Preparing for the

Naturalization
Test
A Pocket Study Guide
(English)

M-1122 (08/21)

U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE

Preparing for the Use of ISBN

Naturalization This is the Official U.S. Government edition of this

publication and is herein identified to certify its
authenticity. Use of the ISBN 978-0-16-095053-7

Test is for U.S. Government Publishing Office Official

Editions only. The Superintendent of Documents
of the U.S. Government Publishing Office requests
that any reprinted edition clearly be labeled as a
A Pocket Study Guide copy of the authentic work with a new ISBN.
The information presented in Preparing for
the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide
is considered public information and may be
distributed or copied without alteration unless
otherwise specified. The citation should be:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of
Citizenship, Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A
Pocket Study Guide, Washington, D.C., 2019.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800
Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001

I S B N 978-0-16-095053-7
Preparing for the Naturalization Test General Eligibility Requirements
A Pocket Study Guide Before you apply for naturalization, you must
meet a few requirements. Depending on your
Are you thinking about applying for situation, different requirements may apply to
naturalization? you. Below is a list of the general eligibility
requirements.
This pocket study guide will help you prepare • Be at least 18 years old at the time
for the naturalization test. If you were not you file Form N-400, Application for
born in the United States, naturalization is the Naturalization.
way that you can voluntarily become a U.S.
• Be a permanent resident (have a “Green
citizen. To become a naturalized U.S. citizen,
Card”) for at least five years.
you must pass the naturalization test. We’ve
provided you with the civics test questions • Show that you have lived for at least three
and answers, and the reading and writing months in the state or USCIS district
vocabulary to help you study. where you apply.

Additionally, this guide contains general • Demonstrate continuous residence in

information on naturalization eligibility the United States for at least five years
requirements on page 2. immediately preceding the date of filing
Form N-400.
To learn about and study for the civics portion
of the naturalization test, turn to page 5. • Show that you have been physically
present in the United States for at least 30
To learn about and study for the English months out of the five years immediately
portion of the naturalization test, turn to preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
page 27.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic
You can find more resources to help you English.
prepare in the back of the study guide on
page 36. • Have a basic understanding of U.S. history
and government (civics).
• Be a person of good moral character.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the
principles and ideals of the U.S.
Constitution.

1 2

For more information, visit A Guide to vocabulary list on page 31 with all the words
Naturalization at www.uscis.gov/natzguide. found in the English writing portion of the
naturalization test.
Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities Your ability to speak English is determined
Citizenship offers many benefits and equally by the USCIS officer based on your answers
important responsibilities. When you to questions normally asked during the
naturalize, you agree to accept all of the naturalization interview.
responsibilities of becoming a U.S. citizen.
You agree to support the United States, its Civics Test
Constitution, and its laws. In return, you gain The civics test covers important U.S. history
all the rights and privileges of citizenship and government topics. There are 100 civics
such as the right to vote and travel with a U.S. questions on the naturalization test. During
passport. your naturalization interview, you will be
asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100
The Naturalization Test questions. You must answer correctly 6 of the
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS 10 questions to pass the civics test.
officer will ask you questions about your
application and background. You will also take Retaking the Naturalization Test
an English and civics test unless you qualify You have two opportunities to take the English
for an exemption or waiver. and civics tests per application. If you fail any
portion of the test during your first interview,
English Test you will be retested on the portion of the test
The English test has three components: that you failed at a second interview. USCIS
reading, writing, and speaking. For the reading will schedule you to return to be retested
test, you must read one out of three sentences between 60 and 90 days after the date of your
correctly to demonstrate an ability to read initial interview.
in English. There is a reading vocabulary list
on page 28 with all the words found in the Exceptions
English reading portion of the naturalization Certain applicants, because of age and time
test. as a permanent resident, are exempt from
For the writing test, you must write one out the English requirements for naturalization
of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an and may take the civics test in the language
ability to write in English. There is a writing of their choice. For more information, visit
www.uscis.gov/citizenship.
3 4
 Study Materials Although USCIS is aware that there may be
additional correct answers to the 100 civics
for the questions, you are encouraged to respond
to the civics questions using the answers
Civics Portion provided in this pocket study guide.

