A guide to succeeding on your path to US citizenship

A guide to succeeding on your path to US citizenship

How many members are there in the House of Representatives? What ocean is on the East Coast of the US? These are the type of questions you will encounter in the test during your interview to become a US Citizen. Learn how to prepare for it.

If you are planning to take the Citizenship Test, it means you have been a permanent resident of the US for at least three years and have family, friends, a job, or a business. During that time, you have certainly learned about the geography, politics, and general customs of the country.

But, passing the test that will give you the right to become a citizen might require some effort to learn more about the country and its basic institutions. There will be an English test that includes reading, writing, and speaking, plus a Civics test.

The Civics test consists of 10 questions that a USCIS officer will ask you during the interview process. These are not multiple choice, and you should give at least 6 correct answers to pass the test. So, the first requisite is to have the right level of English.

You will only have two opportunities to pass the test. If you fail both times, your application for citizenship will be declined. So, take note of these tips, do your homework, practice your English skills, and go for it!

1. Find and download the study materials


On this USCIS website, you will find plenty of resources to practice for your Civics test, to improve your English skills and even the Oath of Allegiance. Have them printed or downloaded on your mobile device.

2. Use every opportunity to prepare


Yes, that new season of your favorite show on streaming could be tempting. But reading, practicing your English, and taking practice tests is a much better use of your time than binge-watching videos. You will have plenty of time when you are a US citizen.

3. Take practice tests


On this website, you will find the most common type of questions you will be asked during the interview. Visit the site as often as you want. You can even make a trivia game out of it and play it with your family. The final goal is to learn. Although these practice tests are multiple-choice, remember that will not be the case during the interview.

4. Divide your study by subject


The Civics test includes questions on five subjects: history, government, geography, symbols, and holidays. Take each of them as a separate subject. This will help your brain to organize this knowledge in different “boxes,” and make it easier to find it during the test. It works!

5. Speak English!


Migrants tend to hang out with others who speak their language. So, you may spend entire days, even weeks, not needing to communicate with other people in English. But when it comes to citizenship you might want to make an effort, take classes, watch TV, read articles, and communicate with other people in English. The better your English, the higher your chances of passing the test.

6. Seek help


There are many academies and companies that will help you prepare for the Citizenship Test. If you are willing to pay for it, ask for recommendations. Don’t go for the first one that appears on your Google search. If not, you can always meet with other people preparing for the test, or even ask your kids for guidance. They have been studying Civics since the first day they entered school.

7. Read, watch, listen


Even if it is the same content, you will train different senses, and your brain will react to different stimuli by using various media. Remember you are preparing to become a US Citizen, not just to give six right answers out of ten questions. And you will be improving your English without even realizing it.

8. Follow the news!


Due to elections or other political events, certain names may have changed between the time you studied and the day of your test. Being up to date with the most recent events will show that you are a concerned citizen and greatly increase your chances of passing the test.

9. Do not overestimate your ability


One of the main reasons for failing the test is assuming it is just about general knowledge and things every kid should know. Depending on the time you have lived in the US, your study level, or even your type of job, you may find some of the practice questions too easy or way too obvious. But it is better to eat your humble pie, do your homework, and give it your best to achieve citizenship.

10. There is always a second opportunity


If, for any reason, you fail your test, remember you can try again in approximately 60 days. The bad news is that if you don’t succeed the second time, your application can be denied altogether, and you will have to start the whole process again. So, if you are given a second opportunity, don’t miss it!

US Citizenship Test – Sample Questions 1-50

  1. Q: What are the colors of our flag?
    A: Red, White, and Blue;
  2. Q: How many stars are there in our flag?
    A: Fifty (50);
  3. Q: What color are the stars on our flag?
    A: White;
  4. Q: What do the stars on the flag signify?
    A: There is one for each state in the United States;
  5. Q: How many stripes are there on the flag?
    A: Thirteen (13);
  6. Q: What color are the stripes on the flag?
    A: Red and White;
  7. Q: What do the stripes on the flag signify?
    A: They represent the original 13 states;
  8. Q: How many states are there in the U.S.?
    A: Fifty (50);
  9. Q: What is the 4th of July?
    A: Independence Day;
  10. Q: What is the date of Independence Day?
    A: July 4th;
  11. Q: From what country did the U.S. win independence?
    A: Great Britain;
  12. Q: What country did we fight in during the Revolutionary War?
    A: Great Britain;
  13. Q: Who was the first President of the United States?
    A: George Washington;
  14. Q: Who is the President of the United States today?
    A: Donald Trump;
  15. Q: Who is the Vice President of the United States today?
    A: Mike Pence;
  16. Q: Who elects the president of the United States?
    A: The electoral college;
  17. Q: Who becomes the president of the U.S. if the president should die?
    A: The vice president;
  18. Q: For how long do we elect the President?
    A: Four years;
  19. Q: What is the Constitution?
    A: The supreme law of the land;
  20. Q: Can the Constitution be changed?
    A: Yes, by amendment;
  21. Q: What do we call a change to the Constitution?
    A: Amendment;
  22. Q: How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution?
    A: Twenty-seven (27);
  23. Q: How many branches are there in the U.S. government?
    A: Three (3);
  24. Q: What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
    A: Legislative, executive, and judicial;
  25. Q: What is the legislative branch of our government?
    A: Congress;
  26. Q: Who makes the laws in the United States?
    A: Congress;
  27. Q: What are the two houses of Congress?
    A: The Senate and the House of Representatives;
  28. Q: What are the duties of Congress?
    A: To make laws;
  29. Q: Who elects Congress?
    A: The people;
  30. Q: How many Senators are there in the U.S. Congress?
    A: One hundred (100);
  31. Q: Name the two U.S. Senators from your state.
    A: (It’s time for a little research on your part!)
  32. Q: For how long do we elect each Senator?
    A: Each term is 6 years;
  33. Q: How many voting Representatives are there in the House of Representatives?
    A: Four hundred and thirty five (435);
  34. Q: For how long do we elect the Representatives?
    A: Two years;
  35. Q: What is the executive branch of the U.S. government?
    A: The president, cabinet, and the departments under the cabinet members;
  36. Q: What is the judicial branch of the U.S. government?
    A: The Federal Courts;
  37. Q: What are the duties of the Supreme Court;
    A: To interpret laws;
  38. Q: What is the supreme law of the United States?
    A: The Constitution;
  39. Q: What is the Bill of Rights?
    A: The first 10 amendments of the Constitution;
  40. Q: What is the capital of your state?
    A: (It depends on which state you live in.)
  41. Q: Who is the current Governor of your state?
    A: (Ditto)
  42. Q: If both the President and the Vice President die, who becomes president?
    A: The Speaker of the House of Representatives;
  43. Q: Who is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
    A: John Roberts;
  44. Q: Name the thirteen original states.
    A: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, and Maryland;
  45. Q: Who said “give me liberty or give me death”?
    A: Patrick Henry;
  46. Q: Which countries were our enemies during WWII?
    A: Germany, Italy, and Japan;
  47. Q: What were the 49th and 50th states admitted to the U.S.?
    A: Hawaii and Alaska;
  48. Q: How many terms can a president serve?
    A: Two;
  49. Q: Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
    A: A famous civil rights leader;
  50. Q: Who is the head of your local government?
    A: (It depends on where you live.)
  51. US Citizenship Test – Sample Questions 51-100

