Civics Questions for Naturalization

Before a resident immigrant can become a United States citizen through naturalization, he needs to study American history and government. The naturalization process includes an oral civics test. An interviewer will ask the applicant 10 questions out of a possible 100. The applicant must answer at least six questions correctly. The questions cover the nation's founding to the present day, covering basic facts about the United States.

American Democratic Principles

Potential U.S. citizens must know the importance of the Declaration of Independence.

Of the 100 potential questions on the civics test, 12 pertain to the foundations of American law -- the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Applicants need to understand the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the parts of the Constitution. Sample questions include, "What is an amendment?" "What are the first 10 amendments called?" and "What are the three rights stated in the Declaration of Independence?"

The American System of Government

Congress is one of the three branches of the federal government.

More than a third of the possible questions on the citizenship test relate to how the federal government is organized. Prospective U.S. citizens must know the functions of the three branches of federal government. They should know the names of current elected federal officials and the law of succession. There are a few state-level questions, such as the name of the applicant's U.S. senator, Congressman and their state capital.

Citizens Rights and Responsibilities

Voting is both a right and a responsibility.

Anyone who wants to become a U.S. citizen must know and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. She needs to know at what age a person can vote, their specific rights as stated in the Constitution, and even when federal income taxes are due. She also should be familiar with the ways to participate in a democracy. Applicants also need to know the promises they will make when they take the oath of allegiance.

Early American History

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

The early history portion of the civics test covers the founding of America to the late 1800s. Applicants for U.S. citizenship need to be prepared to answer questions about such early American figures as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. She should be able to explain why the colonists came to America and the country declared independence from the British. Applicants also should know what issues led to the Civil War.

American History - 20th Century

Potential U.S. citizens also need to know about recent American history. The second half of the history portion of the civics test touches on events and people in the 20th century and beyond. There are questions about World War I and World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights and the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attack. Applicants also should know the name of at least one Native American tribe.

Integrated History

Each star on the American flag represents a state.

The last set of questions a candidate for U.S. citizenship might face require a practical knowledge that would be useful on any given day or situation. These questions cover U.S. geography, symbols and holidays. Future Americans should know which coasts the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are on, what states are on the nation's borders with Canada and Mexico, why the American flag has 13 stripes and 50 stars, and major U.S. holidays.

References

• U.S. Citizenship Questions
• Naturalization Self Test

Resources

• "Slate"; The Problem With Question 36; Dafna Linzer, February 2011