Introduction

The journey to U.S. citizenship is a profound milestone, symbolizing not just legal status but a deep commitment to American values, history, and governance. At the heart of the naturalization process lies the civics test, an oral examination designed to ensure applicants possess a foundational understanding of the nation’s democratic principles and historical narrative. Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this test has evolved over time to reflect contemporary educational standards and policy priorities. In this article, we’ll explore the historical context of the civics questions, outline the transition to the forthcoming 2025 version, and provide a side-by-side comparison of the current and new sets. Whether you’re preparing for your interview or simply curious about the process, this overview will provide essential insights. 

A Brief History of Civics Questions in Naturalization Interviews

The civics test traces its roots to the Naturalization Act of 1906, which formalized the naturalization process and emphasized assimilation through knowledge of English and American civics. Early versions were informal, often relying on judges’ discretion to quiz applicants on basic facts about the U.S. government and history. This approach aimed to foster informed citizenship, drawing from the ideals of the Founding Fathers who viewed an educated populace as essential to a republic’s survival. 

By the mid-20th century, the test became more standardized, but it wasn’t until 1989 that USCIS (then the Immigration and Naturalization Service) introduced a more structured format with sample questions. The modern iteration began in 2008, when USCIS overhauled the test to make it more accessible and relevant. The 2008 version featured 100 questions covering American government, history, and integrated civics (including geography and symbols). Applicants were asked up to 10 questions orally and needed to answer 6 correctly (60%) to pass. This redesign incorporated input from historians, educators, and community stakeholders to balance rigor with inclusivity, reducing failure rates while ensuring meaningful civic literacy. 

The test faced scrutiny in the late 2010s, leading to a proposed revision in 2020. The 2020 update expanded to 128 questions, increased the question count to 20 (with a 12-correct passing threshold of 60%), and emphasized deeper conceptual understanding over rote memorization. However, due to widespread criticism from immigrant advocates, educators, and legal experts—who argued it disproportionately burdened non-native English speakers—the 2020 version was suspended in 2021. Applicants reverted to the 2008 test, preserving a more approachable standard during a period of heightened immigration processing backlogs. 

The New 2025 Set: When Does It Take Effect?

In a significant policy shift, USCIS announced the reimplementation of an updated civics test on September 18, 2025, via a Federal Register notice. This “2025 Naturalization Civics Test” builds on the 2020 framework but incorporates refinements to address past concerns, such as allowing officers to stop questioning once a pass or fail is clear (unlike the rigid 20-question requirement in 2020). The changes align with Executive Order 14161, issued earlier in 2025, which prioritizes “strengthening assimilation and civic preparedness” to promote a unified national identity. 

The new test will take effect for all Form N-400 naturalization applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. If you submit your application before this date, you’ll take the familiar 2008 version. This 30-day grace period from the announcement date provides applicants time to prepare. For those 65 or older with 20+ years as lawful permanent residents (the “65/20 exception”), the test simplifies to 10 questions from a designated subset (marked with asterisks), with a passing score of 6 correct—applicable under either version based on your filing date. English language requirements remain unchanged, and USCIS will offer updated study guides, including the “One Nation, One People” textbook, available in multiple languages. 

These updates aim to standardize testing while enhancing comprehension of core principles like the Constitution and civil rights. However, critics note the increased scope may require more preparation time, particularly for applicants with limited formal education. 

Comparing the Current (2008) and New (2025) Civics Tests

The 2008 test’s 100 questions are concise, with a focus on key facts and multiple-choice-style answers, making it suitable for quick memorization. In contrast, the 2025 version expands to 128 questions, introducing more nuanced phrasing, additional historical context, and broader answer options to encourage critical thinking. While both cover American government (principles, system, rights/responsibilities), history (colonial era through modern times), and symbols/holidays, the new set deepens topics like the Bill of Rights, civil rights movements, and economic systems. 

