2008 civics test: Rights and responsibilities

Questions 48 to 57 of the official 2008 list, with every accepted answer and a short note on each.

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Ten questions about voting, the rights of everyone living in the country, the rights and duties that belong only to citizens, the Oath of Allegiance, the tax deadline and the Selective Service. Read each question for the number it asks for: "one" or "two".

1. 48 There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

   • Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
   • You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
   • Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
   • A male citizen of any race (can vote).

   The four are the 15th (any race), 19th (women and men), 24th (no poll tax) and 26th (age 18 and older). Describe any one.

2. 49 What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? 65/20

   • serve on a jury
   • vote in a federal election

   One answer is enough. Only citizens can be called for jury service and vote in federal elections.

3. 50 Name one right only for United States citizens.

   • vote in a federal election
   • run for federal office

   One answer is enough. Only citizens can vote in federal elections or run for federal office.

4. 51 What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

   • freedom of expression
   • freedom of speech
   • freedom of assembly
   • freedom to petition the government
   • freedom of religion
   • the right to bear arms

   This question asks for two. These rights belong to everyone living in the country, citizen or not.

5. 52 What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

   • the United States
   • the flag

   The Pledge is a promise of loyalty to the flag and to the country it stands for.

6. 53 What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

   • give up loyalty to other countries
   • defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
   • obey the laws of the United States
   • serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
   • serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
   • be loyal to the United States

   One answer is enough. These promises are part of the Oath of Allegiance taken at the naturalization ceremony.

7. 54 How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? 65/20

   • eighteen (18) and older

   The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, set the voting age at 18.

8. 55 What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

   • vote
   • join a political party
   • help with a campaign
   • join a civic group
   • join a community group
   • give an elected official your opinion on an issue
   • call Senators and Representatives
   • publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
   • run for office
   • write to a newspaper

   This question asks for two. Choose two that are easy to say, such as "vote" and "join a political party".

9. 56 When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms? 65/20

   • April 15

   Federal income tax returns are normally due on April 15 each year.

10. 57 When must all men register for the Selective Service?

    • at age eighteen (18)
    • between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)

    Almost all men aged 18 through 25 who live in the United States must register, including immigrants.

Studying this part

• This part has 10 of the 100 questions, numbers 48 to 57 in the official list.
• These questions need more than one answer: no. 51, no. 55. Give the number asked for.
• 3 questions here are marked 65/20: no. 49, no. 54, no. 56. Applicants who qualify for the 65/20 special consideration study only the marked questions.
• Where several answers are listed, one is enough unless the question asks for more. Choose the one you find easiest to say.
• Cover the answers with your hand or use the button below, say your answer aloud, then check.

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