New Naturalization Test Questions
Beginning on Oct. 1, 2008, the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will replace the set of questions currently used as part of the citizenship test with the questions listed here. All applicants who file for naturalization on or after October 1, 2008 will be required to take the new 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.
Some questions have more than one correct answer. In those Read morecases, all acceptable answers are shown. All answers are shown exactly as worded by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the supreme law of the land?
- A.
The Constitution
- B.
Bill of Rights
- C.
The Police
- D.
The American Public
Correct Answer
A. The ConstitutionExplanation
The Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land because it is the highest legal authority in the United States. It establishes the framework and principles of the government, outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and sets limits on the power of the government. The Constitution is the foundation of the legal system and all laws and actions must be in accordance with its provisions. It is the ultimate authority that governs the nation and ensures the protection of individual rights and the functioning of the government.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What does the constitution do?
- A.
Sets up the government
- B.
Defines the government
- C.
Protects basic rights of Americans
- D.
Tells people what to do
Correct Answer(s)
A. Sets up the government
B. Defines the government
C. Protects basic rights of AmericansExplanation
The constitution serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it sets up and defines the government structure, establishing the branches and their powers. Secondly, it protects the fundamental rights of Americans, ensuring their liberties and freedoms are safeguarded. Lastly, it does not tell people what to do, but rather provides a framework for governance and protects the rights of individuals within that framework.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
- A.
Us the people
- B.
The rules are
- C.
We the People
- D.
America is about
Correct Answer
C. We the PeopleExplanation
The correct answer is "We the People". The explanation for this answer is that the first three words of the Constitution, "We the People", emphasize the idea of self-government. These words signify that the power and authority of the government are derived from the collective will and consent of the citizens. It reflects the democratic principle that the government exists to serve and represent the people. These words also establish the foundation for the Constitution, highlighting the importance of popular sovereignty and the participation of the citizenry in the governance of the nation.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is an Amendment?
- A.
A removal of a law
- B.
A Denial of a law
- C.
A change to the constitution
- D.
An addition to the constitution
Correct Answer(s)
C. A change to the constitution
D. An addition to the constitutionExplanation
An amendment refers to a change or addition made to the constitution. It is a process by which the constitution is modified or updated to reflect new circumstances, beliefs, or values. Amendments are typically proposed and ratified by the legislative bodies or through a constitutional convention. They are important in ensuring that the constitution remains relevant and adaptable to the changing needs of society.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
- A.
The Ten Commandments
- B.
The Bill of Rights
- C.
The First Ten Rules
- D.
Union Law
Correct Answer
B. The Bill of RightsExplanation
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 limit the power of the government. They cover important rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The term "The Bill of Rights" is widely recognized and used to refer to these specific amendments.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
- A.
Speech
- B.
Religion
- C.
Assembly
- D.
Press
Correct Answer(s)
A. Speech
B. Religion
C. Assembly
D. PressExplanation
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees several rights and freedoms to its citizens. These include the freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their opinions and ideas without censorship or punishment. It also includes the freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice any religion or no religion at all. Additionally, the First Amendment protects the freedom of assembly, allowing individuals to gather peacefully and protest. Lastly, it protects the freedom of the press, allowing journalists and media organizations to report news and information without government interference.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
- A.
13
- B.
50
- C.
1776
- D.
27
Correct Answer
D. 27Explanation
The Constitution of the United States has 27 amendments. These amendments are changes or additions made to the original Constitution in order to address specific issues or rights. The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V of the Constitution, and it requires approval from both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. The 27 amendments cover a range of topics including individual rights, voting rights, and the structure and powers of the government.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
- A.
Declared our independence from Germany
- B.
Declared our independence from Brittan
- C.
Declared our independence from France
- D.
Declared our independence from China
Correct Answer
B. Declared our independence from BrittanExplanation
The Declaration of Independence declared our independence from Britain. This document, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announced the thirteen American colonies' separation from Great Britain and the formation of a new nation, the United States of America. It outlined the reasons for this separation, including grievances against the British government and the assertion of natural rights and self-governance. The Declaration of Independence is considered a foundational document in American history and a symbol of liberty and freedom.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- A.
Importing and exporting
- B.
Wholesale and resale
- C.
Pursuit of happiness and pursuit of freedom
- D.
Life and liberty
Correct Answer
D. Life and libertyExplanation
The Declaration of Independence states that all individuals have the right to life and liberty. This means that every person has the right to live and be free from oppression or unjust restrictions on their freedom. These rights are considered fundamental and are essential for individuals to pursue their own happiness and make choices about their own lives.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the economic system in the United States?
- A.
Communist economy
- B.
Capitalist economy
- C.
Socialist economy
- D.
American economy
Correct Answer
B. Capitalist economyExplanation
The correct answer is capitalist economy. The United States has a capitalist economic system, which is characterized by private ownership of businesses and the means of production. In this system, individuals and companies are free to pursue their own economic interests and compete in the market. The government's role is limited, and prices are determined by supply and demand. This system encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, and allows individuals to accumulate wealth based on their own efforts and investments.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Name one branch or part of the government.
- A.
Judicial
- B.
Political
- C.
Capitalist
- D.
