CITIZENSHIP TEST PRACTICE
U.S. naturalization civics test: 32 key words explained
A simple meaning, an example and a memory tip for each key word.
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1. Principles of American democracy
- republic A country where people elect leaders to make decisions for them.
- democracy Government by the people, usually by voting.
- Constitution The most important law of the country. It sets up the government.
- amendment A change or addition to the Constitution.
- Bill of Rights The first ten amendments. They protect basic rights.
- Declaration of Independence The 1776 paper that said the colonies were free from Britain.
- liberty Freedom.
- rule of law Everyone must follow the law, even leaders.
2. The three branches
- branch One main part of the government.
- checks and balances Each branch can limit the other branches.
- legislative The branch that makes laws (Congress).
- executive The branch that carries out laws (the President).
- judicial The branch that explains laws in court.
- Congress The Senate and the House of Representatives together.
- senator A member of the Senate. There are 100.
- representative A member of the House. There are 435 voting members.
3. Leaders, courts and states
- bill An idea for a law before it is signed.
- veto When the President says no to a bill.
- Cabinet The advisers who lead the big departments.
- Electoral College The electors who choose the President.
- Supreme Court The highest court. Nine justices.
- justice A judge of the Supreme Court.
- federal Having to do with the national government.
- governor The leader of a state.
4. Citizens and history
- citizen A person who belongs fully to a country and can vote.
- naturalize To become a citizen by following the legal steps.
- oath A serious promise.
- Pledge of Allegiance A promise of loyalty to the flag and country.
- colony A place ruled by another country.
- slavery Owning people and forcing them to work.
- Civil War The war between the North and the South, 1861 to 1865.
- civil rights Equal rights for all people under the law.
Source
Questions and meanings are our own wording, written to match the topics of the published 2025 question list. Information published by USCIS is public information. We do not use USCIS logos, seals or images.