Key differences include:

  • Question Volume and Format: 2008: 100 questions, up to 10 asked, 6 correct to pass. 2025: 128 questions, up to 20 asked, 12 correct to pass.
  • Content Expansion: The 2025 test adds questions on concepts like “social contract,” “natural rights,” and “limited government”; elaborates on historical events (e.g., more on the Civil War and Cold War); and includes more diverse influences on the Constitution (e.g., Iroquois Great Law of Peace).
  • Geography Reduction: The 2008 test integrates basic geography (e.g., naming oceans, states’ capitals). The 2025 version largely omits this, shifting emphasis to pure civics and history.
  • Passing Threshold: Both require 60% correct, but the doubled question count raises the bar proportionally.
  • Special Considerations: Both versions accommodate the 65/20 exception, but the 2025 subset draws from its 20 asterisked questions.

Overall, the 2025 test is more comprehensive, potentially better preparing citizens for active participation but demanding extended study. Below is a thematic comparison table highlighting representative changes: 

Theme 2008 Version (Examples) 2025 Version (Examples) Key Changes 
Principles of Government Q2: What is the supreme law? (Constitution) Q7: What does the Constitution do? (Sets up government; protects basic rights) Q2: What is the supreme law? (U.S. Constitution) Q3: Name one thing the Constitution does. (Forms government; defines powers; protects rights) More detailed answers; adds “We the People” meaning (popular sovereignty, social contract). 
System of Government Q16: Name the three branches. (Legislative, executive, judicial) Q44: Who vetoes bills? (President) Q16: Name the three branches. (Legislative, executive, judicial) Q44: Who vetoes bills? (President) * Similar core questions; expands on Electoral College compromise and Cabinet roles; adds question on why representatives have shorter terms (to follow public opinion). 
Rights & Responsibilities Q14: What are two rights in the Declaration? (Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) Q28: What is one right or freedom from the Bill of Rights? (Speech, religion, etc.) Q65: What are three rights of everyone living in the U.S.? (Expression, assembly, religion, bear arms) Q63: Describe one voting amendment. (18+, no poll tax, etc.) Broader rights listing; adds civic participation examples (e.g., contacting officials) and Selective Service rationale. 
American History (Colonial/Independence) Q40: What happened at midnight, July 4, 1776? (Declaration adopted) Q47: Name one war in 1800s. (War of 1812, Civil War) Q79: When was Declaration adopted? (July 4, 1776) * Q91: Name one war in 1800s. (War of 1812, Mexican-American, Civil, Spanish-American) More specific events (e.g., Yorktown surrender); expands reasons for independence (e.g., Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts). 
Recent History Q68: What did MLK Jr. do? (Fought for civil rights) Q78: Name one 1900s war. (WWI, WWII, etc.) Q113: What is MLK famous for? (Fought for civil rights; equality quote) * Q100: Name one 1900s war. (WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Gulf) Deeper on civil rights (e.g., Emancipation Proclamation details); adds 9/11 events and post-9/11 conflicts. 
Symbols & Holidays Q29: What is the capital? (Washington, D.C.) Q88: Name two national holidays. (New Year’s, Independence Day, etc.) Q119: What is the capital? (Washington, D.C.) Q126: Name three national holidays. (Includes Juneteenth) * Adds Juneteenth; expands flag symbolism explanations. 

This table illustrates how the 2025 test builds depth without altering foundational facts, potentially making it more engaging but challenging. 

Preparing for Success

Transitioning between versions underscores the importance of checking your filing date against USCIS guidelines. Resources like the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center offer free flashcards, videos, and apps. Practice orally, as the test simulates real conversation, and focus on understanding over memorization—especially for the 2025 set’s conceptual emphasis. 

Becoming a U.S. citizen is more than passing a test; it’s embracing a shared story of liberty and opportunity. As the civics exam evolves, it continues to honor that legacy, ensuring new Americans are ready to contribute to its next chapter. 

For the complete lists, see Addendums A and B below. Note: Current officials’ names (e.g., President, Senators) change; visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for updates as of your interview date. 

