1What is the supreme law of the land?
- the Constitution
The "supreme law" is the highest law in the country. The Constitution is that law, so no federal, state or local law may go against it. It was written in 1787 and is still in use today.
100 Civics Questions and Answers for the 2008 Test
These are the citizenship test questions for applicants who filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025. The officer asks up to 10 of these questions; you need 6 correct.
Official questions and answers come from USCIS. Explanations, translations and practice formats are written by CitizenPracticeTest.com to help you study. Always check USCIS test updates for answers that change.
Questions with a star (65/20) are the special questions for applicants aged 65 or older with 20 or more years as permanent residents.
Source: Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version) (rev. 08/21). Questions and answers are shown exactly as published.
American Government
Principles of American Democracy
2What does the Constitution do?
- sets up the government
- defines the government
- protects basic rights of Americans
The Constitution is the plan for the national government. It creates the three branches, says what each one can do, and protects basic rights of the people. You only need to give one of these answers.
3The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
- We the People
The Constitution begins with the words "We the People." These words show that the power of the government comes from the people, not from a king. This idea is called self-government.
4What is an amendment?
- a change (to the Constitution)
- an addition (to the Constitution)
An amendment is a change or an addition to the Constitution. Changing the Constitution is hard: Congress and most of the states must agree. Today the Constitution has 27 amendments.
5What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
- the Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights. They were added in 1791 to protect personal freedoms, like freedom of speech and religion. James Madison wrote most of them.
6What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
- speech
- religion
- assembly
- press
- petition the government
The First Amendment protects five freedoms: speech, religion, assembly (meeting in groups), press, and petition (asking the government to change something). You only need to name one. Memory hook: "RAPPS" for Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech.
7How many amendments does the Constitution have?
- twenty-seven (27)
The Constitution has 27 amendments. The first ten were added in 1791. The newest one, about the pay of members of Congress, was added in 1992.
8What did the Declaration of Independence do?
- announced our independence (from Great Britain)
- declared our independence (from Great Britain)
- said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
The Declaration of Independence told the world that the 13 colonies were now free from Great Britain. It was adopted on July 4, 1776. That is why Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4.
9What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- life
- liberty
- pursuit of happiness
The Declaration of Independence says that all people have rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." You must name two of these three. Liberty means freedom.
10What is freedom of religion?
- You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
Freedom of religion means you may follow any religion you choose, or no religion at all. The government cannot force a religion on anyone. This freedom is protected by the First Amendment.
11What is the economic system in the United States?
- capitalist economy
- market economy
The United States has a market economy, also called a capitalist economy. People and private businesses own most companies and property, and buyers and sellers set most prices. Either name is a correct answer.
12What 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.
The "rule of law" means that the law applies to everyone in the same way. Ordinary people, leaders, and the government itself must all obey the law. Memory hook: no one is above the law, not even the President.
System of Government
13Name one branch or part of the government.
- Congress
- legislative
- President
- executive
- the courts
- judicial
The federal government has three branches. The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (the President) carries out laws, and the judicial branch (the courts) explains laws. You only need to name one.
14What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- checks and balances
- separation of powers
Power is divided among three branches (separation of powers), and each branch can limit the others (checks and balances). For example, the President can veto a bill, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote.
15Who is in charge of the executive branch?
- the President
The executive branch carries out and enforces the laws. The President leads this branch. The Vice President and the Cabinet also work in the executive branch.
16Who makes federal laws?
- Congress
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
- (U.S. or national) legislature
Congress makes federal laws. Congress has two parts, the Senate and the House of Representatives, and it is also called the national legislature. Congress meets in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
17What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
- the Senate and House (of Representatives)
Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both parts must pass a bill before it can go to the President. The Senate has 100 members and the House has 435 voting members.
18How many U.S. Senators are there?
- one hundred (100)
There are 100 U.S. Senators. Each of the 50 states has two Senators, no matter how many people live there. Memory hook: 50 states times 2 equals 100.
19We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
- six (6)
A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of six years. There is no limit on how many terms a Senator can serve. About one third of the Senate is elected every two years.
20Who 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.]
The answer depends on the state where you live. Each state has two U.S. Senators, and you only need to name one. To find them, go to senate.gov and choose your state, or look on usa.gov. If you live in Washington, D.C. or a U.S. territory, the correct answer is that you have no U.S. Senators.