  52. Q: According to the Constitution, a person must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to become president. Name one of these requirements.
    A: Must be a native-born citizen of the United States. Must be at least 35 years old by the time he/she will serve. Must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.
  53. Q: Why are there 100 Senators in the Senate?
    A: There are two from each state;
  54. Q: Who nominates the Supreme Court justices?
    A: They are nominated by the President;
  55. Q: How many Supreme Court Justices are there?
    A: Nine (9);
  56. Q: Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
    A: For religious freedom;
  57. Q: What is the head executive of a state government called?
    A: Governor;
  58. Q: What is the head executive of a city government called?
    A: Mayor;
  59. Q: What holiday was started by the American Colonists?
    A: Thanksgiving;
  60. Q: Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
    A: Thomas Jefferson;
  61. Q: When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
    A: July 4, 1776;
  62. Q: What is the basic belief of the Declaration of Independence?
    A: That all men are created equal;
  63. Q: What is the national anthem of the United States?
    A: The Star-Spangled Banner;
  64. Q: Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner?
    A. Francis Scott Key;
  65. Q: Where does the freedom of speech come from?
    A: The Bill of Rights;
  66. Q: What is the minimum voting age in the United States?
    A: Eighteen (18);
  67. Q: Who signs bills into law?
    A: The President;
  68. Q: What is the highest court in the United States?
    A: The Supreme Court;
  69. Q: Who was the president during the Civil War?
    A: Abraham Lincoln;
  70. Q: What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
    A: It freed the slaves;
  71. Q: What special group advises the president?
    A: The cabinet;
  72. Q: Which president is called the “Father of our Country”?
    A: George Washington;
  73. Q: What INS form is used to apply to become a naturalized citizen?
    A: Form N-400;
  74. Q: Who helped the Pilgrims in America?
    A: Native American Indians;
  75. Q: The first Pilgrims sailed to America in what ship?
    A: The Mayflower;
  76. Q: What were the 13 original states of the United States called?
    A: The colonies;
  77. Q: Name three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
    A: Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion;
  78. Q: Who has the power to declare war?
    A: The Congress;
  79. Q: Name an amendment which guarantees or addresses voting rights.
    A: The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments;
  80. Q: Which president freed the slaves?
    A: Abraham Lincoln;
  81. Q: In what year was the Constitution written?
    A: 1787;
  82. Q: What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?
    A: The Bill of Rights;
  83. Q: Name one purpose of the United Nations.
    A: To try to resolve world problems;
  84. Q: Where does Congress meet?
    A: In the Capitol in Washington, D.C.;
  85. Q: Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
    A: Everyone living in the U.S. (Citizens and non-citizens);
  86. Q: What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
    A: The Preamble;
  87. Q: Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States.
    A: Vote; Serve on a jury; Obtain federal government jobs; travel with a U.S. passport; petition for close relatives to come to the U.S. to live;
  88. Q: What is the most important right granted to U.S. citizens?
    A: The right to vote;
  89. Q: What is the United States Capitol?
    A: The place where Congress meets;
  90. Q: What is the White House?
    A: The President’s official home;
  91. Q: Where is the White House located?
    A: Washington, D.C.;
  92. Q: What is the name of the president’s official home?
    A: The White House;
  93. Q: Name one right guaranteed by the first amendment.
    A: Freedom of speech, press, religion, peaceable assembly, and requesting change of the government;
  94. Q: Who is the commander in chief of the United States?
    A: The President;
  95. Q: Who was the first commander in chief of the U.S. Military?
    A: George Washington;
  96. Q: In what month do we vote for the president?
    A: November;
  97. Q: In what month is the new president inaugurated?
    A: January;
  98. Q: How many times may a congressman be re-elected?
    A: There are no term limits;
  99. Q: How many times may a senator be re-elected?
    A: There are no term limits;
  100. Q: What are the two major political parties in the United States?
    A: Republican and Democrat;
  101. Q: How many states are there in the United States?
    A: Fifty (50).

Remember to always work with an immigration attorney. They are professionals in these issues and will guide you every step of the process. Take your practice tests, study hard, and be proud of becoming a US citizen.

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