(NEXSTAR) — The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced changes to the Naturalization Civics Test as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the naturalization process.
For over a century, applicants have been required to pass a naturalization test. Recently, the USCIS had reverted to the 2008 version of this test, following the Biden administration’s concerns that the more recent 2020 version might unintentionally impede the naturalization process.
Nevertheless, USCIS is now returning to the 2020 version of the test, increasing the pool of questions to 128 (up from 100 in the 2008 version, which can be viewed online). According to USCIS, approximately 75% of the updated test resembles the previous one.
A Nexstar review found many similarities, such as the new test asking for the significance of “We the People” as it appears in the Constitution, previously asked as “The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?”
Other updated questions include what the Bill of Rights protects, modifying the query from “What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution,” and clarifying which branch the president leads instead of simply asking about the executive branch leader.
In some cases, test-takers will need to provide more detailed answers. Rather than naming one branch or part of the government, they are required to list all three. Additionally, participants must identify three rights enjoyed by everyone living in the U.S., increased from two.
Some of the new questions seek broader answers. With the older test, participants were asked when all men must register for Selective Service. In the updated version, participants are asked to name one reason why it’s important for men to register.
As part of the new testing process, applicants will need to answer 20 questions, up from 10 in the current process. A passing score will be 12 correct, twice the current benchmark of six. The test will still be given orally, but USCIS officers will need to ask only as many questions as needed to determine if the participant has passed or failed, instead of asking all 20 questions.
Think you could pass the test? Below, we’ve included 20 of the more than two dozen new questions participants may be asked. To reveal the answer, swipe right on the slideshow below the question. The second slide will show the acceptable answer (or answers) from the online test guide.
1. What is the form of government of the United States?
2. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
3. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
4. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
5. Why is the Electoral College important?
6. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
7. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
8. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
9. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
10. The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
11. Why were the Federalist Papers important?
12. Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one.
13. James Madison is famous for many things. Name one.
14. Alexander Hamilton is famous for many things. Name one.
15. The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
16. What amendment says all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are U.S. citizens?
17. Dwight Eisenhower is famous for many things. Name one.
18. Name one U.S. military conflict after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
19. Name one example of an American innovation.
20. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
Other newly added questions touch on the significances of Memorial Day and Veterans Day; why the U.S. entered World War I, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; when all men and women got the right to vote; how people can become U.S. citizens; why each state has two senators; the powers of Congress; and the documents that inspired the U.S. Constitution.
Some questions that appeared in the 2008 version of the test were also removed. That includes almost all of the geography questions, like naming a border state for Canada and Mexico, one of the nation’s longest rivers, and the oceans on either coast. Other snubs include:
- What is one right or freedom of the First Amendment?
- What is freedom of religion?
- What are the two major political parties in the United States?
- What is the political party of the President now?
- What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
Participants may also still be asked to name national holidays (three, up from two), but Juneteenth is no longer an acceptable answer, according to the online test guide.
Nexstar’s Alix Martichoux contributed to this report.
