty-five (435)

The House has 435 voting members. The question excludes nonvoting delegates and resident commissioners.

Answers required: 1

• Two (2) years

A representative serves a two-year term. House elections therefore occur more frequently than Senate elections for a full term.

Answers required: 1

• To more closely follow public opinion

Shorter terms let representatives follow public opinion more closely, since voters can hold them accountable more frequently.

Answers required: 1

• Two (2)

Each state has two senators, giving states equal Senate representation regardless of population.

Answers required: 1

• Equal representation (for small states)
• The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Equal state representation protects smaller states. The Great Compromise combined this Senate equality with population-based representation in the House.

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) representatives in Congress.]

Use house.gov with your current address to find your congressional district’s representative. Recheck before the interview and follow the official territorial exceptions.

• [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) representatives in Congress.]

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and house.gov for the current Speaker before the interview. This House office is separate from the U.S. President.

Answers required: 1

• Citizens of their state
• People of their state

A senator represents all people of the state, not just voters or supporters of the senator’s party.

Answers required: 1

• Citizens from their state

Citizens from the senator’s state elect senators. This asks who votes, rather than whom a senator represents.

Answers required: 1

• Citizens in their (congressional) district
• Citizens in their district
• People from their (congressional) district
• People in their district

A representative serves people in their congressional district. A senator, by comparison, represents the whole state.

Answers required: 1

• Citizens from their (congressional) district

Citizens of the congressional district elect its representative. The electoral area is a district, rather than the entire country.

Answers required: 1

• (Because of) the state’s population
• (Because) they have more people
• (Because) some states have more people

House seats are apportioned by population, so more populous states have more representatives. Senate representation remains equal by state.

Answers required: 1

• Four (4) years

A presidential term lasts four years. This is the length of one term, not the two-term limit.

Answers required: 1

• (Because of) the 22nd Amendment
• To keep the president from becoming too powerful

The 22nd Amendment limits presidential terms. Preventing a President from becoming too powerful is the other published explanation.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.

The name can change. Check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates near your interview date and confirm the incumbent on whitehouse.gov.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.

Check the current Vice President at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and whitehouse.gov before the interview; this is a changing officeholder.

Answers required: 1

• The Vice President (of the United States)

The Vice President is first in the succession order. Give the office, not a person’s name.

Answers required: 1

• Signs bills into law
• Vetoes bills
• Enforces laws
• Commander in Chief (of the military)
• Chief diplomat
• Appoints federal judges

Vetoing bills is one example. Signing laws, enforcing laws, military command, diplomacy and appointing federal judges are other published choices.

Answers required: 1

• The President (of the United States)

The President is Commander in Chief. This civilian office holds the military’s highest command authority.

Answers required: 1

• The President (of the United States)

The President signs bills into law. Congress passes bills; presidential signing is a distinct executive role.

Answers required: 1

• The President (of the United States)

The President can veto a bill, returning it without approval. A veto is one check on Congress’s legislative power.

Answers required: 1

• The President (of the United States)

The President appoints federal judges. Distinguish the President’s appointment role from the Senate’s confirmation role.

Answers required: 1

• President (of the United States)
• Cabinet
• Federal departments and agencies

The President is one part. The Cabinet and federal departments and agencies are also accepted executive components.

Answers required: 1

• Advises the President (of the United States)

The Cabinet advises the President. Its members bring expertise from departments and other senior executive positions.

Answers required: 2

• Attorney General
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Secretary of War (Defense)
• Vice-President
• Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
• Administrator of the Small Business Administration
• Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
• Director of the Office of Management and Budget
• Director of National Intelligence
• United States Trade Representative

Give two positions, for example Secretary of State and Attorney General. The question asks for titles, not current officeholders.

Answers required: 1

• It decides who is elected president.
• It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.

It determines who is elected President. The bank also accepts its compromise between popular election and congressional selection.

Answers required: 1

• Supreme Court
• Federal Courts

The Supreme Court or federal courts is accepted. These belong to the judiciary, rather than Congress or the executive.

Answers required: 1

• Reviews laws
• Explains laws
• Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
• Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution

One role is resolving legal disputes. Courts also interpret laws and decide whether laws conflict with the Constitution.

Answers required: 1

• Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court. “Supreme” signals its position at the top of the federal judicial system.

Answers required: 1

• Nine (9)

The published 2025 answer is nine seats. This asks about the Court’s seats, unlike the update-dependent 2008 question about serving justices.

Answers required: 1

• Five (5)

Five is the published answer: a majority of the Court’s nine seats. “Usually” matters because case participation can vary.

Answers required: 1

• (For) life
• Lifetime appointment
• (Until) retirement

They have lifetime appointments, rather than fixed election terms; the bank also accepts “until retirement.”

