INS Citizenship Test (25/100 Questions)
On Oct. 1, 2008 The USCIS will switch a new set of test questions. All applicants who file for naturalization on or after October 1, 2008 will be required to take the redesigned test. For those applicants who file prior to October 1, 2008 but are not interviewed until after October , 2008 (but before October 1, 2009), there will be an option of taking the new test or the current one.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the supreme law of the land?
Explanation
The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it establishes the fundamental principles and framework for the government of a nation. It outlines the powers and limitations of the different branches of government, protects individual rights, and provides a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The Constitution is the highest legal authority and all other laws and government actions must be in accordance with its provisions.Rate this question:
- 2.
What does the Constitution do?
Explanation
The Constitution performs multiple functions. Firstly, it sets up the government by establishing the framework for its structure and outlining the powers and responsibilities of each branch. Secondly, it defines the government by specifying its limitations and providing a system of checks and balances. Lastly, it protects the basic rights of Americans by guaranteeing individual liberties and outlining the fundamental freedoms that cannot be infringed upon by the government.Rate this question:
- 3.
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
Explanation
The correct answer is "We the People". These three words are the opening phrase of the United States Constitution, and they signify the fundamental principle of self-government. By starting with "We", it emphasizes that the power and authority of the government come from the collective will of the people. It establishes the idea that the government exists to serve and represent the people, and that the ultimate authority lies with the citizens. This phrase encapsulates the democratic principles upon which the Constitution and the American system of government are built.Rate this question:
- 4.
What is an amendment?
Explanation
An amendment refers to both a change and an addition to the Constitution. It can involve modifying existing provisions or adding new ones. Amendments are made to ensure that the Constitution remains relevant and adaptable to the changing needs of society. They allow for the correction of any flaws or omissions in the original document and provide a mechanism for expanding or limiting the powers of the government. The process of amending the Constitution is deliberately designed to be difficult in order to ensure that changes are carefully considered and reflect the will of the people.Rate this question:
- 5.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
Explanation
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights and liberties. They outline specific rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. The Bill of Rights is an important part of the Constitution and ensures that the government does not infringe upon the rights of its citizens.Rate this question:
- 6.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*
Explanation
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees several rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and the right to petition the government. These rights are considered fundamental to a democratic society and are intended to protect individual liberties and promote open and diverse expression of ideas.Rate this question:
- 7.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
Explanation
The Constitution has twenty-seven amendments. These amendments are changes or additions made to the original document in order to address new issues or clarify existing rights. Each amendment requires a specific process to be ratified, involving approval from both the federal government and the states. The amendments cover a wide range of topics, including voting rights, freedom of speech, and the abolition of slavery. The number 27 simply represents the total number of amendments that have been added to the Constitution since its inception.Rate this question:
- 8.
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence served multiple purposes. It announced and declared the independence of the United States from Great Britain. It also stated that the United States is free from Great Britain.Rate this question:
- 9.
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence guarantees the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are considered fundamental and are seen as essential for individuals to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. The right to life ensures that individuals have the right to live without fear of harm or unjustified interference. The right to liberty grants individuals the freedom to make choices and decisions without unnecessary restrictions. The right to the pursuit of happiness allows individuals to seek and strive for personal fulfillment and well-being. These rights are considered inherent and are the foundation of a just and free society.Rate this question:
- 10.
What is freedom of religion?
Explanation
Freedom of religion refers to the fundamental right of individuals to choose and freely exercise their religious beliefs without interference or coercion from the government or any other external entity. This includes the freedom to follow any religion of their choice, as well as the freedom to not practice any religion at all. It ensures that individuals have the autonomy to worship, express, and manifest their religious beliefs according to their own conscience, without facing discrimination or persecution. This principle is essential for promoting religious diversity, tolerance, and respect for individual rights and beliefs within a society.Rate this question:
- 11.
What is the economic system in the United States?*
Explanation
The economic system in the United States is a capitalist economy and a market economy. In a capitalist economy, private individuals and businesses own and control the means of production and make decisions based on profit. In a market economy, prices and production are determined by supply and demand in the market, with minimal government intervention. These two terms essentially describe the same economic system, where the allocation of resources and the production of goods and services are primarily driven by market forces and private ownership.Rate this question:
- 12.
