U.S. Citizenship Civics Test
System of Government: practice questions
Our US Civics bank has 34 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Why does each state have two senators?
- Because of each state's population
- Equal representation (for small states)
- To match the number of political parties
- Because the president decides
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B. Equal representation (for small states) — USCIS 2025 civics question 28. Accepted answers: Equal representation (for small states); The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise).
Question 2
Name one power of the president.
- Writes the federal budget into law
- Vetoes bills
- Declares war
- Decides court cases
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B. Vetoes bills — USCIS 2025 civics question 41. Accepted answers: Signs bills into law; Vetoes bills; Enforces laws; Commander in Chief (of the military); Chief diplomat; Appoints federal judges.
Question 3
Why is the Electoral College important?
- It trains new teachers.
- It writes the federal budget.
- It chooses Supreme Court justices.
- It decides who is elected president.
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D. It decides who is elected president. — USCIS 2025 civics question 49. Accepted answers: It decides who is elected president.; It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection..
Question 4
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
- Because they are younger
- To more closely follow public opinion
- Because the president chooses them
- To save money on elections
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B. To more closely follow public opinion — USCIS 2025 civics question 26. Accepted answers: To more closely follow public opinion.
Question 5
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
- Give a driver's license
- Print paper money
- Provide schooling and education
- Approve zoning and land use
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B. Print paper money — USCIS 2025 civics question 58. Accepted answers: Print paper money; Mint coins; Declare war; Create an army; Make treaties; Set foreign policy.