of the 65/20 Civics Test Exemption

Naturalization Test If you are 65 years old or older and have been
a legal permanent resident of the United States
for 20 or more years, you may study just the
««««« questions that have been marked with an
asterisk (*).
Civics (History and Government) American Government
Questions for the Naturalization Test
The 100 civics (history and government) A: Principles of American Democracy
questions and answers for the naturalization 1. What is the supreme law of the land?
test are listed on the following pages. The
civics test is an oral test and the USCIS officer • the Constitution
will ask you up to 10 of the 100 civics 2. What does the Constitution do?
questions. You must answer 6 out of 10
questions correctly to pass the civics portion • sets up the government
of the naturalization test. • defines the government
Some answers may change because of • protects basic rights of Americans
elections or appointments. As you study for
the test, make sure that you know the most 3. The idea of self-government is in the first
current answers to these questions. Answer three words of the Constitution. What are
these questions with the name of the official these words?
who is serving at the time of your eligibility • We the People
interview with USCIS. The USCIS officer will
not accept an incorrect answer.

5 6

4. What is an amendment? 9. What are two rights in the Declaration of

• a change (to the Constitution) Independence?
• an addition (to the Constitution) • life
• liberty
5. What do we call the first ten amendments
to the Constitution? • pursuit of happiness
• the Bill of Rights 10. What is freedom of religion?
6. What is one right or freedom from the First • You can practice any religion, or not practice
a religion.
Amendment?*
• speech 11. What is the economic system in the United
• religion States?*
• assembly • capitalist economy
• press • market economy
• petition the government 12. What is the “rule of law”?
7. How many amendments does the
• Everyone must follow the law.
Constitution have? • Leaders must obey the law.
• twenty-seven (27) • Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.
8. What did the Declaration of Independence
do? B: System of Government
• announced our independence (from Great
Britain) 13. Name one branch or part of the
• declared our independence (from Great government.*
Britain) • Congress
• said that the United States is free (from • legislative
Great Britain) • President
• executive
• the courts
• judicial
7 8
14. What stops one branch of government from 21. The House of Representatives has how many
becoming too powerful? voting members?
• checks and balances • four hundred thirty-five (435)
• separation of powers 22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many
15. Who is in charge of the executive branch? years?
• the President • two (2)

16. Who makes federal laws? 23. Name your U.S. Representative.
• Congress • Answers will vary. [Residents of territories
with nonvoting Delegates or Resident
• Senate and House (of Representatives) Commissioners may provide the name of that
• (U.S. or national) legislature Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable
is any statement that the territory has no
17. What are the two parts of the U.S. (voting) Representatives in Congress.]
Congress?*
• the Senate and House (of Representatives) 24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
• all people of the state
18. How many U.S. Senators are there?
• one hundred (100) 25. Why do some states have more
Representatives than other states?
19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? • (because of) the state’s population
• six (6) • (because) they have more people
20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators • (because) some states have more people
now?*
26. We elect a President for how many years?
• Answers will vary. [District of Columbia
residents and residents of U.S. territories • four (4)
should answer that D.C.(or the territory 27. In what month do we vote for President?*
where the applicant lives) has no U.S.
Senators.] • November

9 10

28. What is the name of the President of the 35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
United States now?* • advises the President
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the
name of the President of the United States. 36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?
• Secretary of Agriculture
29. What is the name of the Vice President of the
• Secretary of Commerce
United States now?
• Secretary of Defense
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for
the name of the Vice President of the United • Secretary of Education
States. • Secretary of Energy
30. If the President can no longer serve, who • Secretary of Health and Human Services
becomes President? • Secretary of Homeland Security
• the Vice President • Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
31. If both the President and the Vice President • Secretary of the Interior
can no longer serve, who becomes • Secretary of Labor
President? • Secretary of State
• the Speaker of the House • Secretary of Transportation
32. Who is the Commander in Chief of the • Secretary of the Treasury
military? • Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• the President • Attorney General
33. Who signs bills to become laws? • Vice President
• the President 37. What does the judicial branch do?
34. Who vetoes bills? • reviews laws
• the President • explains laws
• resolves disputes (disagreements)
• decides if a law goes against the Constitution

