Sample American Citizenship Test
On September 17, we celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day. In honor of our country’s holiday, here are 10 questions pulled from the list of 100 on the civics portion of the naturalization test [note: the actual test is not multiple choice]. How well do you know U. S. History and government? You must answer 6 correctly to pass.
- 1.
When was the Constitution written?
- A.
1776
- B.
1781
- C.
1787
- D.
1790
Correct Answer
C. 1787Explanation
The Constitution was written in 1787. This is the correct answer because it was during this year that the Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia. During this convention, the delegates drafted and finalized the United States Constitution, which would go on to become the supreme law of the land.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who signs bills to become laws?
- A.
The Secretary of State
- B.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- C.
The Vice President
- D.
The President
Correct Answer
D. The PresidentExplanation
The President signs bills to become laws. As the head of the executive branch of the government, the President has the power to approve or veto bills that have been passed by Congress. Once the President signs a bill, it becomes law and is officially enacted. This is an important role of the President in the legislative process, as it allows them to shape and influence the laws of the country.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
- A.
Austria-Hungary, Japan and Germany
- B.
The Soviet Union, Germany and Italy
- C.
Japan, Germany and Italy
- D.
Japan, China and Vietnam
Correct Answer
C. Japan, Germany and ItalyExplanation
During World War II, the United States fought against Japan, Germany, and Italy. Japan attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in 1941, leading to the US declaring war on Japan. Germany and Italy were both allies of Japan and declared war on the US shortly after Japan's attack. The US joined the Allied forces in their fight against these Axis powers, engaging in major military campaigns in the Pacific against Japan and in Europe against Germany and Italy.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What does the judicial branch do?
- A.
Resolves disputes
- B.
Decides if a law goes against the Constitution
- C.
Reviews laws
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The judicial branch is responsible for resolving disputes, deciding if a law goes against the Constitution, and reviewing laws. This means that it plays a crucial role in interpreting and applying the law, ensuring that it is consistent with the Constitution and resolving conflicts between individuals or entities. By having the power to review and make decisions on laws, the judicial branch helps to maintain the balance of power and protect individual rights within a democratic system.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
- A.
John Adams
- B.
George Washington
- C.
James Madison
- D.
Thomas Jefferson
Correct Answer
C. James MadisonExplanation
The correct answer is James Madison. James Madison was one of the writers of The Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Madison, along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, authored a series of articles under the pseudonym "Publius" to argue for the adoption of the Constitution and to explain its principles and benefits. Madison's contributions to The Federalist Papers, particularly in Federalist No. 10 and Federalist No. 51, are considered influential in shaping the understanding of the Constitution and its interpretation.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
- A.
Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of the Treasury
- B.
Secretary of Health and Human Services and Secretary of the Navy
- C.
Secretary of Weather and Secretary of Energy
- D.
Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of History
Correct Answer
A. Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of the TreasuryExplanation
The correct answer is Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of the Treasury. These two positions are Cabinet-level positions in the United States government. The Secretary of Homeland Security is responsible for overseeing the country's security and protecting it from threats, while the Secretary of the Treasury is in charge of managing the nation's finances and economic policies.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the name of the current Speaker of the House of Representatives?
- A.
Hillary Clinton
- B.
Barack Obama
- C.
Joe Biden
- D.
John Boehner
Correct Answer
D. John BoehnerExplanation
John Boehner is the correct answer because he served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. He was a member of the Republican Party and represented Ohio's 8th congressional district. Boehner was known for his conservative views and his role in passing significant legislation during his tenure as Speaker.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who was the President during World War I?
- A.
Woodrow Wilson
- B.
Franklin Roosevelt
- C.
Theodore Roosevelt
- D.
Warren Harding
Correct Answer
A. Woodrow WilsonExplanation
Woodrow Wilson was the President during World War I. He served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Wilson led the United States through World War I, making efforts to keep the country out of the war initially. However, after Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram, he asked Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917. Wilson played a crucial role in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war, and he advocated for the creation of the League of Nations to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Why do some states have more Representatives than others?
- A.
Because of the geographical size of the state
- B.
Because of the state’s location
- C.
Because of the state’s population
- D.
Because of the states Representative’s seniority in the House of Representatives
Correct Answer
C. Because of the state’s populationExplanation
Some states have more Representatives than others because the number of Representatives a state has is determined by its population. The more populous a state is, the more Representatives it will have in order to ensure fair representation for all citizens.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- A.
Obey the law
- B.
Pay taxes
- C.
Serve on a jury
- D.
Be respectful to others
Correct Answer
C. Serve on a juryExplanation
One responsibility that is only for United States citizens is serving on a jury. Jury duty is a civic duty that requires citizens to participate in the legal system by serving as a member of a jury in a court of law. This responsibility is exclusive to citizens as it helps ensure a fair and impartial trial by a jury of one's peers. Non-citizens, such as permanent residents or immigrants, are generally not eligible to serve on a jury.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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