Understand Your Rights. Own Your Responsibilities. Live Your Liberty.
Understand Your Rights. Own Your Responsibilities. Live Your Liberty.
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution.
The Constitution is the highest law in the United States. Every other law must follow it or it is not valid.
What does the Constitution do?
Sets up the government; defines the government; protects basic rights of Americans.
The Constitution creates the structure of our government and lists the rights people have.
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People.
These words mean power comes from the people, not from a king. The government exists because the people agree to it.
What is an amendment?
A change to the Constitution; an addition to the Constitution.
Amendments let the Constitution grow and improve over time without replacing the whole document.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights lists many personal freedoms that the government must protect.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Speech; religion; assembly; press; petition the government.
The First Amendment protects core freedoms that let people share ideas, worship, gather, and ask the government to change things.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
Twenty-seven (27).
These amendments were added over time to adjust and expand the original Constitution.
What 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.
It told the world that the colonies were breaking away from Great Britain and forming their own country.
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
Life; liberty; pursuit of happiness.
These are called natural rights. Governments are supposed to protect them, not give them.
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
The government cannot force you to follow a religion or stop you from following your own beliefs.
What is the economic system in the United States?
Capitalist economy; market economy.
In a market economy, most buying and selling decisions are made by people and businesses, not by the government.
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.
Rule of law stops leaders or anyone else from having unlimited power.
Name one branch or part of the government.
Congress; legislative; President; executive; the courts; judicial.
The three branches share power so no single part of government becomes too strong.
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances; separation of powers.
Each branch can limit the others, which keeps power balanced.
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President.
The President leads the executive branch, which enforces federal laws.
Who makes federal laws?
Congress; Senate and House of Representatives; U.S. or national legislature.
The Constitution gives law-making power to Congress, the legislative branch.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and House of Representatives.
Having two chambers balances the interests of large and small states.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
One hundred (100).
Each state gets two senators, so 50 states gives a total of 100.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Six (6).
Longer terms help senators focus on national issues, not just the next election.
Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?
Answers will vary by state.
You should know at least one of your state's current senators.
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Four hundred thirty-five (435).
House seats are based on population, so larger states have more representatives.
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
Two (2).
Shorter terms keep representatives closely tied to their voters.
Name your U.S. Representative.
Answers will vary.
You should know who represents your district in the House.
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
All people of the state.
Senators speak and vote for the whole state, not just one district.
Why 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 House is based on population, so states with more people get more seats.
We elect a President for how many years?
Four (4).
A four-year term balances stability with regular elections.
In what month do we vote for President?
November.
Federal law sets national elections in November.
What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Donald Trump. (Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for current name.)
You must know the current President at the time of your interview.
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
JD Vance. (Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for current name.)
The Vice President is next in line for the presidency and serves as President of the Senate.
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Vice President.
The Constitution sets a clear line of succession so leadership continues.
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Speaker of the House.
The Presidential Succession Act puts the Speaker next after the Vice President.
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
The President.
The President leads the armed forces, keeping the military under civilian control.
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President.
A bill usually becomes law only after the President signs it.
Who vetoes bills?
The President.
The veto lets the President stop a bill and send it back to Congress.
What does the President's Cabinet do?
Advises the President.
Cabinet members lead major departments and give expert advice on national issues.
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Secretary of State; Secretary of Defense; Secretary of Treasury; 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 Transportation; Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Attorney General; Vice President.
Each Cabinet secretary leads a department that helps run the federal government.
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws; explains laws; resolves disputes or disagreements; decides if a law goes against the Constitution.
The courts interpret laws and protect people's constitutional rights.
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has the final say on important legal and constitutional questions.
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Nine (9). (Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for current number.)
There are eight associate justices and one Chief Justice.
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
John Roberts. (Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for current name.)
The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court and the federal court system.
Under 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.
These powers help keep the whole country unified in defense and foreign policy.
Under 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 handle many day-to-day services and safety needs close to the people.
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Answers will vary by state.
The governor leads the state's executive branch and enforces state laws.
What is the capital of your state?
Answers will vary by state.
The state capital is where the main state government offices are located.
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican.
Most elected officials in the U.S. are members of one of these two parties.
What is the political party of the President now?
Republican. (Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for current party.)
You should know the current President's political party.
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Mike Johnson. (Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for current name.)