What is the "rule of law"?
Explanation
The "rule of law" refers to the principle that everyone, including leaders and the government, must abide by and follow the law. It emphasizes that no one is exempt from the law and that it applies equally to all individuals and institutions. This principle ensures fairness, equality, and accountability within a society, as it prevents anyone from having undue power or authority over others.Rate this question:
- 13.
Name one branch or part of the government.*
- A.
Congress
- B.
The first lady
- C.
Legislative
- D.
Banks
- E.
President
Correct Answer(s)
A. Congress
C. Legislative
E. PresidentExplanation
The correct answer is Congress, legislative, President. Congress is one branch of the government, specifically the legislative branch. The President is also a part of the government, serving as the head of the executive branch. Both Congress and the President play important roles in the functioning of the government.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Correct Answer(s)
checks and balances
separation of powersExplanation
Checks and balances and separation of powers are mechanisms put in place to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. Checks and balances refer to the system where each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches. This ensures that no single branch can dominate or abuse its power. Separation of powers, on the other hand, involves dividing the government into different branches with distinct powers and responsibilities. This division of power helps to prevent concentration of power in one branch and promotes a system of checks and balances.Rate this question:
- 15.
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
Correct Answer(s)
the PresidentExplanation
The President is in charge of the executive branch. As the head of the executive branch, the President is responsible for enforcing laws, making executive decisions, and managing the day-to-day operations of the government. The President is elected by the people and serves as the highest-ranking official in the country. This position holds significant power and authority, allowing the President to shape and implement policies, appoint officials, and represent the nation both domestically and internationally.Rate this question:
- 16.
Who makes federal laws?
Correct Answer(s)
Congress
Senate and House of Representatives
U.S. or national legislatureExplanation
The correct answer is "Congress, Senate and House of Representatives, U.S. or national legislature." Congress is responsible for making federal laws in the United States, and it consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate and the House of Representatives work together to propose, debate, and pass legislation. They represent the interests of the people and ensure that laws are fair and just for the entire nation. Therefore, Congress, the Senate and House of Representatives, and the U.S. or national legislature all refer to the governing body that makes federal laws.Rate this question:
- 17.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*
Correct Answer(s)
the Senate and House of RepresentativesExplanation
The two parts of the U.S. Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate is made up of two senators from each state, totaling 100 senators. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is based on the population of each state, with the number of representatives varying from state to state. Together, these two parts make up the legislative branch of the U.S. government, with the Senate focusing on equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives focusing on proportional representation based on population.Rate this question:
- 18.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
Correct Answer(s)
one hundred
100Explanation
There are 100 U.S. Senators.Rate this question:
- 19.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
Correct Answer(s)
six
6Explanation
A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of six years.Rate this question:
- 20.
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
Correct Answer(s)
four hundred thirty-five
435Explanation
The House of Representatives in the United States has a total of 435 voting members.Rate this question:
- 21.
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
Correct Answer(s)
two
2Explanation
A U.S. Representative is elected for a term of two years. This allows for more frequent elections and ensures that representatives remain accountable to their constituents. The shorter term also allows for more flexibility in responding to the changing needs and concerns of the population.Rate this question:
- 22.
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
Correct Answer(s)
all people of the stateExplanation
A U.S. Senator represents all people of the state because they are elected to serve as representatives of the entire state, not just specific districts or groups within the state. They are responsible for making decisions and voting on legislation that affects the entire state and its population. Senators are expected to listen to the concerns and needs of all their constituents and work towards representing their interests in the federal government.Rate this question:
- 23.
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Correct Answer(s)
some states have more people
they have more people
because of the state's populationExplanation
The reason why some states have more Representatives than other states is because these states have a larger population. The number of Representatives each state has is determined by its population, with more populous states having more Representatives. Therefore, states with a higher number of people will have more Representatives in order to ensure fair representation for their larger population.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 08, 2009Quiz Created by
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