Addendum A: Current (2008) Set of 100 Civics Questions and Answers

The following is the official 100-question list from the 2008 version, as published by USCIS. Questions are grouped thematically for study ease. 

A: American Government

  1. What is the supreme law of the land? The Constitution
  2. What does the Constitution do? • sets up the government • defines the government • protects basic rights of Americans
  3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? We the People
  4. What is an amendment? • a change (to the Constitution) • an addition (to the Constitution)
  5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? the Bill of Rights
  6. What is one right or freedom from the Bill of Rights? • speech • religion • assembly • press • petition the government
  7. How many amendments does the Constitution have? twenty-seven (27)
  8. What did the Declaration of Independence do? • announced our independence (from Great Britain) • declared our independence (from Great Britain) • said that (all) men are created equal
  9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence? • life • liberty • pursuit of happiness
  10. What is freedom of religion? You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
  11. What is the economic system in the United States? * capitalist economy
  12. What is the “rule of law”? • Everyone must follow the law. • Leaders must obey the law. • Government must obey the law. • No one is above the law. What is the supreme law of the land? The Constitution

B: American History: Civics

  1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. * • World War I • World War II • Korean War • Vietnam War • (Persian) Gulf War
  2. Who was President during World War I? (Woodrow) Wilson
  3. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II? (Franklin) Roosevelt
  4. Who did the United States fight in World War II? Japan, Germany, and Italy
  5. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in? World War II
  6. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? Communism
  7. What movement tried to end racial discrimination? civil rights (movement)
  8. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States? * Terrorists attacked the United States

C: Geography

  1. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. • Missouri (River) • Mississippi (River)
  2. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States? Pacific (Ocean)
  3. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States? Atlantic (Ocean)
  4. Name one U.S. territory. • Puerto Rico • U.S. Virgin Islands • American Samoa • Northern Mariana Islands • Guam
  5. Name one state that borders Canada. • Maine • New Hampshire • Vermont • New York • Pennsylvania • Ohio • Michigan • Minnesota • North Dakota • Montana • Idaho • Washington • Alaska
  6. Name one state that borders Mexico. • California • Arizona • New Mexico • Texas
  7. What is the capital of the United States? * Washington (D.C.)
  8. Where is the Statue of Liberty? * New York (Harbor) • Liberty Island [Also acceptable: New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson River.]

D: Symbols

  1. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? • because there were 13 original colonies • because the stripes represent the 13 original colonies
  2. Why does the flag have 50 stars? * • because there is one star for each state • because each star represents a state • because there are 50 states
  3. What is the name of the national anthem? The Star-Spangled Banner
  4. When do we celebrate Independence Day? * July 4
  5. Name two national U.S. holidays. • New Year’s Day • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • Presidents’ Day • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Columbus Day • Veterans Day • Thanksgiving • Christmas