Answers required: 1

• To be independent (of politics)
• To limit outside (political) influence

Lifetime tenure promotes independence from politics and limits outside political influence. Judges do not face regular reelection campaigns.

Answers required: 1

Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.

Check the current Chief Justice at uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates and supremecourt.gov before the interview. This asks for a name, not the court itself.

Answers required: 1

• Print paper money
• Mint coins
• Declare war
• Create an army
• Make treaties
• Set foreign policy

Printing money is one published example. Declaring war, creating an army and making treaties are other accepted federal powers.

Answers required: 1

• Provide schooling and education
• Provide protection (police)
• Provide safety (fire departments)
• Give a driver’s license
• Approve zoning and land use

Issuing driver’s licenses is one example. Education, police, fire protection and zoning also appear as accepted state powers.

Answers required: 1

• (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people. It helps explain federalism’s division of authority.

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]

Find your current governor on your state’s official government website and recheck before the interview. D.C. has no governor.

• [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]

Answers required: 1

Answers will vary.

[District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]

Use your state’s official website to identify its capital; it need not be its largest city. Apply the official D.C. and territory exceptions.

• [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]

Answers required: 1

• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).

One accepted example is voting from age 18. Other listed answers concern race, women’s voting rights or ending poll taxes.

Answers required: 1

• Citizens
• Citizens of the United States
• U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens is the accepted category. The question groups activities associated with citizenship, rather than asking for three different people.

Answers required: 3

• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom to petition the government
• Freedom of religion
• The right to bear arms

Give three listed rights, such as speech, religion and assembly. This version requires three; the similar 2008 question requires only two.

Answers required: 1

• The United States
• The flag

The United States or the flag is accepted. The pledge expresses loyalty to the country, not to a particular political party.

Answers required: 2

• Give up loyalty to other countries
• Defend the (U.S.) Constitution
• Obey the laws of the United States
• Serve in the military (if needed)
• Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• Be loyal to the United States

Obeying U.S. laws and defending the Constitution are two examples. Other listed promises qualify; service-related promises retain “if needed.”

Answers required: 1

• Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
• Naturalize
• Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)

Naturalization is one accepted route. The other published routes concern birth under the 14th Amendment or derived citizenship under conditions set by Congress.

Answers required: 2

• Vote
• Run for office
• 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)
• Contact elected officials
• Support or oppose an issue or policy
• Write to a newspaper

Give two listed activities, for example voting and contacting elected officials. Participation also includes community groups, campaigns and expressing policy views.

Answers required: 1

• Vote
• Pay taxes
• Obey the law
• Serve in the military
• Run for office
• Work for local, state, or federal government

Paying taxes is one accepted example. Voting, obeying laws, military service, running for office and government work are also listed.

Answers required: 1

• Required by law
• All people pay to fund the federal government
• Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
• Civic duty

It is required by law and funds federal government. Civic duty and the constitutional basis in the 16th Amendment are also published answers.

Answers required: 1

• Required by law
• Civic duty
• Makes the draft fair, if needed

It is required by law, is a civic duty or makes a possible draft fair. Registration is distinct from immediate military service.

Answers required: 1

• Freedom
• Political liberty
• Religious freedom
• Economic opportunity
• Escape persecution

Religious freedom is one accepted reason. The published list also includes political liberty, economic opportunity and escaping persecution.

Answers required: 1

• American Indians
• Native Americans

Native Americans or American Indians is accepted. Indigenous peoples lived in the Americas long before European colonization.

Answers required: 1

• Africans
• People from Africa

Africans or people from Africa is accepted. The question concerns forced transportation and enslavement, not voluntary migration.

Answers required: 1

• American Revolution
• The (American) Revolutionary War
• War for (American) Independence

The American Revolution, Revolutionary War or War for Independence are accepted names for the conflict against British rule.

Answers required: 1

• High taxes
• Taxation without representation
• British soldiers stayed in Americans’ houses (boarding, quartering)
• They did not have self-government
• Boston Massacre
• Boston Tea Party (Tea Act)
• Stamp Act
• Sugar Act
• Townshend Acts
• Intolerable (Coercive) Acts

Taxation without representation is one accepted reason. Quartering soldiers, lacking self-government and the listed British acts or colonial protests also qualify.

Answers required: 1

• (Thomas) Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the principal drafter. Remember his connection with the Declaration rather than confusing it with the later Constitution.

Answers required: 1

• July 4, 1776

It was adopted on July 4, 1776. This is the full historical date, while the annual holiday is July 4.

Answers required: 1

• (Battle of) Bunker Hill
• Declaration of Independence
• Washington Crossing the Delaware (Battle of Trenton)
• (Battle of) Saratoga
• Valley Forge (Encampment)
• (Battle of) Yorktown (British surrender at Yorktown)

The British surrender at Yorktown is one accepted event. The Declaration of Independence, Saratoga and other events in the official list also qualify.

