U.S. Naturalization:
Understanding the Process
This guide serves as a central hub for public information regarding the journey toward U.S. citizenship. We have collected essential resources and official links to provide a developing overview of the requirements and procedures, helping you understand where to begin your application process with confidence and clarity. The primary function of this guide in its infancy is checking your understanding, and identifying key elements that may get overlooked.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
I'm doing this for me. I want this, but nobody seems to actually care, so it's really more of a clubhouse till someone decides this is a thing they want too. Don't think you're going to get here by accident, but if you do, be aware that this is driven for my understanding, and I have severals areas I try to make impacts in, so it will frequently not be current. I really am just one human body. I have high hopes, but I don't like to be alone for too long, and I'm boud to find other ways to get where I'm going. If you make me the government, and let me do it all for you, I will screw it up as bad as them. All sides should understand that by now. The community will probably screw it up even worse, but the collective engagement of the American people can compensate for all woes. Everybody will have an understanding of what they are developing, so everyone can understand how we aim to improve it together.
Not Current! - New Laws Passed in the last month or so. Was producing the Quarter Mil Bash. Will make concerted effort to update in the begining of August.
- Continuous residence requirements
- Physical presence in the U.S.
- Good moral character standards
- Basic English and Civics knowledge
- The Naturalization Interview
- English language proficiency test
- U.S. Civics (history/govt) test
- Interview preparation resources
Policies and Procedures
- Form N-400 application filing
- Biometrics service appointments
- Current USCIS fee schedules
- Fee waiver eligibility info
- Receiving a decision notification
- Attending the Oath Ceremony
- Applying for a U.S. Passport
- Updating Social Security records
- Initial application processing
- Local office interview scheduling
- Background check durations
- Overall estimated path to oath
- 128 questions.
- They ask 20. You can miss 8.
- Translation ~ You need to know 120 of them like the back of your hand.
Eligibility Basics
Continuous Residence Requirements
To qualify for naturalization, you generally must have lived continuously in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years immediately before filing your application (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse). Continuous residence means no single trip outside the U.S. lasting 6 months or longer during that period (longer absences can break continuity and may require restarting the clock), and you must also have resided in the state or USCIS district where you file for at least 3 months. If this matches what you've been tracking about your time here without major breaks, you're aligned with the core rule that shows your steady commitment to life in the U.S.
Physical Presence in the U.S.
Applicants must demonstrate they were physically present in the United States for at least half of the required continuous residence period—typically 30 months (about 913 days) out of the last 5 years, or 18 months out of the last 3 years for qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens. This counts actual days spent in the country (time abroad for certain military or government service may be credited as U.S. presence), and it's separate from but interconnected with continuous residence. If you've been tallying your days in the U.S. and hitting or exceeding these thresholds, that's exactly the physical connection USCIS looks for to confirm your ties here.
Good Moral Character Standards
You must show that you have been, and continue to be, a person of good moral character (GMC) during the statutory period (usually the 5 years before filing, or 3 years for spouses) and up to the Oath of Allegiance—meaning no disqualifying criminal convictions, fraud, or other bars like willful failure to support dependents or certain unlawful acts. USCIS reviews your entire record, including conduct outside the period if it reflects on current character, but everyday honesty, tax compliance, and community involvement strengthen your case. If you're reflecting on a clean record without major red flags during the relevant timeframe, this standard is met in the way most eligible applicants understand and satisfy it.
Basic English and Civics Knowledge
Naturalization requires demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, plus knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics), typically through a test during your interview—covering topics like the Constitution, branches of government, and key historical events. Exceptions and accommodations exist for age (50/20 or 55/15 rules), disability, or long-term residency, where you may be exempt from one or both or take the test in your native language. If you're preparing for these elements or qualify for an exemption based on your age/residency/disability, you're correctly grasping how this requirement ensures a foundational understanding of American life and values.
