Civics Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Civics Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? → Checks and balances
2. During the Cold War, what was the primary foreign policy concern of the United States? → The global spread of communism
3. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States? → Pacific Ocean
4. What are the two longest rivers in the United States? → Mississippi and Missouri Rivers
5. Which of the following are rights or freedoms from the First Amendment? → Freedom of speech
6. What document grants a foreign national permanent resident status in the United States? → Green card
7. Which of the following is a right guaranteed to EVERYONE living in the United States, regardless of citizenship status? → Freedom of assembly
8. What is the capital of the United States? → Washington, D.C.
9. What is the supreme law of the land? → The Constitution
10. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? → Louisian
11. What form must be filed to begin the naturalization application process in the United States? → Form N-400
12. Which of the following is one of the two longest rivers in the United States? → The Missouri River
13. The system of dividing power between a national government and state governments is known as: → C. Federalism
14. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? → Vote and contact elected officials
15. Name one right only for United States citizens. → Vote in a federal election
16. If a vacancy occurs in the Supreme Court, the President nominates a new justice. However, this nomination must be confirmed by which body? → The Senate
17. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? → The United States
18. The House of Representatives has how many voting members? → 435
19. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States? → John Roberts
20. Under the U.S. Constitution, which of the following is a power belonging exclusively to the federal government? → C. Printing money
21. How many U.S. Senators are there? → 100
22. A 25-year-old lawful permanent resident has lived in the U.S. for ten years. He receives a notice for jury duty. How should he respond? → Request to be excused because only U.S. citizens are required to serve on a jury.
23. What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens? → Serve on a jury
24. Who was the first President of the United States? → George Washington
25. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did during his presidency in the 19th century? → Led the United States during the Civil War
26. What is Ellis Island historically significant for in American immigration history? → It served as a major immigration inspection station from 1892 to 1954
27. How many U.S. Senators are there? → 100
28. What is the last day to send in federal income tax forms? → April 15
29. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for U.S. naturalization? → Holding a college degree
30. The Statue of Liberty is a famous symbol of freedom located on Liberty Island. This island is situated in which body of water? → New York Harbor