21The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
- four hundred thirty-five (435)
The House of Representatives has 435 voting members. The number is set by law, and the seats are divided among the states by population. Washington, D.C. and the territories also send members to the House, but they cannot vote on final passage of bills.
22We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
- two (2)
A U.S. Representative is elected for two years. Because the term is short, the whole House is elected every two years, in even-numbered years. Compare: Senators serve six years.
23Name 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.]
The answer depends on where you live. Go to house.gov and enter your home address or ZIP code in the "Find Your Representative" tool, or look on usa.gov. If you live in a territory with a nonvoting Delegate or Resident Commissioner, you may name that person, or say that the territory has no voting Representative. Washington, D.C. also has a nonvoting Delegate.
24Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
- all people of the state
A U.S. Senator represents every person in the whole state. This includes people who did not vote for the Senator and people who cannot vote. Representatives, in contrast, represent one district of the state.
25Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
- (because of) the state’s population
- (because) they have more people
- (because) some states have more people
The number of Representatives a state has depends on how many people live there. States with more people get more seats in the House. The government counts the population in a census every ten years.
26We elect a President for how many years?
- four (4)
The President is elected for a term of four years. Under the 22nd Amendment, a person can be elected President no more than two times. Presidential elections happen every four years in November.
27In what month do we vote for President?
- November
Americans vote for President in November. Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The new President starts work the following January.
28What 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.
Current answer listed by USCIS: Donald J. Trump / Donald Trump / Trump
From the USCIS test updates page (updated September 18, 2025), checked October 31, 2026. Answer with the official serving on your interview day: check USCIS.
This answer can change after an election. Before your interview, check the USCIS test updates page (uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates) for the current name. Learn the name as it appears there.
29What 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.
Current answer listed by USCIS: JD Vance / Vance
From the USCIS test updates page (updated September 18, 2025), checked October 31, 2026. Answer with the official serving on your interview day: check USCIS.
This answer can change after an election. Before your interview, check the USCIS test updates page (uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates) for the current name. The Vice President is also the President of the Senate.
30If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- the Vice President
If the President dies, resigns, or cannot do the job, the Vice President becomes President. This has happened several times in history. For example, Vice President Lyndon Johnson became President when President Kennedy died in 1963.
31If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- the Speaker of the House
If neither the President nor the Vice President can serve, the Speaker of the House becomes President. The Speaker is the leader of the House of Representatives. A federal law sets this order, called the line of succession.
32Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
- the President
The President is the Commander in Chief, the top leader of the U.S. military. This means the armed forces are led by an elected civilian, not by a general. Only Congress, however, can declare war.
33Who signs bills to become laws?
- the President
After Congress passes a bill, the President signs it and it becomes a law. If the President does not agree, he or she can veto (reject) it instead. Congress can still make it a law with a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House.
34Who vetoes bills?
- the President
To veto a bill means to reject it and refuse to sign it. The President has this power. The word "veto" comes from Latin and means "I forbid."
35What does the President’s Cabinet do?
- advises the President
The Cabinet is a group of top officials who advise (give advice to) the President. Most of them lead large government departments, such as the Department of State or the Department of Defense. The President chooses them, and the Senate must approve most of them.
36What are two Cabinet-level positions?
- 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
Cabinet-level positions include the Vice President and the heads of the executive departments. Most heads are called "Secretary," but the head of the Department of Justice is called the Attorney General. You need to name two; easy ones to remember are Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.
37What does the judicial branch do?
- reviews laws
- explains laws
- resolves disputes (disagreements)
- decides if a law goes against the Constitution
The judicial branch is made up of the federal courts. Judges explain what laws mean, settle disagreements, and decide if a law goes against the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the highest court in this branch.
38What is the highest court in the United States?
- the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Its decisions are final, and all other courts must follow them. The Supreme Court building is in Washington, D.C.
39How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
Current answer listed by USCIS: nine (9)
From the USCIS test updates page (updated September 18, 2025), checked October 31, 2026. Answer with the official serving on your interview day: check USCIS.
Congress sets the number of Supreme Court justices by law, so the answer can change. It has been nine since 1869, but always check the USCIS test updates page (uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates) before your interview.
40Who 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.
Current answer listed by USCIS: John Roberts / John G. Roberts, Jr.