Form N-400 Application Filing
The main application for naturalization is USCIS Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), which you file online through your USCIS account or by mail (paper version still accepted in certain cases). It requires detailed personal information, residency history, travel records, employment details, family info, and answers to questions about moral character, affiliations, and eligibility—most applicants complete it digitally for faster processing and tracking. If you've been gathering your documents and filling out (or planning to fill out) the N-400 accurately and completely, that's precisely the starting point USCIS expects and where the naturalization journey formally begins.
Forms
&
Fees
Biometrics Service Appointments
After USCIS receives and accepts your N-400, you'll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment (usually within a few weeks to months) at a local Application Support Center (ASC) to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature for background and security checks. This step is mandatory for identity verification and FBI name-check/fingerprint processing—bring your appointment notice, valid photo ID, and any requested documents. If you've received (or are anticipating) a biometrics notice letter and understand it's a routine, in-person step to confirm who you are, you're correctly tracking how USCIS moves your case forward.
Current USCIS Fee Schedules
As of 2026, the standard filing fee for Form N-400 is $725 (which includes the biometrics fee—no separate charge anymore), though fees can change with USCIS updates or inflation adjustments, so always check the official USCIS Fee Schedule on their website or in your filing instructions. Payment can be made by credit/debit card (online filing), check, or money order (paper filing), and partial payments or refunds are generally not available once processing begins. If you're budgeting around the current posted amount and planning to pay in full with your application, that's aligned with how most applicants prepare and what USCIS currently requires.
Fee Waiver Eligibility Info
You may qualify for a full or partial fee waiver (Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver) if you can demonstrate financial hardship—such as receiving means-tested public benefits, having household income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or facing significant financial difficulties due to medical expenses, unemployment, or other circumstances. USCIS reviews these requests case-by-case and requires supporting documentation like tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit award letters. If you're exploring whether your situation meets the hardship criteria and are prepared to submit evidence with an I-912, you're on the right path to understanding how fee relief works for those who truly need it.
Estimated Timelines
Initial Application Processing
After you submit your Form N-400 (online or by mail) and USCIS receives it, initial processing usually begins within a few days to a couple of weeks—this includes a receipt notice (Form I-797C) with your case number, followed by the scheduling of your biometrics appointment. If your payment clears and there are no immediate issues (like missing pages or fee problems), your case moves into the "case is being actively reviewed" stage fairly quickly. If you've received a receipt notice and your biometrics is scheduled (or soon will be), that's the standard early timeline most applicants experience and confirms your application is progressing as expected.
Local Office Interview Scheduling
Once biometrics are completed and background checks are underway, USCIS schedules your naturalization interview at your local field office—the wait time here varies widely by location and caseload, but as of 2026, most applicants receive an interview notice 6–18 months after filing (often 8–12 months in lower-volume districts, longer in high-demand areas like parts of Florida or California). You'll get the notice by mail or in your USCIS online account, with about 4–6 weeks' advance notice to prepare. If your timeline from filing to interview notice falls roughly in that range and matches what others in your area are reporting, you're aligned with the typical path to the in-person step.
Background Check Durations
The FBI name check, fingerprint results, and other security/background investigations run in parallel with other steps and usually take anywhere from a few weeks to several months (most clear within 1–6 months after biometrics), though complex cases (prior names, international travel, or flags) can extend longer. USCIS relies on these clearances before scheduling or conducting the interview, and they continue updating until the Oath. If your case status shows "fingerprint review completed" or "name check" progressing without major holds, that's the norm for the background phase, and you're correctly anticipating that this invisible but essential part can influence the overall speed.
Overall Estimated Path to Oath
From filing the N-400 to taking the Oath of Allegiance, the full naturalization timeline typically spans 10–24 months in 2026 (median around 12–18 months), depending on your location, case complexity, and any requests for evidence or continuations. After passing the interview (English/civics test and review), most people are scheduled for the oath ceremony the same day or within a few weeks/months (some offices do same-day oaths, others batch monthly). If you're seeing a total journey in the 1–2 year ballpark and planning around that with patience for potential variations, you're grasping the realistic end-to-end path that leads to citizenship for the vast majority of eligible applicants.