E: Government

  1. What is the capital of your state? * [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.]
  2. Who is the current governor of your state? [Answers will vary.] [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor. Residents of U.S. territories should name the governor of the territory.]
  3. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now? * [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.]
  4. Who is the other U.S. senator from your state? [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.]
  5. Who is your U.S. representative in Congress? [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.]
  6. Who is the current President of the United States? [For “current” portion of this question, see “Check for Test Updates” on uscis.gov/citizenship]
  7. Who is the current Vice President of the United States? [For “current” portion of this question, see “Check for Test Updates” on uscis.gov/citizenship]
  8. Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives? [For “current” portion of this question, see “Check for Test Updates” on uscis.gov/citizenship]
  9. What is the name of the Chief Justice of the United States? [For “current” portion of this question, see “Check for Test Updates” on uscis.gov/citizenship]
  10. Name one of the U.S. territories. • Puerto Rico • U.S. Virgin Islands • American Samoa • Northern Mariana Islands • Guam
  11. How many U.S. senators are there? one hundred (100)
  12. How many U.S. representatives are there? four hundred thirty-five (435)
  13. Who makes federal laws? • Congress • Senate and House (of Representatives) • (U.S. or national) legislature
  14. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? * • the Senate and House (of Representatives)
  15. How many U.S. senators are there from each state? two (2)
  16. How long is a term for a U.S. senator? six (6) years
  17. When was the last time a state was added to the Union? 1959 (Hawaii)
  18. How many states are in the Union? fifty (50)
  19. How many amendments does the Constitution have? twenty-seven (27)
  20. What is the introduction to the Constitution called? the Preamble
  21. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? (Thomas) Jefferson
  22. When was the Constitution written? 1787
  23. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. • (James) Madison • (Alexander) Hamilton • (John) Jay • Publius
  24. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? • 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
  25. Who is the “Father of Our Country”? (George) Washington
  26. Who was the first President? * (George) Washington
  27. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? the Louisiana Territory
  28. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s. • War of 1812 • Mexican-American War • Civil War • Spanish-American War
  29. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South. the Civil War the War between the States
  30. Name one battle from the Civil War. • Fort Sumter • Gettysburg • Appomattox • Antietam • Vicksburg
  31. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did? * • freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation) • saved (or preserved) the Union • led the United States during the Civil War
  32. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? freed the slaves
  33. What did Susan B. Anthony do? fought for women’s rights
  34. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. * [See question 13]
  35. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II? [See question 15]
  36. Who was President during World War I? [See question 14]
  37. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do? * • fought for civil rights • worked for equality for all Americans
  38. What major event happened on September 11, 2001? [See question 20]
  39. What did the United States do on September 11, 2001? [See question 20]
  40. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. • Cherokee • Navajo • Sioux • Chippewa • Choctaw • Pueblo • Apache • Iroquois • Creek • Shoshone • Crow • Seminole • Cheyenne
  41. Name one example of American culture. • football • baseball • Hollywood • jazz
  42. Name one U.S. innovation in science or technology. • airplane • light bulb • skyscraper • assembly line • moon landing • personal computer

(For the full 100 questions, refer to the official USCIS PDF at uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q.pdf. The above is a condensed representation; the complete list includes all 100 with full answers.) 

Addendum B: New (2025) Set of 128 Civics Questions and Answers

The following is the official 128-question list from the 2025 version, as provided in the user’s document. Questions are grouped thematically.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

A: Principles of American Government

  1. What is the form of government of the United States? • Republic • Constitution-based federal republic • Representative democracy
  2. What is the supreme law of the land? * • (U.S.) Constitution
  3. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does. • Forms the government • Defines powers of government • Defines the parts of government • Protects the rights of the people
  4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean? • Self-government • Popular sovereignty • Consent of the governed • People should govern themselves • (Example of) social contract
  5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution? • Amendments • The amendment process
  6. What does the Bill of Rights protect? • (The basic) rights of Americans • (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
  7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? * • Twenty-seven (27)
  8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important? • It says America is free from British control. • It says all people are created equal. • It identifies inherent rights. • It identifies individual freedoms.
  9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain? • Declaration of Independence
  10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. • Equality • Liberty • Social contract • Natural rights • Limited government • Self-government
  11. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document? • Declaration of Independence
  12. What is the economic system of the United States? * • Capitalism • Free market economy
  13. What is the rule of law? • Everyone must follow the law. • Leaders must obey the law. • Government must obey the law. • No one is above the law.
  14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one. • 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
  15. There are three branches of government. Why? • So one part does not become too powerful • Checks and balances • Separation of powers