11 12
38. What is the highest court in the United 43. Who is the Governor of your state now?
States? • Answers will vary. [District of Columbia
• the Supreme Court residents should answer that D.C. does not
have a Governor.]
39. How many justices are on the Supreme
Court? 44. What is the capital of your state?*
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the • Answers will vary. [District of Columbia
number of justices on the Supreme Court. residents should answer that D.C. is not a
state and does not have a capital. Residents
40. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States of U.S. territories should name the capital
now? of the territory.]
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the 45. What are the two major political parties
name of the Chief Justice of the United States.
in the United States?*
41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong • Democratic and Republican
to the federal government. What is one power
of the federal government? 46. What is the political party of the President
now?
• to print money
• Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for the
• to declare war political party of the President.
• to create an army
47. What is the name of the Speaker of the
• to make treaties
House of Representatives now?
42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong • Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates for
to the states. What is one power of the the name of the Speaker of the House of
states? Representatives.
• provide schooling and education
• provide protection (police)
• provide safety (fire departments)
• give a driver’s license
• approve zoning and land use

13 14

C: Rights and Responsibilities 52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the
Pledge of Allegiance?
48. There are four amendments to the
• the United States
Constitution about who can vote. Describe
one of them. • the flag
• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote). 53. What is one promise you make when you
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote. become a United States citizen?
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can • give up loyalty to other countries
vote.) • defend the Constitution and laws of the
• A male citizen of any race (can vote). United States
• obey the laws of the United States
49. What is one responsibility that is only for
United States citizens?* • serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
• serve on a jury • serve (do important work for) the nation
(if needed)
• vote in a federal election
• be loyal to the United States
50. Name one right only for United States
citizens. 54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for
President?*
• vote in a federal election
• eighteen (18) and older
• run for federal office
55. What are two ways that Americans can
51. What are two rights of everyone living in the
participate in their democracy?
United States?
• vote
• freedom of expression
• join a political party
• freedom of speech
• help with a campaign
• freedom of assembly
• join a civic group
• freedom to petition the government
• join a community group
• freedom of religion
• give an elected official your opinion on an
• the right to bear arms issue

15 16
 • call Senators and Representatives 60. What group of people was taken to America
• publicly support or oppose an issue or policy and sold as slaves?
• run for office • Africans
• write to a newspaper • people from Africa
61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
56. When is the last day you can send in federal
income tax forms?* • because of high taxes (taxation without
representation)
• April 15
• because the British army stayed in their
57. When must all men register for the Selective houses (boarding, quartering)
Service? • because they didn’t have self-government
• at age eighteen (18)
62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
• between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)
• (Thomas) Jefferson
American History 63. When was the Declaration of Independence
A: Colonial Period and Independence adopted?
• July 4, 1776
58. What is one reason colonists came to
America? 64. There were 13 original states. Name three.
• freedom • New Hampshire
• political liberty • Massachusetts
• religious freedom • Rhode Island
• economic opportunity • Connecticut
• practice their religion • New York
• escape persecution • New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
59. Who lived in America before the Europeans
arrived? • Delaware
• American Indians • Maryland
• Native Americans

17 18

• Virginia 69. Who is the “Father of Our Country”?

• North Carolina • (George) Washington
• South Carolina 70. Who was the first President?*
• Georgia • (George) Washington
65. What happened at the Constitutional B: 1800s
Convention?
• The Constitution was written. 71. What territory did the United States buy from
France in 1803?
• The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
• the Louisiana Territory
66. When was the Constitution written? • Louisiana
• 1787
72. Name one war fought by the United States in
67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage the 1800s.
of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the • War of 1812
writers.
• Mexican-American War
• (James) Madison
• Civil War
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• Spanish-American War
• (John) Jay
• Publius 73. Name the U.S. war between the North and
the South.
68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is • the Civil War
famous for?
• the War between the States
• U.S. diplomat
• oldest member of the Constitutional 74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
Convention • slavery
• first Postmaster General of the United States • economic reasons
• writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac” • states’ rights
• started the first free libraries