The Naturalization Interview
The naturalization interview is an in-person appointment at your local USCIS field office (typically 20–45 minutes) where an officer reviews your Form N-400 application, verifies your identity and documents, asks questions about your eligibility (including moral character, residency, and any updates since filing), and administers the English and civics tests. The officer may ask you to explain parts of your application in your own words and will determine if you meet all requirements at that time. If your understanding includes this as a thorough but straightforward review of your life in the U.S. plus the tests, you're aligned with what most successful applicants describe as the key decision point.
Interviews
& Tests
English Language Proficiency Test
During the interview, you must demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak basic English at a level sufficient for everyday communication—usually tested by reading one out of three simple sentences aloud correctly, writing one out of three dictated sentences correctly, and conversing with the officer in English throughout (they assess your responses to questions). Exemptions apply if you're 50+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident, 55+ with 15+ years, or have a qualifying disability (via Form N-648). If you're practicing simple sentences, preparing to speak clearly during the interview, or checking if you qualify for an exemption, that's exactly how this requirement is designed and understood by eligible applicants.
U.S. Civics (History/Govt) Test
The civics test consists of up to 10 questions (chosen from a fixed list of 100 official questions) about U.S. history and government—covering topics like the Constitution, branches of government, rights, historical figures, and current structure—you need to answer at least 6 correctly to pass. USCIS provides the full 100-question list with answers, and for applicants 65+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident, a simplified 20-question version is used (need 6 correct). If you're studying from the official USCIS 100 questions (or the 20-question version if applicable) and aiming to get at least 60% right, you're correctly preparing for the standard way this test confirms basic knowledge of American civics.
Interview Preparation Resources
USCIS offers free official resources to help you prepare, including the 100 civics questions/answers PDF, flashcards, practice tests, videos, and mobile apps; many local libraries, community organizations, and adult education classes provide free or low-cost English and civics classes tailored for naturalization. Additional helpful tools include the USCIS Naturalization Self-Test online, YouTube channels with mock interviews, and your USCIS account for case updates. If you're using these free USCIS materials, practicing regularly, and perhaps joining a class or study group, you're following the most effective and commonly recommended preparation path that leads applicants to success.
Common
Next Steps
Receiving a Decision Notification
At the end of your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will usually tell you the decision right then—approved (you pass and move to oath), continued (more evidence or a second test needed), or denied (with reasons explained and appeal options provided). If not decided on the spot, you’ll receive a written decision notice by mail (or in your online USCIS account) within a few days to weeks. If you’ve passed the interview and are waiting for that approval notice or oath scheduling info, you’re exactly where most successful applicants are at this exciting stage—your case is nearly complete.
Attending the Oath Ceremony
Once approved, USCIS schedules your Oath of Allegiance ceremony (often same-day or within a few weeks/months, depending on the field office—some do group ceremonies monthly, others smaller or expedited ones). You’ll receive an official notice with the date, time, location, and what to bring (green card, appointment notice, photo ID); during the ceremony, you’ll take the Oath, surrender your green card, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. If you’re preparing to attend a ceremony, dress nicely, bring the required items, and plan to celebrate afterward, that’s the standard, meaningful way new citizens finalize their status and become full U.S. citizens.
Applying for a U.S. Passport
As a new U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport (the most accepted proof of citizenship and ID for international travel) soon after receiving your Certificate of Naturalization—use Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, etc.) or agency, submitting your original Certificate, photos, proof of identity, and fees (around $130–$200 depending on expedited options). Many people apply right after the oath for convenience, and processing takes 6–8 weeks routine (faster with expedited service). If you’re gathering photos and planning to submit DS-11 with your naturalization certificate as proof, you’re correctly following the typical first big post-citizenship step for global mobility.