From the USCIS test updates page (updated September 18, 2025), checked October 31, 2026. Answer with the official serving on your interview day: check USCIS.
This answer can change when a new Chief Justice is appointed. Before your interview, check the USCIS test updates page (uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates) for the current name. The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court.
41Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
- to print money
- to declare war
- to create an army
- to make treaties
The Constitution gives some powers only to the national (federal) government. These include printing money, declaring war, creating an army, and making treaties with other countries. Memory hook: a state cannot print its own money or start its own war.
42Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
- provide schooling and education
- provide protection (police)
- provide safety (fire departments)
- give a driver’s license
- approve zoning and land use
States have their own powers over daily life. They run public schools, police and fire protection, driver's licenses, and rules about how land is used. The Tenth Amendment says powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.
43Who is the Governor of your state now?
- Answers will vary.
[District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]
The answer depends on the state where you live. You can find your Governor on your state's official website or through usa.gov (search for your state government). If you live in Washington, D.C., the correct answer is that D.C. does not have a Governor.
44What 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.]
The answer depends on the state where you live. The capital is the city where the state government meets, and it is often not the largest city. You can check usa.gov or your state's official website. If you live in Washington, D.C., say that D.C. is not a state and has no capital; if you live in a U.S. territory, name the territory's capital.
45What are the two major political parties in the United States?
- Democratic and Republican
The two major political parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Other smaller parties exist, but these two win most elections. Memory hook: the donkey is a symbol of the Democrats and the elephant is a symbol of the Republicans.
46What is the political party of the President now?
- Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the political party of the President.
Current answer listed by USCIS: Republican (Party)
From the USCIS test updates page (updated September 18, 2025), checked October 31, 2026. Answer with the official serving on your interview day: check USCIS.
This answer can change after a presidential election. Before your interview, check the USCIS test updates page (uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates) for the current answer.
47What 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.
Current answer listed by USCIS: Mike Johnson / Johnson / James Michael Johnson (birth name)
From the USCIS test updates page (updated September 18, 2025), checked October 31, 2026. Answer with the official serving on your interview day: check USCIS.
This answer can change when the House chooses a new Speaker, for example when a new Congress begins. Before your interview, check the USCIS test updates page (uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates) for the current name.
Rights and Responsibilities
48There are four amendments to the 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).
Four amendments expanded the right to vote. The 15th Amendment (1870) protects voting regardless of race, the 19th (1920) gave women the vote, the 24th (1964) ended poll taxes in federal elections, and the 26th (1971) lowered the voting age to 18. You only need to describe one.
49What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- serve on a jury
- vote in a federal election
Some duties belong only to citizens. Only U.S. citizens can serve on a jury and vote in federal elections. Everyone living in the country, citizen or not, must obey the law and pay taxes.
50Name one right only for United States citizens.
- vote in a federal election
- run for federal office
Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal elections or run for federal office, such as Senator, Representative, or President. Many other rights, like freedom of speech, belong to everyone in the country. Voting is both a right and a responsibility of citizens.
51What are two 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
Many rights in the Constitution protect every person living in the United States, not only citizens. These include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and petition, and the right to bear arms. You need to name two.
52What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
- the United States
- the flag
The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty to the flag and to the United States. People usually say it standing, facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart. It begins: "I pledge allegiance to the flag."
53What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
- 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
When you become a citizen, you take the Oath of Allegiance. In it you promise to give up loyalty to other countries, to support and obey the Constitution and laws, and to serve the nation if needed. You only need to name one promise.
54How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
- eighteen (18) and older
Citizens must be 18 years old or older to vote for President. The 26th Amendment, added in 1971, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. You must also register to vote in your state.
55What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- 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
In a democracy, people take part in government. Voting is the most common way, but you can also join a political party or community group, help with a campaign, contact your elected officials, or run for office. You need to name two.
56When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
- April 15
Federal income tax forms are usually due on April 15 each year. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. You file these forms with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
57When must all men register for the Selective Service?
- at age eighteen (18)
- between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)
Selective Service keeps a list of men who could be called to serve in the military in an emergency. Men must register when they turn 18, and they can still register late up to age 26. This includes most immigrant men who live in the United States.
American History
Colonial Period and Independence
58What is one reason colonists came to America?