19 20
75. What was one important thing that Abraham 79. Who was President during World War I?
Lincoln did?* • (Woodrow) Wilson
• freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
80. Who was President during the Great
• saved (or preserved) the Union Depression and World War II?
• led the United States during the Civil War • (Franklin) Roosevelt
76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation 81. Who did the United States fight in
do? World War II?
• freed the slaves • Japan, Germany, and Italy
• freed slaves in the Confederacy
82. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a
• freed slaves in the Confederate states general. What war was he in?
• freed slaves in most Southern states • World War II
77. What did Susan B. Anthony do? 83. During the Cold War, what was the main
• fought for women’s rights concern of the United States?
• fought for civil rights • Communism

C: Recent American History and Other 84. What movement tried to end racial
Important Historical Information discrimination?
• civil rights (movement)
78. Name one war fought by the United States in
the 1900s.* 85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*
• World War I • fought for civil rights
• World War II • worked for equality for all Americans
• Korean War 86. What major event happened on
• Vietnam War September 11, 2001, in the
• (Persian) Gulf War United States?
• Terrorists attacked the United States.

21 22

87. Name one American Indian tribe in the INTEGRATED CIVICS

United States.
[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally A: Geography
recognized American Indian tribes.]
88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the
• Cherokee United States.
• Navajo • Missouri (River)
• Sioux • Mississippi (River)
• Chippewa
89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the
• Choctaw United States?
• Pueblo • Pacific (Ocean)
• Apache
90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the
• Iroquois United States?
• Creek • Atlantic (Ocean)
• Blackfeet
91. Name one U.S. territory.
• Seminole
• Puerto Rico
• Cheyenne
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Arawak
• American Samoa
• Shawnee
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Mohegan
• Guam
• Huron
• Oneida 92. Name one state that borders Canada.
• Maine
• Lakota
• New Hampshire
• Crow
• Vermont
• Teton
• New York
• Hopi
• Pennsylvania
• Inuit
• Ohio

23 24
 • Michigan 97. Why does the flag have 50 stars?*
• Minnesota • because there is one star for each state
• North Dakota • because each star represents a state
• Montana • because there are 50 states
• Idaho 98. What is the name of the national anthem?
• Washington • The Star-Spangled Banner
• Alaska
C: Holidays
93. Name one state that borders Mexico.
• California 99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*
• July 4
• Arizona
• New Mexico 100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
• Texas • New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
94. What is the capital of the United States?*
• Presidents’ Day
• Washington, D.C.
• Memorial Day
95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?*
• Juneteenth
• New York (Harbor)
• Independence Day
• Liberty Island
• Labor Day
[Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and
on the Hudson (River).] • Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
B: Symbols • Thanksgiving
96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes? • Christmas
• because there were 13 original colonies
• because the stripes represent the original
colonies

25 26

Study Materials the naturalization test. The content focuses on

civics and history topics.
for the Writing Portion
English Portion To test your ability to write in English,
you must write one out of three sentences
of the correctly in order to demonstrate an ability to

Naturalization Test write in English.

To help you prepare, see the writing
vocabulary list on page 31 containing all the
★★★★★ words found in the English writing portion of
the naturalization test. The content focuses on
English Test civics and history topics.
According to the law, an applicant must
Speaking Portion
demonstrate “an understanding of the English
language, including an ability to read, write, At your naturalization interview, a USCIS
and speak...simple words and phrases...in officer will determine your ability to speak
ordinary usage in the English language.” English.
This means that you must be able to read,
Reading Vocabulary List
write, and speak basic English in order to be
eligible for naturalization. You are required PEOPLE
to pass each of the three components of the • Abraham Lincoln
English test.
• George Washington
Reading Portion CIVICS
Each reading test administered to you will • American flag
contain no more than three sentences. You
must read one out of three sentences correctly • Bill of Rights
to demonstrate an ability to read in English. • capital
To help you prepare, see the reading • citizen
vocabulary list on page 28 containing all the • city
words found in the English reading portion of

