Quiz: Principles of American Government

All 14 questions on the form of government, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the rule of law.

Choose one answer, then check it. Each answer shows every response USCIS accepts plus a short explanation. Use the number keys to choose and Enter to check.

Question 1 of 140 correct

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 1 of 14

What is the form of government of the United States?

A monarchy
A republic
A confederation of independent states
A direct democracy

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 2 of 14

What is the supreme law of the land?

The Federalist Papers
The U.S. Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Bill of Rights

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 3 of 14

Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.

It forms the government
It sets the tax rate for each state
It lists the national holidays
It elects the President every four years

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 4 of 14

The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?

The President governs alone
Only the wealthiest citizens may vote
Self-government
The states hold all the power

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 5 of 14

How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

By a national election
By a presidential order
Through amendments
By a ruling of the Supreme Court

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 6 of 14

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

The powers of the federal government
The borders between the states
The rules for becoming a citizen
The basic rights of people living in the United States

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 7 of 14

How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 8 of 14

Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

It created the first national bank.
It says all people are created equal.
It sets up the three branches of government.
It lists the 27 amendments.

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 9 of 14

What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence
The Mayflower Compact
The Articles of Confederation
The U.S. Constitution

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 10 of 14

Name one important idea from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

A national religion
Rule by the wealthiest citizens
Equality
The divine right of kings

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 11 of 14

The words "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" are in what founding document?

The Bill of Rights
The U.S. Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Federalist Papers

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 12 of 14

What is the economic system of the United States?

Socialism
Communism
A barter economy
Capitalism

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 13 of 14

What is the rule of law?

Only citizens must follow the law.
Everyone must follow the law.
Each state decides which federal laws to follow.
The President can suspend the law in a crisis.

Principles of American GovernmentQuestion 14 of 14

Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.

The Treaty of Paris
The Declaration of Independence
The Emancipation Proclamation
The Gettysburg Address

Background adapted from One Nation, One People: The USCIS 2025 Civics Test Study Guide (M-1175), a U.S. government publication. Download the study guide (PDF).

Principles of American Government