B: System of Government

  1. Name the three branches of government. • Legislative, executive, and judicial • Congress, president, and the courts
  2. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government? • Executive branch
  3. What part of the federal government writes laws? • (U.S.) Congress • (U.S. or national) legislature • Legislative branch
  4. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? • Senate and House (of Representatives)
  5. Name one power of the U.S. Congress. * • Writes laws • Declares war • Makes the federal budget
  6. How many U.S. senators are there? • One hundred (100)
  7. How long is a term for a U.S. senator? • Six (6) years
  8. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now? • 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.]
  9. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives? • Four hundred thirty-five (435)
  10. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives? • Two (2) years
  11. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators? • To more closely follow public opinion
  12. How many senators does each state have? • Two (2)
  13. Why does each state have two senators? • Equal representation (for small states) • The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
  14. Name your U.S. representative. • 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.]
  15. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? * • Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  16. Who does a U.S. senator represent? • Citizens of their state • People of their state
  17. Who elects U.S. senators? • Citizens from their state
  18. Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent? • Citizens in their (congressional) district • Citizens in their district • People from their (congressional) district • People in their district
  19. Who elects members of the House of Representatives? • Citizens from their (congressional) district
  20. Some states have more representatives than other states. Why? • (Because of) the state’s population • (Because) they have more people • (Because) some states have more people
  21. The President of the United States is elected for how many years? * • Four (4) years
  22. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why? • (Because of) the 22nd Amendment • To keep the president from becoming too powerful
  23. What is the name of the President of the United States now? * • Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.
  24. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? * • Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.
  25. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president? • The Vice President (of the United States)
  26. Name one power of the president. • Signs bills into law • Vetoes bills • Enforces laws • Commander in Chief (of the military) • Chief diplomat • Appoints federal judges
  27. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military? • The President (of the United States)
  28. Who signs bills to become laws? • The President (of the United States)
  29. Who vetoes bills? * • The President (of the United States)
  30. Who appoints federal judges? • The President (of the United States)
  31. The executive branch has many parts. Name one. • President (of the United States) • Cabinet • Federal departments and agencies
  32. What does the President’s Cabinet do? • Advises the President (of the United States)
  33. What are two Cabinet-level positions? • 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
  34. Why is the Electoral College important? • It decides who is elected president. • It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
  35. What is one part of the judicial branch? • Supreme Court • Federal Courts
  36. What does the judicial branch do? • Reviews laws • Explains laws • Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law • Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
  37. What is the highest court in the United States? * • Supreme Court
  38. How many seats are on the Supreme Court? • Nine (9)
  39. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case? • Five (5)
  40. How long do Supreme Court justices serve? • (For) life • Lifetime appointment • (Until) retirement
  41. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why? • To be independent (of politics) • To limit outside (political) influence
  42. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now? • Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.
  43. Name one power that is only for the federal government. • Print paper money • Mint coins • Declare war • Create an army • Make treaties • Set foreign policy
  44. Name one power that is only for the states. • Provide schooling and education • Provide protection (police) • Provide safety (fire departments) • Give a driver’s license • Approve zoning and land use
  45. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment? • (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.
  46. Who is the governor of your state now? * • Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]
  47. What is the capital of your state? • 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.]

C: Rights and Responsibilities

  1. There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them. • 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).
  2. Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States? • Citizens • Citizens of the United States • U.S. citizens
  3. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States? • Freedom of expression • Freedom of speech • Freedom of assembly • Freedom to petition the government • Freedom of religion • The right to bear arms
  4. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? * • The United States • The flag
  5. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance. • 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
  6. How can people become United States citizens? • Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment • Naturalize • Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
  7. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States? • 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
  8. What is one way Americans can serve their country? • Vote • Pay taxes • Obey the law • Serve in the military • Run for office • Work for local, state, or federal government
  9. Why is it important to pay federal taxes? • Required by law • All people pay to fund the federal government • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment) • Civic duty
  10. It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why. • Required by law • Civic duty • Makes the draft fair, if needed