Updating Social Security Records
After naturalization, update your Social Security record to reflect your new U.S. citizen status and any name change—visit a Social Security office (appointment recommended) with your Certificate of Naturalization, photo ID, and (if applicable) marriage/divorce documents for name updates; this ensures your Social Security card matches your new legal name and citizenship, which helps with employment, taxes, benefits, and records. You can often do this at the same time as other post-oath errands, and it’s free. If you’re planning to bring your Certificate to SSA to get a corrected card (with “U.S. Citizen” notation if desired), you’re aligned with the simple, important housekeeping step most new citizens complete shortly after the oath.
Citizenship Test
Questions & Answers
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT A: Principles of American Government
1. What is the form of government of the United States?
• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy
2. What is the supreme law of the land? *
• (U.S.) Constitution
3. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
• Forms the government
• Defines powers of government
• Defines the parts of government
• Protects the rights of the people
4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean? • Self-government • Popular sovereignty • Consent of the governed • People should govern themselves • (Example of) social contract
5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
• Amendments
• The amendment process
6. What does the Bill of Rights protect? • (The basic) rights of Americans
• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? *
• Twenty-seven (27)
8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.
9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
• Declaration of Independence
10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government
11. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
• Declaration of Independence
12. What is the economic system of the United States?
• Capitalism
• Free market economy
13. What is the rule of law?
• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.
14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
• 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
15. There are three branches of government. Why?
• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
B: System of Government
16. Name the three branches of government.
• Legislative, executive, and judicial
• Congress, president, and the courts
17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
• Executive branch
18. What part of the federal government writes laws?
• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature
• Legislative branch
19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress. *
• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget
21. How many U.S. senators are there?
• One hundred (100)
22. How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
• Six (6) years
23. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. senators.]
24. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
• Four hundred thirty-five (435)
25. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
• Two (2) years
26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
• To more closely follow public opinion
27. How many senators does each state have?
• Two (2)
28. Why does each state have two senators?
• Equal representation (for small states)
• The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
29. Name your U.S. representative.
• Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) representatives in Congress.]
30. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? *
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
31. Who does a U.S. senator represent?
• Citizens of their state
• People of their state
32. Who elects U.S. senators?
• Citizens from their state
33. Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
• Citizens in their (congressional) district
• Citizens in their district
• People from their (congressional) district
• People in their district
34. Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
• Citizens from their (congressional) district
35. Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
• (Because of) the state’s population
• (Because) they have more people
• (Because) some states have more people
36. The President of the United States is elected for how many years? *
• Four (4) years
37. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
• (Because of) the 22nd Amendment
• To keep the president from becoming too powerful
38. What is the name of the President of the United States now? *
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the President of the United States.
39. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? *
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Vice President of the United States.
40. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
• The Vice President (of the United States)
41. Name one power of the president.
• Signs bills into law
• Vetoes bills
• Enforces laws
• Commander in Chief (of the military)
• Chief diplomat
• Appoints federal judges
42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military? • The President (of the United States)
43. Who signs bills to become laws? • The President (of the United States)
44. Who vetoes bills? * • The President (of the United States)
45. Who appoints federal judges? • The President (of the United States)
46. The executive branch has many parts. Name one. • President (of the United States) • Cabinet • Federal departments and agencies
47. What does the President’s Cabinet do? • Advises the President (of the United States)
48. What are two Cabinet-level positions?
• Attorney General
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Secretary of War (Defense)
• Vice-President
• Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
• Administrator of the Small Business Administration
• Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
• Director of the Office of Management and Budget
• Director of National Intelligence
• United States Trade Representative
49. Why is the Electoral College important? • It decides who is elected president.
• It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
50. What is one part of the judicial branch?
• Supreme Court
• Federal Courts
51. What does the judicial branch do?
• Reviews laws
• Explains laws
• Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
• Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
52. What is the highest court in the United States? *
• Supreme Court
53. How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
• Nine (9)
54. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
• Five (5)
55. How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
• (For) life • Lifetime appointment
• (Until) retirement
56. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
• To be independent (of politics)
• To limit outside (political) influence
57. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the name of the Chief Justice of the United States.