The Speaker leads the House and is high in the line of presidential succession.
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens eighteen 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.
These changes expanded voting rights so more people can take part in elections.
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
Serve on a jury; vote in a federal election.
These responsibilities help keep the justice system and democracy working.
Name one right only for United States citizens.
Vote in a federal election; run for federal office.
These rights are directly tied to choosing and serving in the federal government.
What 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.
The Constitution protects many rights for all people in the U.S., not just citizens.
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States; the flag.
The Pledge is a promise of loyalty to the country and its flag.
What 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.
Naturalization means both gaining rights and taking on duties to support the country.
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
Eighteen (18) and older.
The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
What 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.
Participation can be voting, volunteering, or speaking up so leaders hear people's views.
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15.
This is the usual deadline for filing federal income tax returns each year.
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
At age eighteen (18); between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26).
Registration lets the government know who could be called if a draft is ever needed.
What is one reason colonists came to America?
Freedom; political liberty; religious freedom; economic opportunity; practice their religion; escape persecution.
Many colonists wanted rights and chances they did not have in Europe.
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
American Indians; Native Americans.
Indigenous peoples lived on the continent long before European explorers.
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
Africans; people from Africa.
Millions of Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas and enslaved.
Why 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 believed their rights were being violated by British rule.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson drafted the document explaining why the colonies were becoming independent.
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776.
This date marks the formal separation from Great Britain and is celebrated as Independence Day.
There 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.
These thirteen colonies became the first states in the United States.
What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
The Constitution was written; The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
Delegates met to create a stronger national government.
When was the Constitution written?
1787.
After independence, leaders met in 1787 to create a stronger national government.
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
James Madison; Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; Publius.
These essays explained and defended the new Constitution so states would ratify it.
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.
Franklin helped the new country through science, writing, and diplomacy.
Who is the "Father of Our Country"?
George Washington.
He led the Continental Army and served as the first President, shaping the new government.
Who was the first President?
George Washington.
He set many traditions for how a President should act and lead.
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
The Louisiana Territory; Louisiana.
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and opened land to the west.
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
War of 1812; Mexican-American War; Civil War; Spanish-American War.
These wars shaped the borders and future of the growing country.
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
The Civil War; the War between the States.
The Civil War decided whether the country would stay united and whether slavery would continue.
Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
Slavery; economic reasons; states' rights.
Deep disagreements over slavery and the power of states divided the nation.
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.
Lincoln held the country together and began the process of ending slavery.
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.
It turned the Civil War into a fight not only for the Union but also against slavery.
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
Fought for women's rights; fought for civil rights.
She helped lead the movement for women to be treated equally, including the right to vote.
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
World War I; World War II; Korean War; Vietnam War; (Persian) Gulf War.
These conflicts showed the U.S. acting as a major world power.
Who was President during World War I?
Woodrow Wilson.
He led the country during the first large world war involving the U.S.
Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
Franklin Roosevelt.
He guided the U.S. through a major economic crisis and most of World War II.
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Japan, Germany, and Italy.
These three countries were the main Axis powers in World War II.
Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?
World War II.
His leadership in World War II helped make him a national hero and later President.
During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Communism.
The U.S. and the Soviet Union competed for influence, and Americans feared the spread of communist governments.
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
Civil rights (movement).
The movement worked to end segregation and win equal rights for African Americans and other groups.
What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
Fought for civil rights; worked for equality for all Americans.
He used non-violent protest to challenge unjust laws and segregation.
What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
Terrorists attacked the United States.
The attacks led to major changes in national security and U.S. foreign policy.
Name 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.
Native American tribes are the original peoples of what is now the United States.
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
Missouri River; Mississippi River.
These rivers were key routes for travel, trade, and exploration.
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean forms the western border of the mainland United States.
What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
Atlantic Ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean forms the eastern border and connects the U.S. to Europe and Africa.
Name one U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico; U.S. Virgin Islands; American Samoa; Northern Mariana Islands; Guam.
Territories belong to the United States but are not states.
Name one state that borders Canada.
Maine; New Hampshire; Vermont; New York; Pennsylvania; Ohio; Michigan; Minnesota; North Dakota; Montana; Idaho; Washington; Alaska.
Several northern states share land borders with Canada.
Name one state that borders Mexico.
California; Arizona; New Mexico; Texas.