Answers required: 5

• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

Give five original states, for example Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia. This version needs five, unlike three in 2008.

Answers required: 1

• (U.S.) Constitution

The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787. The Declaration of Independence belongs to 1776, so keep document and date paired.

Answers required: 1

• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius

Madison, Hamilton or Jay is accepted; Publius is their shared pen name. Only one writer or the accepted pen name is needed.

Answers required: 1

• They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
• They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.

They explained the Constitution and supported its adoption. Think of persuasive essays for ratification, rather than a separate constitution.

Answers required: 1

• Founded the first free public libraries
• First Postmaster General of the United States
• Helped write the Declaration of Independence
• Inventor
• U.S. diplomat

Being a U.S. diplomat is one answer. Libraries, postal leadership, helping draft the Declaration or being an inventor are other published choices.

Answers required: 1

• “Father of Our Country”
• First president of the United States
• General of the Continental Army
• President of the Constitutional Convention

Being the first U.S. President is one answer. Father of Our Country, Continental Army general or convention president are other published choices.

Answers required: 1

• Writer of the Declaration of Independence
• Third president of the United States
• Doubled the size of the United States (Louisiana Purchase)
• First Secretary of State
• Founded the University of Virginia
• Writer of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom

Writing the Declaration of Independence is one answer. His presidency, Louisiana Purchase and other achievements in the list are also accepted.

Answers required: 1

• “Father of the Constitution”
• Fourth president of the United States
• President during the War of 1812
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers

“Father of the Constitution” is one answer. Fourth President, President during the War of 1812 or Federalist Papers writer are other published choices.

Answers required: 1

• First Secretary of the Treasury
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
• Helped establish the First Bank of the United States
• Aide to General George Washington
• Member of the Continental Congress

First Secretary of the Treasury is one accepted achievement. Federalist Papers authorship and the other listed roles are also valid.

Answers required: 1

• Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

The Louisiana Territory was the purchase. The historical territory was much larger than today’s state of Louisiana.

Answers required: 1

• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War

The Civil War is one accepted example. The War of 1812, Mexican-American War and Spanish-American War also belong to the 1800s.

Answers required: 1

• The Civil War

The Civil War is the published name. It was fought between the Union and Confederacy; distinguish it from the earlier war for independence.

Answers required: 1

• (Battle of) Fort Sumter
• Emancipation Proclamation
• (Battle of) Vicksburg
• (Battle of) Gettysburg
• Sherman’s March
• (Surrender at) Appomattox
• (Battle of) Antietam/Sharpsburg
• Lincoln was assassinated.

The Battle of Gettysburg is one example. The Emancipation Proclamation, Appomattox surrender and other listed wartime events also qualify.

Answers required: 1

• Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• Saved (or preserved) the Union
• Led the United States during the Civil War
• 16th president of the United States
• Delivered the Gettysburg Address

Preserving the Union is one accepted achievement. Leading during the Civil War or issuing the Emancipation Proclamation also fits the published answers.

Answers required: 1

• Freed the slaves
• Freed slaves in the Confederacy
• Freed slaves in the Confederate states
• Freed slaves in most Southern states

It declared freedom for enslaved people in the Confederate areas it covered. Nationwide abolition came later through the 13th Amendment.

Answers required: 1

• The Civil War

The Civil War is the accepted answer. Its outcome and the 13th Amendment led to nationwide abolition of slavery.

Answers required: 1

• 14th Amendment

The 14th Amendment contains this citizenship clause. Retain the question’s jurisdiction condition rather than dropping it from the concept.

Answers required: 1

• After the Civil War
• During Reconstruction
• (With the) 15th Amendment
• 1870

The bank accepts 1870, the 15th Amendment, Reconstruction or after the Civil War. Legal guarantees did not immediately end discriminatory voting barriers.

Answers required: 1

• Susan B. Anthony
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• Sojourner Truth
• Harriet Tubman
• Lucretia Mott
• Lucy Stone

Susan B. Anthony is one accepted leader. Stanton, Truth, Tubman, Mott and Stone are other published choices; one name is enough.

Answers required: 1

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

World War II is one example. World War I, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War are also published answers from the 1900s.

Answers required: 1

• Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships
• To support the Allied Powers (England, France, Italy, and Russia)
• To oppose the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria)

German attacks on U.S. civilian ships is one accepted reason. Supporting the Allies or opposing the Central Powers are other published explanations.

Answers required: 1

• 1920
• After World War I
• (With the) 19th Amendment

The bank accepts 1920, after World War I or the 19th Amendment. Discriminatory barriers still prevented many women from voting in practice.

