US Releases 100 Civics Questions for Citizenship Applicants

The United States government has released its official list of 100 civics questions and answers used to prepare foreign nationals seeking American citizenship through naturalisation. The material, published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), covers key areas of American history, government, the Constitution, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, and national symbols. The civics test is conducted orally during the naturalisation interview. Applicants are asked up to 10 questions from the approved list and must answer at least six correctly to pass that section of the test. USCIS also cautioned applicants that some answers may change following elections or new appointments to public office. Candidates are therefore expected to provide the name of the official currently serving at the time of their interview. The agency advised applicants to study the official answers provided in its materials, noting that while alternative answers may sometimes be acceptable, applicants should be familiar with the responses recognised by USCIS. Among the questions are basic issues about the American system of government and the Constitution. Applicants may be asked to identify the supreme law of the United States, which is the Constitution, as well as explain its purpose. Other questions cover the opening words of the Constitution, “We the People,” the first 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights, and freedoms protected under the First Amendment, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly and the press. The test also examines knowledge of the Declaration of Independence, including the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Applicants are also expected to understand the concept of freedom of religion, which allows people to practise any religion or choose not to practise one. Questions on the US economy and the rule of law are included as well. Candidates may be asked to identify the country’s economic system as a capitalist or market economy and explain that everyone, including government leaders, must obey the law. The 100-question guide is intended to help applicants prepare for the civics portion of the naturalisation process. Click here to check for the questions

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