People who naturalize to become citizens must pass a civics test on U.S. history and government. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publishes the questions and answers so everyone can study. This topic practices the government questions; the next one, history and symbols. Practice uses the official 2025 questions, word for word. The 2008 list and mock interviews are on the citizenship test practice page.
| 2025 Civics Test | 2008 Civics Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes it | applicants who filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 | applicants who filed before October 20, 2025 |
| Study list | 128 questions | 100 questions |
| Asked | up to 20, out loud, in English | up to 10 |
| To pass | 12 correct (the officer stops once you reach 12 right or 9 wrong) | 6 correct |
| Age 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident | 10 questions from a shorter list of 20, in the language of your choice; 6 correct to pass | the questions marked with an asterisk |
The government questions cover three areas, all taught in this course:
| Area | Typical subjects | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of American government | the Constitution as the supreme law; "We the People" (self-government); amendments; the Bill of Rights; the Declaration's ideas; the rule of law; the economic system (capitalism, a free market economy) | The Preamble, rule of law |
| System of government | the three branches; checks and balances; Congress (100 senators, 435 representatives, 6- and 2-year terms); the President (4-year term, commander in chief, veto); the Cabinet; the Supreme Court (nine justices, life terms); federal and state powers; the Tenth Amendment | Separation of powers, the courts |
| Rights and responsibilities | rights of everyone in the U.S.; rights and duties only for citizens; the Oath of Allegiance; the Pledge; ways to take part; taxes (usually due April 15); Selective Service for men 18 to 25 | Rights and responsibilities |
Why it works
The officer asks each question out loud, and any correct answer from the official list counts, so learn the idea behind each answer and you can handle a question worded a little differently. For example, the Supreme Court has nine justices, who serve for life so that they can be independent. Some answers change with elections and appointments: the names of the President, the Vice President, the Speaker of the House, the Chief Justice, your state's governor, your senators and your representative. Answer with the people serving at the time of your interview, and check the USCIS "test updates" page and your state's official website before you go. (This practice skips them; the practice page shows how to answer.)
Key idea
The 2025 test: study 128 questions; up to 20 are asked; 12 correct passes. Learn the reason behind each answer, and check current officials' names before the interview.
Worked example: Reworded question
Practice asked, "How long is a senator's term?" The officer asks, "For how many years do we elect a U.S. senator?" What is the answer, and why?
- Both ask the same fact: the length of a Senate term.
- Article I, Section 3: six years, with one-third of the Senate elected every two years.
Answer: Six years.
Worked example: Two-part answer
Name one power that belongs only to the federal government, and one that belongs to the states.
- Federal only: to print money, declare war, create an army, make treaties.
- States (the Tenth Amendment): to run schools, issue driver's licenses, provide police and fire protection, approve zoning.
Answer: For example: print money (federal); give driver's licenses (states).
Common mistake
Memorizing answers without the idea behind them, so a reworded question trips you up. Tie each answer to a reason: the Senate has 100 members because each of 50 states has two; the House has 435 voting members divided by population. Check yourself: can you explain why the answer is right?