US Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the name of the national anthem? → The Star-Spangled Banner
2. Which amendment abolished poll taxes in federal elections? → Twenty-Fourth Amendment
3. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did? → saved (or preserved) the Union
4. What is the highest court in the United States? → the Supreme Court
5. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution currently have? → 27
6. What does the legal term 'jus soli' mean in the context of U.S. citizenship? → Citizenship by place of birth
7. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? → Mike Pence
8. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? → Communism
9. What is the name of the national anthem of the United States? → The Star-Spangled Banner
10. Name one right only for United States citizens. → run for federal office
11. What did the Twenty-Second Amendment establish? → Presidential term limits of a maximum of two terms
12. What happens at a naturalization ceremony? → Immigrants take an oath of allegiance and officially become US citizens
13. What is the national bird of the United States? → Bald eagle
14. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years? → Two (2)
15. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? → the Vice President
16. What is the capital of the United States? → Washington, DC
17. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. → John Jay
18. What event triggered the United States' direct involvement in World War II? → Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941
19. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? → the Speaker of the House
20. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. → James Madison
21. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? → check and balances
22. What was the primary purpose of the Stamp Act of 1765? → To raise revenue from the colonies to pay British war debts
23. What freedoms does the First Amendment protect? → Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
24. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States? → Freedom of expression and freedom of speech
25. What term described Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War to seek business or political opportunity? → Carpetbaggers
26. What ocean borders the east coast of the United States? → The Atlantic Ocean
27. What is the name of the national anthem of the United States? → The Star-Spangled Banner
28. What event triggered the United States' entry into World War I in 1917? → Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram
29. What is the largest state in the United States by area? → Alaska
30. What are the two major political parties in the United States? → Democratic and Republican