These four states form the southern land border with Mexico.
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is the seat of the federal government.
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
New York Harbor; Liberty Island. (Also acceptable: New Jersey, near New York City, on the Hudson River.)
The statue stands in New York Harbor and has become a symbol of freedom.
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Because there were 13 original colonies; because the stripes represent the original colonies.
The stripes honor the first colonies that became the United States.
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.
Each star stands for a current state in the Union.
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner.
The song honors the American flag and its survival in battle.
When do we celebrate Independence Day?
July 4.
July 4 marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
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.
National holidays remember major people, events, and values in U.S. history.
What is the Constitution?
The supreme law of the land.
The Constitution is the highest law in the United States.
What sets up the government, defines the government, and protects basic rights of Americans?
The Constitution.
The Constitution creates the structure of our government and lists our rights.
What are "We the People"?
The first three words of the Constitution.
These words show that power comes from the people.
What is a change or addition to the Constitution called?
An amendment.
Amendments let the Constitution be updated without replacing it.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution.
These amendments protect fundamental freedoms.
Which amendment protects speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition?
The First Amendment.
These are core freedoms that protect democracy.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
Twenty-seven (27).
These amendments have been added since 1787.
What document announced our independence from Great Britain?
The Declaration of Independence.
It formally declared the colonies were free.
What are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
Two rights in the Declaration of Independence.
These are natural rights the government should protect.
What does it mean to have freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
The government cannot control religious beliefs.
What is a capitalist economy or market economy?
The economic system in the United States.
In this system, individuals and businesses make most economic decisions.
What does "no one is above the law" describe?
The rule of law.
Everyone, including leaders, must follow the law.
What are Congress, the President, and the courts?
The three branches of government.
Power is divided among three branches.
What are checks and balances?
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Each branch can limit the others.
Who leads the executive branch?
The President.
The President is the head of the executive branch.
What are the Senate and House of Representatives?
The two parts of the U.S. Congress.
Congress has two chambers.
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Four hundred thirty-five (435).
House seats are based on state population.
Why do some states have more Representatives?
Because of the state's population.
More people means more Representatives.
How long is a President's term?
Four (4) years.
Presidential terms are four years.
When do we vote for President?
November.
Presidential elections are held in November.
Who becomes President if the President cannot serve?
The Vice President.
The Vice President is next in line.
Who becomes President if both the President and Vice President cannot serve?
The Speaker of the House.
The Speaker is third in line.
Who is Commander in Chief of the military?
The President.
The President leads the armed forces.
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President.
Bills need the President's signature.
Who vetoes bills?
The President.
The President can reject bills.
What does the President's Cabinet do?
Advises the President.
Cabinet members give expert advice.
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, decides if laws go against the Constitution.
Courts interpret the law.
What is the Supreme Court?
The highest court in the United States.
It has final say on constitutional questions.
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Nine (9).
There are nine Supreme Court justices.
What are the Democratic and Republican parties?
The two major political parties in the United States.
Most officials belong to these parties.
How old do you have to be to vote for President?
Eighteen (18) and older.
The 26th Amendment set the voting age at 18.
When is the last day to send in federal income tax forms?
April 15.
This is the tax filing deadline.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson drafted this historic document.
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776.
This is Independence Day.
When was the Constitution written?
1787.
The Constitution was written in 1787.
Who is the "Father of Our Country"?
George Washington.
Washington led the nation as its first President.
Who was the first President?
George Washington.
He set precedents for all future Presidents.
What was the Civil War?
The U.S. war between the North and the South.
The Civil War determined the nation's future.
What was the civil rights movement?
A movement that tried to end racial discrimination.
It fought for equality and justice.
What is the Pacific Ocean?
The ocean on the West Coast of the United States.
It forms our western border.
What is the Atlantic Ocean?
The ocean on the East Coast of the United States.
It forms our eastern border.
What is Washington, D.C.?
The capital of the United States.
It is the seat of federal government.
What is The Star-Spangled Banner?
The name of the national anthem.
It is our national song.
What is July 4?
Independence Day.
We celebrate our independence on this day.
Flash card questions are from the currently used 2008, USCIS question set.
The U.S. Constitution has 27 amendments. Most aren’t on USCIS tests.
Understanding amendments empowers you as a U.S. Citizen.