Jude
Correct Answer
A. JudicialExplanation
The correct answer is "Judicial" because it refers to one branch or part of the government. The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying the law, ensuring that it is consistent with the constitution. It includes the courts and judges who hear and decide legal cases.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- A.
Guess and Checks
- B.
Savings and Loans
- C.
Checks and Balances
- D.
Debits and Credits
Correct Answer
C. Checks and BalancesExplanation
Checks and Balances is the correct answer because it refers to the system in which each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the other branches. This system ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and that there is a separation of powers. It allows for a system of accountability and prevents any one branch from dominating the others, thus promoting a balance of power within the government.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
- A.
The People
- B.
The President
- C.
Congress
- D.
Senate
Correct Answer
B. 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 leading the country. This position holds significant power and authority, including the ability to appoint and remove government officials, negotiate treaties, and command the military. The President is elected by the people and serves as the highest-ranking official in the executive branch of the government.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who makes federal laws?
- A.
The People
- B.
The President
- C.
Congress
- D.
Senate
Correct Answer
C. CongressExplanation
Congress makes federal laws. Congress is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch of the United States government is responsible for creating and passing laws that govern the entire nation. The People, although they have a voice in the democratic process through voting and electing representatives to Congress, do not directly make federal laws. The President does not have the authority to create laws, although they can propose legislation and sign bills into law once they are passed by Congress.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
- A.
President and Vice President
- B.
Judge and Jury
- C.
Republican and Democratic
- D.
Senate and House
Correct Answer
D. Senate and HouseExplanation
The two parts of the U.S. Congress are the Senate and the House. The Senate is composed of two senators from each state, totaling 100 senators, while the House of Representatives is based on the population of each state, with a total of 435 representatives. Together, these two parts make up the legislative branch of the U.S. government, with the Senate representing equal state representation and the House representing proportional representation based on population.Rate this question:
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- 16.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
- A.
100
- B.
75
- C.
50
- D.
25
Correct Answer
A. 100Explanation
There are 100 U.S. Senators because each state in the United States is represented by two Senators, regardless of the state's population. This means that there are 50 states in total, and each state has two Senators, resulting in a total of 100 Senators in the U.S. Senate.Rate this question:
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- 17.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
- A.
2
- B.
4
- C.
6
- D.
8
Correct Answer
C. 6Explanation
A U.S. Senator is elected for a term of 6 years. This allows for a longer period of service compared to other elected officials such as members of the House of Representatives, who serve for 2 years. The longer term is intended to provide stability and continuity in the Senate, as well as give Senators more time to work on legislative matters and build relationships with their colleagues. Additionally, staggered terms ensure that not all Senators are up for re-election at the same time, which helps maintain a balance of power in the Senate.Rate this question:
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- 18.
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
- A.
2
- B.
4
- C.
6
- D.
8
Correct Answer
A. 2Explanation
A U.S. Representative is elected for a term of 2 years. This allows for more frequent elections and turnover in the House of Representatives, which is meant to ensure that the representatives remain accountable to the people they serve. The shorter term also reflects the Founding Fathers' intention to have the House, as the more directly democratic chamber of Congress, be responsive to the changing needs and opinions of the electorate.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
- A.
All the people of the State
- B.
All the people of the Region
- C.
All the people of the Country
- D.
All the people of the Continent
Correct Answer
A. All the people of the StateExplanation
A U.S. Senator represents all the people of the State. Senators are elected to represent their respective states in the U.S. Congress. They are responsible for advocating for the interests and concerns of their constituents at the federal level. Each state is represented by two senators, regardless of the state's population size. Therefore, a senator's primary duty is to serve the people of their state and address their needs and issues in the legislative process.Rate this question:
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- 20.
In what month do we vote for President?
- A.
January
- B.
July
- C.
November
- D.
December
Correct Answer
C. NovemberExplanation
In the United States, the presidential election takes place in November. This is the month when citizens cast their votes to elect the President of the country. It is an important month for democracy as it allows the people to have a say in choosing their leader.Rate this question:
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- 21.
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- A.
The First Lady
- B.
The Vice President
- C.
Speaker of the House
- D.
A New President
Correct Answer
B. The Vice PresidentExplanation
If the President can no longer serve, the Vice President becomes the President. This is because the Vice President is next in line for the presidency according to the United States Presidential Succession Act. In the event of the President's inability to fulfill their duties, the Vice President assumes the role and responsibilities of the President.Rate this question:
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- 22.
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
- A.
Another Vote is Taken
- B.
A member of Congress
- C.
A Senator
- D.
Speaker of the House
Correct Answer
D. Speaker of the HouseExplanation
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House becomes the President. This is because according to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, the Speaker of the House is next in line to assume the presidency in the event that both the President and the Vice President are unable to fulfill their duties.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
- A.
The President
- B.
The Major General
- C.
The Surgeon General
- D.
The Vice President
Correct Answer
A. The PresidentExplanation
The Commander in Chief of the military is the President. This is because the President is the highest-ranking official in the United States and holds the ultimate authority over the armed forces. As the Commander in Chief, the President has the power to make important decisions regarding military strategy, deployments, and overall defense policy. This role is outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which designates the President as the civilian leader of the military.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 24, 2009Quiz Created by
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