- freedom
- political liberty
- religious freedom
- economic opportunity
- practice their religion
- escape persecution
People came to the American colonies for many reasons: freedom, the chance to practice their religion, escape from persecution, and the hope of a better life and work. For example, the Pilgrims arrived in 1620 looking for religious freedom. You only need to name one reason.
59Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
- American Indians
- Native Americans
American Indians, also called Native Americans, lived in America for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. There were many different nations and tribes across the land, each with its own language and way of life.
60What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
- Africans
- people from Africa
People from Africa were taken by force to America and sold as slaves. Enslaved people were forced to work without pay and had no freedom. Slavery ended in the whole country in 1865 with the 13th Amendment.
61Why did the colonists fight the British?
- because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
- because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
- because they didn’t have self-government
The colonists were angry because Britain made them pay high taxes but gave them no vote in the British government ("taxation without representation"). British soldiers also stayed in colonists' homes, and the colonists could not govern themselves. Later, the Third Amendment limited putting soldiers in private homes.
62Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
- (Thomas) Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He later became the third President of the United States. His face is on the two-dollar bill and the nickel.
63When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
- July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This date is the birthday of the nation. Americans celebrate it every year as Independence Day.
64There were 13 original states. Name three.
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
The 13 original states were the 13 British colonies on the East Coast that declared independence. You need to name three. Many people remember New York, Virginia, and Georgia, or Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
65What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
- The Constitution was written.
- The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
In 1787, leaders from the states met in Philadelphia at the Constitutional Convention. There they wrote the U.S. Constitution. George Washington led the meeting.
66When was the Constitution written?
- 1787
The Constitution was written in 1787 in Philadelphia. It was signed on September 17, 1787, which is now Constitution Day. Do not confuse it with 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence.
67The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
- (James) Madison
- (Alexander) Hamilton
- (John) Jay
- Publius
The Federalist Papers were 85 essays that asked people to support the new Constitution. They were written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. They all signed with the same pen name, "Publius."
68What 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
Benjamin Franklin did many things. He represented America in France as a diplomat, was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention (81 years old), was the first Postmaster General, and wrote "Poor Richard's Almanac." His face is on the 100-dollar bill.
69Who is the “Father of Our Country”?
- (George) Washington
George Washington is called the "Father of Our Country." He led the army in the war for independence, led the Constitutional Convention, and became the first President. The capital city, Washington, D.C., is named after him.
70Who was the first President?
- (George) Washington
George Washington was the first President of the United States. He served two terms, from 1789 to 1797. His face is on the one-dollar bill and the quarter.
1800s
71What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
- the Louisiana Territory
- Louisiana
In 1803 the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France. This purchase nearly doubled the size of the country. Thomas Jefferson was President at the time.
72Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War
- Civil War
- Spanish-American War
The 1800s are the years 1800 to 1899. Wars from that time include the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. Memory hook: the War of 1812 has the century in its name.
73Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
- the Civil War
- the War between the States
The war between the Northern states and the Southern states is called the Civil War. It was fought from 1861 to 1865. It is also called the War between the States.
74Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
- slavery
- economic reasons
- states’ rights
Several problems divided the North and the South before the Civil War. The biggest was slavery, especially whether it would spread to new western lands. Economic differences and disagreements about states' rights also played a part.
75What 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
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President and led the country during the Civil War. He kept the nation together (saved the Union) and issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. His face is on the five-dollar bill and the penny.
76What 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
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, during the Civil War. It declared that enslaved people in the Confederate (Southern) states were free. Slavery ended in the whole country in 1865 with the 13th Amendment.
77What did Susan B. Anthony do?
- fought for women’s rights
- fought for civil rights
Susan B. Anthony was a leader in the fight for women's rights, especially the right to vote. She died in 1906, before women won the vote nationally with the 19th Amendment in 1920. She also worked to end slavery.
Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information
78Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- (Persian) Gulf War
The 1900s are the years 1900 to 1999. U.S. wars from that time include World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the (Persian) Gulf War. You only need to name one.
79Who was President during World War I?
- (Woodrow) Wilson
Woodrow Wilson was President during World War I. The war lasted from 1914 to 1918, and the United States joined in 1917. Memory hook: World War I and Woodrow Wilson both start with W.
80Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
- (Franklin) Roosevelt
Franklin Roosevelt (often called FDR) was President during the Great Depression and most of World War II. He was elected four times, more than any other President. His face is on the dime.