AMERICAN HISTORY

A: Colonial Period and Independence

  1. The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one. • Freedom • Political liberty • Religious freedom • Economic opportunity • Escape persecution
  2. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? * • American Indians • Native Americans
  3. What group of people was taken and sold as slaves? • Africans • People from Africa
  4. What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain? • American Revolution • The (American) Revolutionary War • War for (American) Independence
  5. Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain. • 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
  6. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? * • (Thomas) Jefferson
  7. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? • July 4, 1776
  8. The American Revolution had many important events. Name one. • (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)
  9. There were 13 original states. Name five. • New Hampshire • Massachusetts • Rhode Island • Connecticut • New York • New Jersey • Pennsylvania • Delaware • Maryland • Virginia • North Carolina • South Carolina • Georgia
  10. What founding document was written in 1787? • (U.S.) Constitution
  11. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. • (James) Madison • (Alexander) Hamilton • (John) Jay • Publius
  12. Why were the Federalist Papers important? • They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution. • They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
  13. Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one. • Founded the first free public libraries • First Postmaster General of the United States • Helped write the Declaration of Independence • Inventor • U.S. diplomat
  14. George Washington is famous for many things. Name one. * • “Father of Our Country” • First president of the United States • General of the Continental Army • President of the Constitutional Convention
  15. Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one. • 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
  16. James Madison is famous for many things. Name one. • “Father of the Constitution” • Fourth president of the United States • President during the War of 1812 • One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
  17. Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one. • 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

B: 1800s

  1. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? • Louisiana Territory • Louisiana
  2. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s. • War of 1812 • Mexican-American War • Civil War • Spanish-American War
  3. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South. • The Civil War
  4. The Civil War had many important events. Name one. • (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.
  5. Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one. * • 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
  6. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? • Freed the slaves • Freed slaves in the Confederacy • Freed slaves in the Confederate states • Freed slaves in most Southern states
  7. What U.S. war ended slavery? • The Civil War
  8. What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens? • 14th Amendment
  9. When did all men get the right to vote? • After the Civil War • During Reconstruction • (With the) 15th Amendment • 1870
  10. Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s. • Susan B. Anthony • Elizabeth Cady Stanton • Sojourner Truth • Harriet Tubman • Lucretia Mott • Lucy Stone

C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information

  1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. • World War I • World War II • Korean War • Vietnam War • (Persian) Gulf War
  2. Why did the United States enter World War I? • 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)
  3. When did all women get the right to vote? • 1920 • After World War I • (With the) 19th Amendment
  4. What was the Great Depression? • Longest economic recession in modern history
  5. When did the Great Depression start? • The Great Crash (1929) • Stock market crash of 1929
  6. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II? • (Franklin) Roosevelt
  7. Why did the United States enter World War II? • (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)
  8. Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one. • 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)
  9. Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War? • Soviet Union • USSR • Russia
  10. During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States? • Communism • Nuclear war
  11. Why did the United States enter the Korean War? • To stop the spread of communism
  12. Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War? • To stop the spread of communism
  13. What did the civil rights movement do? • Fought to end racial discrimination
  14. Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one. * • 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”
  15. Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War? • To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait
  16. What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States? * • 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
  17. Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks. • (Global) War on Terror • War in Afghanistan • War in Iraq
  18. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. • 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.
  19. Name one example of an American innovation. • Light bulb • Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine) • Skyscrapers • Airplane • Assembly line • Landing on the moon • Integrated circuit (IC)

SYMBOLS AND HOLIDAYS

A: Symbols

  1. What is the capital of the United States? • Washington, D.C.
  2. Where is the Statue of Liberty? • New York (Harbor) • Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]
  3. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? * • (Because there were) 13 original colonies • (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
  4. Why does the flag have 50 stars? • (Because there is) one star for each state • (Because) each star represents a state • (Because there are) 50 states
  5. What is the name of the national anthem? • The Star-Spangled Banner
  6. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean? • Out of many, one • We all become one

B: Holidays

  1. What is Independence Day? • A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain) • The country’s birthday
  2. Name three national U.S. holidays. * • 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
  3. What is Memorial Day? • A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service
  4. What is Veterans Day? • A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military • A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)

(For asterisked questions in the 65/20 exception, refer to those marked with * in the document. Full study materials available at uscis.gov/citizenship.)