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Principles of American Government: Citizenship Test Questions and Answers

The 2025 civics test has 15 questions about Principles of American Government, numbers 1 to 15 on the official USCIS list. Each one below shows the accepted answers. Open a question for a plain-English explanation.

Practice Principles of American Government questions See all 128 questions

  1. 1. What is the form of government of the United States?

    • Republic
    • Constitution-based federal republic
    • Representative democracy

  2. 2. What is the supreme law of the land?

    • (U.S.) Constitution

  3. 3. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.

    • Forms the government
    • Defines powers of government
    • Defines the parts of government
    • Protects the rights of the people

  4. 4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words 'We the People.' What does 'We the People' mean?

    • Self-government
    • Popular sovereignty
    • Consent of the governed
    • People should govern themselves
    • Social contract

  5. 5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

    • Amendments
    • The amendment process

  6. 6. What does the Bill of Rights protect?

    • The basic rights of Americans
    • The basic rights of people living in the United States

  7. 7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

    • Twenty-seven (27)

  8. 8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

    • It says America is free from British control.
    • It says all people are created equal.
    • It identifies inherent rights.
    • It identifies individual freedoms.

  9. 9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

    • Declaration of Independence

  10. 10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

    • Equality
    • Liberty
    • Social contract
    • Natural rights
    • Limited government
    • Self-government

  11. 11. The words 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' are in what founding document?

    • Declaration of Independence

  12. 12. What is the economic system of the United States?

    • Capitalism
    • Free market economy

  13. 13. 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.

  14. 14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.

    • Declaration of Independence
    • Articles of Confederation
    • Federalist Papers
    • Anti-Federalist Papers
    • Virginia Declaration of Rights
    • Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
    • Mayflower Compact
    • Iroquois Great Law of Peace

  15. 15. There are three branches of government. Why?

    • So one part does not become too powerful
    • Checks and balances
    • Separation of powers

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