Answers required: 1

• Longest economic recession in modern history

The bank describes it as the longest economic recession in modern history. It was a prolonged economic crisis, not a war.

Answers required: 1

• The Great Crash (1929)
• Stock market crash of 1929

The published answer is the stock market crash of 1929. Remember 1929 for its beginning, rather than Roosevelt’s later presidency.

Answers required: 1

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt served during both periods. Do not confuse him with Theodore Roosevelt, a different President.

Answers required: 1

• (Bombing of) Pearl Harbor
• Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
• To support the Allied Powers (England, France, and Russia)
• To oppose the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan)

Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor is one accepted reason. Supporting the Allies or opposing the Axis Powers are other published explanations.

Answers required: 1

• General during World War II
• President at the end of (during) the Korean War
• 34th president of the United States
• Signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (Created the Interstate System)

General during World War II is one accepted answer. His presidency, Korean War role or signing the 1956 highway act are other choices.

Answers required: 1

• Soviet Union
• USSR
• Russia

The Soviet Union or USSR is the precise historical name; the bank also accepts Russia. The question asks for a rival country, not an ideology.

Answers required: 1

• Communism
• Nuclear war

Communism or nuclear war is accepted in the 2025 bank. Give one concern; do not confuse it with the question asking for the Soviet Union.

Answers required: 1

• To stop the spread of communism

The published reason is stopping the spread of communism. Link the Korean War to Cold War containment policy.

Answers required: 1

• To stop the spread of communism

The published reason is stopping the spread of communism. The test gives the same general Cold War rationale for Korea and Vietnam.

Answers required: 1

• Fought to end racial discrimination

It fought to end racial discrimination. The focus is equal treatment and rights, not a particular election or military war.

Answers required: 1

• Fought for civil rights
• Worked for equality for all Americans
• Worked to ensure that people would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”

He fought for civil rights and equality for all Americans. One of those published descriptions is enough.

Answers required: 1

• To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait

The accepted reason is to force Iraq’s military out of Kuwait. Distinguish this conflict from the later Iraq War after September 11.

Answers required: 1

• Terrorists attacked the United States
• Terrorists took over two planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City
• Terrorists took over a plane and crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia
• Terrorists took over a plane originally aimed at Washington, D.C., and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania

Terrorists attacked the United States. The question identifies the September 11 attacks, rather than a later military response.

Answers required: 1

• (Global) War on Terror
• War in Afghanistan
• War in Iraq

The War in Afghanistan is one example. The War in Iraq or Global War on Terror are also published answers.

Answers required: 1

• Apache
• Blackfeet
• Cayuga
• Cherokee
• Cheyenne
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Creek
• Crow
• Hopi
• Huron
• Inupiat
• Lakota
• Mohawk
• Mohegan
• Navajo
• Oneida
• Onondaga
• Pueblo
• Seminole
• Seneca
• Shawnee
• Sioux
• Teton
• Tuscarora

For a complete list of tribes, please visit bia.gov.

Cherokee or Navajo is one accepted example; other listed tribes also qualify. The official note points to bia.gov for a complete list.

• For a complete list of tribes, please visit bia.gov.

Answers required: 1

• Light bulb
• Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine)
• Skyscrapers
• Airplane
• Assembly line
• Landing on the moon
• Integrated circuit (IC)

The airplane is one published example. The light bulb, assembly line, moon landing and other items in the official list also qualify.

Answers required: 1

• Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is the national capital. Distinguish the federal district from Washington state in the northwest.

Answers required: 1

• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island
• New Jersey
• near New York City
• on the Hudson (River)

[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

New York Harbor or Liberty Island is accepted. The official note also accepts New Jersey, near New York City or on the Hudson River.

• [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

Answers required: 1

• (Because there were) 13 original colonies
• (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies

The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. They preserve the founding number rather than the current number of states.

Answers required: 1

• (Because there is) one star for each state
• (Because) each star represents a state
• (Because there are) 50 states

Each star represents a state, so 50 stars represent 50 states. Contrast stars for states with stripes for original colonies.

Answers required: 1

• The Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Learn the title; the question does not ask you to sing it.

Answers required: 1

• Out of many, one
• We all become one

It means “Out of many, one”; “We all become one” is also accepted. The phrase expresses unity formed from many parts.

Answers required: 1

• A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain)
• The country’s birthday

It celebrates U.S. independence from Britain, or the country’s birthday. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence rather than the Constitution.

Answers required: 3

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Give three listed holidays, such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. This version needs three; the 2008 version asks for two.

Answers required: 1

• A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service

Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service. Distinguish this remembrance from Veterans Day, which honors those who served.

Answers required: 1

• A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military
• A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)

Veterans Day honors people who served in the U.S. military. Unlike Memorial Day, its focus is not limited to those who died in service.