U.S. Citizenship Civics: Government
English · 50 cards
Official USCIS 2025 (128-question) civics test: American Government, Principles, System & Rights. Verify changing officials at uscis.gov.
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What is the form of government of the United States?
Republic Constitution-based federal republic Representative democracy
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What is the supreme law of the land?
(U.S.) Constitution
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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
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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
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How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Amendments The amendment process
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What does the Bill of Rights protect?
(The basic) rights of Americans (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
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How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
Twenty-seven (27)
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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.
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What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
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Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Equality Liberty Social contract Natural rights Limited government Self-government
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The words "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
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What is the economic system of the United States?
Capitalism Free market (economy)
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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.
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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)
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There are three branches of government. Why?
So no one branch becomes too powerful Checks and balances Separation of powers
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Name the three branches of government.
Legislative, executive, and judicial Congress, President, and the courts
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The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Executive branch
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What part of the federal government writes laws?
(U.S.) Congress (U.S. or national) legislature Legislative branch
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What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Senate and House (of Representatives)
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Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
Writes laws Declares war Makes the federal budget
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How many U.S. Senators are there?
One hundred (100)
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How long is a term for a U.S. Senator?
Six (6) years
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Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?
Answers will vary by state. (D.C. and U.S. territory residents may answer that they have no U.S. Senators.) (Answer changes — verify the current officeholder.)
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How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Four hundred thirty-five (435)
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How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
Two (2) years
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Why do U.S. Representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. Senators?
To more closely follow public opinion
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How many senators does each state have?
Two (2)
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Why does each state have two senators?
Equal representation (for small states) The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
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Name your U.S. Representative.
Answers will vary. (Territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may name that person, or state they have no voting Representative.) (Answer changes — verify the current officeholder.)
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What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Mike Johnson (Answer changes — verify the current officeholder.)
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Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
(All) citizens of (their) state The people of their state
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Who elects U.S. Senators?
Citizens from their state
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Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
(All) citizens in (their) congressional district The people of their district
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Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
Citizens from their (congressional) district
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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
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The President of the United States is elected for how many years?
Four (4) years
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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
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What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Donald J. Trump / Donald Trump / Trump (Answer changes — verify the current officeholder.)
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What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
JD Vance / J.D. Vance / Vance (Answer changes — verify the current officeholder.)
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If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Vice President (of the United States)
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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
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Who is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
The President (of the United States)
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Who signs bills to become laws?
The President (of the United States)
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Who vetoes bills?
The President (of the United States)
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Who appoints federal judges?
The President (of the United States)
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What does the President's Cabinet do?
Advises the President
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Name two Cabinet-level positions.
Any two of: Attorney General; Secretary of State; Secretary of Defense; Secretary of the Treasury; Secretary of Homeland Security; Secretary of Education; and the Vice President
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Why is the Electoral College important?
It decides who is elected President. It is a compromise between the popular vote and Congress selecting the President.
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What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
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How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
Nine (9)
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