58. Name one power that is only for the federal government.
• Print paper money
• Mint coins
• Declare war
• Create an army
• Make treaties
• Set foreign policy
59. Name one power that is only for the states.
• Provide schooling and education
• Provide protection (police)
• Provide safety (fire departments)
• Give a driver’s license
• Approve zoning and land use
60. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
• (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.
61. Who is the governor of your state now? *
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a governor.]
62. What is the capital of your state?
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. is not a state and does not have a capital. Residents of U.S. territories should name the capital of the territory.]
C: Rights and Responsibilities
63. There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).
64. Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
• Citizens
• Citizens of the United States
• U.S. citizens
65. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom to petition the government
• Freedom of religion
• The right to bear arms
66. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? *
• The United States
• The flag
67. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
• Give up loyalty to other countries
• Defend the (U.S.) Constitution
• Obey the laws of the United States
• Serve in the military (if needed)
• Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• Be loyal to the United States
68. How can people become United States citizens?
• Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
• Naturalize
• Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
• Vote
• Run for office
• Join a political party
• Help with a campaign
• Join a civic group
• Join a community group
• Give an elected official your opinion (on an issue)
• Contact elected officials
• Support or oppose an issue or policy
• Write to a newspaper
70. What is one way Americans can serve their country?
• Vote
• Pay taxes
• Obey the law
• Serve in the military
• Run for office
• Work for local, state, or federal government
71. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
• Required by law
• All people pay to fund the federal government • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
• Civic duty
72. It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
• Required by law
• Civic duty
• Makes the draft fair, if needed
AMERICAN HISTORY A: Colonial Period and Independence
73. The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
• Freedom
• Political liberty
• Religious freedom
• Economic opportunity
• Escape persecution
74. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? *
• American Indians
• Native Americans
75. What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
• Africans
• People from Africa
76. What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
• American Revolution
• The (American) Revolutionary War
• War for (American) Independence
77. Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
• High taxes
• Taxation without representation
• British soldiers stayed in Americans’ houses (boarding, quartering)
• They did not have self-government • Boston Massacre
• Boston Tea Party (Tea Act)
• Stamp Act • Sugar Act
• Townshend Acts
• Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
78. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? *
• (Thomas) Jefferson
79. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
• July 4, 1776 12 of 19
80. The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
• (Battle of) Bunker Hill
• Declaration of Independence
• Washington Crossing the Delaware (Battle of Trenton)
• (Battle of) Saratoga
• Valley Forge (Encampment)
• (Battle of) Yorktown (British surrender at Yorktown)
81. There were 13 original states. Name five.
• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia
82. What founding document was written in 1787?
• (U.S.) Constitution
83. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius
84. Why were the Federalist Papers important?
• They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
• They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
85. Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one.
• Founded the first free public libraries
• First Postmaster General of the United States
• Helped write the Declaration of Independence
• Inventor
• U.S. diplomat
86. George Washington is famous for many things. Name one. *
• “Father of Our Country”
• First president of the United States
• General of the Continental Army
• President of the Constitutional Convention
87. Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.
• Writer of the Declaration of Independence
• Third president of the United States
• Doubled the size of the United States (Louisiana Purchase)
• First Secretary of State
• Founded the University of Virginia
• Writer of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom
88. James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.
• “Father of the Constitution”
• Fourth president of the United States
• President during the War of 1812
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
89. Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.
• First Secretary of the Treasury
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
• Helped establish the First Bank of the United States
• Aide to General George Washington
• Member of the Continental Congress
B: 1800s
90. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
• Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana
91. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War
92. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
• The Civil War
93. The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
• (Battle of) Fort Sumter
• Emancipation Proclamation
• (Battle of) Vicksburg
• (Battle of) Gettysburg
• Sherman’s March
• (Surrender at) Appomattox
• (Battle of) Antietam/Sharpsburg
• Lincoln was assassinated.
94. Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one. *
• Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• Saved (or preserved) the Union
• Led the United States during the Civil War
• 16th president of the United States • Delivered the Gettysburg Address
95. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
• Freed the slaves
• Freed slaves in the Confederacy
• Freed slaves in the Confederate states
• Freed slaves in most Southern states
96. What U.S. war ended slavery?
• The Civil War
97. What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?
• 14th Amendment
98. When did all men get the right to vote?
• After the Civil War
• During Reconstruction
• (With the) 15th Amendment
• 1870
99. Name one leader of the women’s rights movement in the 1800s.
• Susan B. Anthony
• Elizabeth Cady Stanton
• Sojourner Truth
• Harriet Tubman
• Lucretia Mott
• Lucy Stone
C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information 100. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War
101. Why did the United States enter World War I?
• Because Germany attacked U.S. (civilian) ships
• To support the Allied Powers (England, France, Italy, and Russia)
• To oppose the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria)
102. When did all women get the right to vote?
• 1920 • After World War I
• (With the) 19th Amendment
103. What was the Great Depression?
• Longest economic recession in modern history
104. When did the Great Depression start? • The Great Crash (1929)
• Stock market crash of 1929
105. Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II?
• (Franklin) Roosevelt
106. Why did the United States enter World War II?
• (Bombing of) Pearl Harbor
• Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
• To support the Allied Powers (England, France, and Russia)
• To oppose the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan)
107. Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
• General during World War II
• President at the end of (during) the Korean War
• 34th president of the United States
• Signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (Created the Interstate System)
108. Who was the United States’ main rival during the Cold War?
• Soviet Union
• USSR
• Russia
109. During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
• Communism
• Nuclear war
110. Why did the United States enter the Korean War?
• To stop the spread of communism
111. Why did the United States enter the Vietnam War?
• To stop the spread of communism
112. What did the civil rights movement do?
• Fought to end racial discrimination
113. Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one. *
• Fought for civil rights
• Worked for equality for all Americans
• Worked to ensure that people would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”
114. Why did the United States enter the Persian Gulf War?
• To force the Iraqi military from Kuwait
115. What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States? *
• Terrorists attacked the United States
• Terrorists took over two planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City
• Terrorists took over a plane and crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia
• Terrorists took over a plane originally aimed at Washington, D.C., and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania
116. Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
• (Global) War on Terror
• War in Afghanistan
• War in Iraq
117. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
• Apache
• Blackfeet
• Cayuga
• Cherokee
• Cheyenne
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Creek
• Crow
• Hopi
• Huron
• Inupiat
• Lakota
• Mohawk
• Mohegan
• Navajo
• Oneida
• Onondaga
• Pueblo
• Seminole
• Seneca
• Shawnee
• Sioux
• Teton
• Tuscarora For a complete list of tribes, please visit bia.gov.
118. Name one example of an American innovation.
• Light bulb
• Automobile (cars, internal combustion engine)
• Skyscrapers
• Airplane
• Assembly line
• Landing on the moon
• Integrated circuit (IC)
SYMBOLS AND HOLIDAYS A: Symbols
119. What is the capital of the United States?
• Washington, D.C.
120. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]
121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? *
• (Because there were) 13 original colonies
• (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
122. Why does the flag have 50 stars?
• (Because there is) one star for each state
• (Because) each star represents a state
• (Because there are) 50 states
123. What is the name of the national anthem?
• The Star-Spangled Banner
124. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
• Out of many, one
• We all become one
B: Holidays
125. What is Independence Day?
• A holiday to celebrate U.S. independence (from Britain)
• The country’s birthday
126. Name three national U.S. holidays. *
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
127. What is Memorial Day?
• A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service
128. What is Veterans Day?
• A holiday to honor people in the (U.S.) military
• A holiday to honor people who have served (in the U.S. military)