← Civics Flash Cards (Naturalization Test)
Grades 2–3 reading level
Civics Flash Cards (Naturalization Test)
Adapted with AI from the original open resource by USCIS. Nothing is invented — only the reading level changes.
CIVICS FLASH CARDS
(2020 version)
These civics flash cards will help people learn about the American government and American history. People use them to get ready for the naturalization test. This is the test people take to become U.S. citizens. Teachers can use these cards in class too.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Some answers on this test can change. This can happen after elections, when new people get picked for jobs. You must know who has the job right now, on the day of your test.
Go to uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates to find the newest answers.
Civics Flash Cards (2020 version)
These cards have 128 questions and answers. This is the test you might get asked. It is a spoken test. A government worker will ask you 20 questions from the list of 128. You must get at least 12 answers right (that's 60 out of 100) to pass.
There might be other correct answers too. But it is best to use the answers on these cards.
Special Help for Some Older Applicants
If you are 65 years old or older, and you have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 20 years or more, you get extra help. You only need to study 20 special questions. These questions have a star (*) next to them. You can also take the test in your own language. The worker will ask you 10 of these 20 questions. You must get 6 right (60 out of 100) to pass.
How to Use These Cards
- Print the cards on paper.
- Cut them out. Cut on the dashed lines.
- Fold each card. Fold on the dotted line.
- Tape, glue, or staple the two sides together.
To study: Read the question. Think of your answer. Then flip the card to see if you were right.
Question 1
What is the form of government of the United States?
Answer 1
- Republic (the people choose leaders to make laws for them)
- A government based on a constitution
- Representative democracy (people vote for others to speak for them)
Question 2
What is the supreme law of the land? *
Answer 2
(U.S.) Constitution — this is the most important rulebook for the country.
Question 3
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
Answer 3
- It forms the government.
- It says what powers the government has.
- It says what the parts of government are.
- It protects people's rights.
Question 4
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does that mean?
Answer 4
- People should govern themselves.
- This is called self-government.
Question 5
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Answer 5
Through amendments (this means official changes added to the Constitution).
Question 6
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Answer 6
- The basic rights of Americans.
- The basic rights of people living in the United States.
Question 7
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? *
Answer 7
Twenty-seven (27)
Question 8
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
Answer 8
- It says America is free from British control.
- It says all people are created equal.
- It names rights that everyone is born with.
- It names freedoms every person should have.
Question 9
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Answer 9
- Equality (everyone is equal)
- Liberty (freedom)
- People agree to be governed
- Rights people are born with
- Limited government (the government can't do whatever it wants)
- Self-government
Question 10
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Answer 10
Declaration of Independence
Question 11
The words "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" are in what founding document?
Answer 11
Declaration of Independence
Question 12
What is the economic system of the United States? *
Answer 12
- Capitalism (people and businesses own things and can buy and sell freely)
- Free market economy
Question 13
What is the rule of law?
Answer 13
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law too.
- The government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
Question 14
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Answer 14
- 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
Question 15
There are three branches of government. Why?
Answer 15
- So one part does not get too much power.
- This uses checks and balances (each branch watches the others).
- This is called separation of powers.
Question 16
Name the three branches of government.
Answer 16
- Legislative, executive, and judicial
- Congress, the president, and the courts
Question 17
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Answer 17
Executive branch
Question 18
What part of the federal government writes laws?
Answer 18
- (U.S.) Congress
- The national legislature (the lawmaking part of government)
- Legislative branch
Question 19
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Answer 19
Senate and House of Representatives
Question 20
Name one power of the U.S. Congress. *
Answer 20
- Writes laws
- Declares war
- Makes the federal budget
Question 21
How many U.S. senators are there?
Answer 21
One hundred (100)
Question 22
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
Answer 22
Six (6) years
Question 23
Who is one of your state's U.S. senators now?
Answer 23
Answers will be different depending on your state. (If you live in Washington, D.C., or a U.S. territory, the answer is that there are no senators for that place.)
Question 24
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Answer 24
Four hundred thirty-five (435)
Question 25
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
Answer 25
Two (2) years
Question 26
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
Answer 26
So they follow what the public wants more closely.
Question 27
How many senators does each state have?
Answer 27
Two (2)
Question 28
Why does each state have two senators?
Answer 28
- So small states get equal representation.
- This came from an agreement called the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise).
Question 29
Name your U.S. representative.
Answer 29
Answers will be different. (People in territories may name their Delegate or Resident Commissioner. It's also fine to say the territory has no voting representative.)
Question 30
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? *
Answer 30
Go to uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates to find the name.
Question 31
Who does a U.S. senator represent?
Answer 31
The citizens (people) of their state.
Question 32
Who elects U.S. senators?
Answer 32
Citizens from their state.
Question 33
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
Answer 33
The citizens (people) in their district (a smaller area of a state).
Question 34
Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
Answer 34
Citizens from their district.
Question 35
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
Answer 35
Because the state has more people (a bigger population).
Question 36
The President of the United States is elected for how many years? *
Answer 36
Four (4) years
Question 37
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
Answer 37
- Because of the 22nd Amendment (a rule added to the Constitution).
- To keep the president from getting too much power.
Question 38
What is the name of the President of the United States now? *
Answer 38
Go to uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates to find the name.
Question 39
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
Answer 39
The Vice President.
Question 40
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? *
Answer 40
Go to uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates to find the name.
Question 41
Name one power of the president.
Answer 41
- Signs bills into law
- Vetoes bills (says no to a bill)
- Makes sure laws are followed
- Commander in Chief of the military (the top leader of the armed forces)
- Chief diplomat (talks with other countries)
Question 42
Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
Answer 42
The President of the United States.
Question 43
Who signs bills to become laws?
Answer 43
The President of the United States.
Question 44
Who vetoes bills? *
Answer 44
The President of the United States.
Question 45
Who appoints federal judges?
Answer 45
The President of the United States.
Question 46
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
Answer 46
- The President
- The Cabinet (a group of advisors)
- Federal departments and agencies
Question 47
What does the President's Cabinet do?
**Answ
Original licensed under Public Domain. This adaptation is provided free by OER.ai.