81Who did the United States fight in World War II?
- Japan, Germany, and Italy
In World War II, the United States fought against Japan, Germany, and Italy. The United States entered the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Say all three countries.
82Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
- World War II
Dwight Eisenhower was a top U.S. general in World War II. He commanded the Allied forces in Europe, including the D-Day landings in 1944. He later became the 34th President.
83During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
- Communism
The Cold War was a long period of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, from the late 1940s to 1991. The main concern of the United States was the spread of Communism. It was called "cold" because the two countries never fought each other directly.
84What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
- civil rights (movement)
The civil rights movement worked to end racial discrimination and segregation, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. It led to new laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of its best-known leaders.
85What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
- fought for civil rights
- worked for equality for all Americans
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a leader of the civil rights movement who worked for equal rights for all Americans using peaceful methods. He gave the famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. A federal holiday honors him on the third Monday in January.
86What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
- Terrorists attacked the United States.
On September 11, 2001, terrorists took control of four airplanes and attacked the United States. The planes hit the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and one crashed in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people died.
87Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
- 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.]
There are more than 570 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States. You only need to name one, for example Cherokee, Navajo, or Sioux. Pick one short name and practice saying it.
Integrated Civics
Geography
88Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
- Missouri (River)
- Mississippi (River)
The two longest rivers in the United States are the Missouri and the Mississippi. The Missouri River joins the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. The Mississippi then flows south to the Gulf of Mexico.
89What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
- Pacific (Ocean)
The Pacific Ocean is on the West Coast of the United States. California, Oregon, and Washington are on this coast. Memory hook: the sun sets in the west, over the Pacific.
90What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
- Atlantic (Ocean)
The Atlantic Ocean is on the East Coast of the United States. Cities such as New York, Boston, and Miami are on or near this coast. The original 13 colonies were all along the Atlantic.
91Name one U.S. territory.
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- American Samoa
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Guam
A U.S. territory is an area that belongs to the United States but is not a state. The five territories with people living in them are Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. You only need to name one.
92Name one state that borders Canada.
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Idaho
- Washington
- Alaska
Thirteen states border Canada, from Maine in the east to Washington in the west, plus Alaska. Alaska has the longest border with Canada of any state. You only need to name one.
93Name one state that borders Mexico.
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
Four states border Mexico: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Texas has the longest border with Mexico. You only need to name one.
94What is the capital of the United States?
- Washington, D.C.
The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. "D.C." stands for District of Columbia, and it is not part of any state. Congress, the President (in the White House), and the Supreme Court are all there.
95Where is the Statue of Liberty?
- New York (Harbor)
- Liberty Island
[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from France and was dedicated in 1886. Answers such as New Jersey, near New York City, or on the Hudson River are also accepted.
Symbols
96Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
- because there were 13 original colonies
- because the stripes represent the original colonies
The flag has 13 red and white stripes. They stand for the 13 original colonies that became the first states. Compare: the stars stand for today's states.
97Why 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
The flag has 50 stars, one for each state. A new star is added when a new state joins. The 50-star flag has been used since 1960, after Hawaii became a state.
98What is the name of the national anthem?
- The Star-Spangled Banner
The national anthem is "The Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key wrote the words in 1814, during the War of 1812, after seeing the flag still flying over Fort McHenry. It became the official national anthem in 1931.
Holidays
99When do we celebrate Independence Day?
- July 4
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4. It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Many people celebrate with parades, picnics, and fireworks.
100Name two national U.S. holidays.
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
National (federal) holidays are days set by law when federal offices close. You need to name two; easy ones are Independence Day (July 4) and Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November). Juneteenth (June 19) became a federal holiday in 2021.
About the 100 questions
Who still takes the 2008 civics test?
Anyone who filed Form N-400 before October 20, 2025. The filing date is what counts, so you take the 2008 test even if your interview is in 2026 or later.
How many questions are on the 2008 test, and how many must I get right?
The officer asks up to 10 questions from this list of 100, and you pass with 6 correct answers.
Should I also study the 2025 questions?
No. The two lists overlap but are not the same, and each applicant takes only one version. Study only the 100 questions on this page if you filed before October 20, 2025.
Which 2008 questions do 65/20 applicants study?
The 20 questions marked with a star. Applicants 65 or older with 20 years as permanent residents are asked 10 of them and need 6 correct.