Understanding U.S. Citizenship: Key Questions and Answers

1. What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It establishes the framework of the government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

2. What does the Constitution do?
The Constitution sets up the government, defines the government, and protects the basic rights of Americans.

3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
The words are "We the People." This phrase emphasizes that the power of the government comes from the citizens.

4. What is an amendment?
An amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution. There are currently 27 amendments.

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights. These amendments guarantee essential rights and freedoms to individuals.

6. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
There are nine justices on the Supreme Court.

7. Who is the current Chief Justice of the United States?
As of now, the Chief Justice is John Roberts. (Note: Update this information based on the current Chief Justice during your preparation.)

8. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
One power of the federal government is to print money.

9. What is one power that belongs to the states?
One power that belongs to the states is to provide education.

10. Who is the Governor of your state now?
This answer will vary by state. You should check the current governor for your specific state.

11. What is the capital of the United States?
The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C.

12. What are the two major political parties in the United States?
The two major political parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

13. What is the economic system in the United States?
The economic system in the United States is a capitalist economy, often referred to as a market economy.

14. What is the rule of law?
The rule of law means that everyone must follow the law, including the government.

15. Name one right only for United States citizens.
One right only for United States citizens is the right to vote in federal elections.

16. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Two rights of everyone living in the United States are freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

17. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
We show loyalty to the United States.

18. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
One promise is to obey the laws of the United States.

19. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
Citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote for President.

20. What is the name of the President of the United States now?
This answer will change over time; check for the current President.

21. What is the capital of your state?
This answer varies by state. Know the capital of your state.

22. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

23. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.

24. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
One war fought by the United States in the 1800s is the Civil War.

25. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in the Confederate states.

26. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
Franklin D. Roosevelt was President during these times.

27. What did Martin Luther King Jr. do?
Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights and equality through nonviolent protest.

28. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
The Civil Rights Movement tried to end racial discrimination.

29. What did the 19th Amendment accomplish?
The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.

30. Who was the first woman to vote?
The first woman to vote was likely one of the early suffragists; however, the first national vote was in 1920 after the 19th Amendment.

31. What is one reason colonists came to America?
One reason colonists came to America was for freedom.

32. What were the original 13 states?
The original 13 states included Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

33. Name one U.S. territory.
One U.S. territory is Puerto Rico.

34. What is the largest river in the United States?
The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States.

35. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
The Pacific Ocean is on the West Coast of the United States.

36. What is the national anthem of the United States?
The national anthem is "The Star-Spangled Banner."

37. What do the stripes on the U.S. flag represent?
The stripes represent the 13 original colonies.

38. What is one state that borders Canada?
One state that borders Canada is New York.

39. What is the political party of the current President?
This answer will vary; check the current President's party affiliation.

40. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
One responsibility that is only for United States citizens is serving on a jury.

41. Name one right only for United States citizens.
The right to run for federal office is one right only for United States citizens.

42. What do we call the last ten amendments to the Constitution?
The last ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights.

43. What is one reason the colonists came to America?
One reason is for economic opportunities.

44. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
The Declaration of Independence announced our independence from Great Britain.

45. When was the Constitution written?
The Constitution was written in 1787.

46. What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

47. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
Two rights are life and liberty.

48. Who is the father of our country?
George Washington is known as the father of our country.

49. What is one duty of the President?
One duty of the President is to enforce laws.

50. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The two parts are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

This set of practice questions can serve as a comprehensive guide to help individuals prepare for their U.S. citizenship test. Regular review of these questions can enhance knowledge and confidence before taking the exam.