27 28
 • Congress QUESTION WORDS
• country • How
• Father of Our Country • What
• government • When
• President • Where
• right • Who
• Senators • Why
• state/states VERBS
• White House • can
PLACES • come
• America • do/does
• United States • elects
• U.S. • have/has
• is/are/was/be
HOLIDAYS
• lives/lived
• Presidents’ Day
• meet
• Memorial Day
• name
• Juneteenth
• pay
• Flag Day
• vote
• Independence Day
• want
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day OTHER (FUNCTION)
• Thanksgiving • a
• for
• here
• in

29 30

• of CIVICS
• on • American Indians
• the • capital
• to • citizens
• we • Civil War
• Congress
OTHER (CONTENT)
• Father of Our Country
• colors
• flag
• dollar bill
• free
• first
• freedom of speech
• largest
• President
• many
• right
• most
• Senators
• north
• state/states
• one
• White House
• people
• second PLACES
• south • Alaska
• California
Writing Vocabulary List • Canada
PEOPLE • Delaware
• Adams • Mexico
• Lincoln • New York City
• Washington • United States
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.

31 32
MONTHS VERBS
• February • can
• May • come
• June • elect
• July • have/has
• September • is/was/be
• October • lives/lived
• November • meets
HOLIDAYS
• pay
• Presidents’ Day • vote
• Memorial Day • want
• Flag Day OTHER (FUNCTION)
• Independence Day • and
• Labor Day • during
• Columbus Day • for
• Thanksgiving • here
• in
• of
• on
• the
• to
• we

33 34

OTHER (CONTENT) More Resources to Help You Prepare

• blue Visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center
• dollar bill at www.uscis.gov/citizenship for free
• fifty/50 citizenship preparation materials. Be sure to
look for these helpful study tools:
• first
• A Guide to Naturalization
• largest This guide provides an overview of the
• most naturalization process, information on the
benefits and responsibilities of citizenship,
• north eligibility requirements, and what to expect at
• one your naturalization interview.
• one hundred/100 • Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• people Use this form to apply for U.S. citizenship.
• red
• 100 Civics Questions and Answers for the
• second Naturalization Test
• south The official list of civics questions and
answers for the naturalization test is available
• taxes in English, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish,
• white Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

• Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test

These easy-to-use cards include each of
the 100 civics (history and government)
questions and answers on the naturalization
test.

• Learn About the United States: Quick Civics

Lessons for the Naturalization Test
This study booklet contains short lessons
based on each of the 100 civics questions and
answers on the naturalization test.

35 36
• Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and • Naturalization Practice Test (civics portion
Civics for Citizenship of the naturalization test)
This online resource provides videos and Online study tool to help test your knowledge
interactive activities on the 100 civics of U.S. history and government.
questions and answers and highlights museum
objects from the Smithsonian Institution. • Find Help in Your Community
Find an English and/or citizenship class, legal
• The USCIS Naturalization Interview and assistance, and USCIS-funded programs in
Test Video your area.
This short video provides an overview
of the naturalization process and testing • Naturalization Information Sessions
requirements. The video highlights scenes USCIS regularly holds information sessions
from the naturalization interview, including for the public to learn about naturalization
the naturalization test. eligibility, testing, and citizenship rights and
responsibilities. Upcoming events are listed on
• Interactive Practice Tests (English portion of the Citizenship Resource Center.
the naturalization test)
• Information in Other Languages
1. Understanding Commands for the Find USCIS citizenship publications and
Naturalization Interview resources available in other languages as you
This activity has commands that you may prepare for U.S. citizenship.
hear during the naturalization interview.

2. Vocabulary for the Naturalization

Interview: Self-Test 1
This reading activity has words and
phrases that you may read on Form N-400,
Application for Naturalization, or hear
during the naturalization interview.

3. Vocabulary for the Naturalization

Interview: Self-Test 2
This reading and listening activity has
words and phrases that an applicant
may read on Form N-400, Application
for Naturalization, or hear during the
naturalization interview.

37 38

www.uscis.gov/citizenship

I S B N 978-0-16-095053-7
9 00 00

9 780160 950537