The United States government has published its official civics questions and answers for foreign nationals seeking to become American citizens through the naturalisation process, providing applicants with a guide to the history, government and civic principles they may be tested on.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services material sets out questions covering subjects including the Constitution, the American system of government, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, American history and national symbols.

In its publication of the 100 Civics questions and answers sighted by our correspondent on Monday, USCIS says, “The 100 civics (history and government) questions and answers for the naturalisation test are listed below.

“The civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the 100 civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.”

The agency also warns applicants that some answers can change when public officials are elected or appointed.

“As you study for the test, make sure that you know the most current answers to these questions. Answer these questions with the name of the official who is serving at the time of your eligibility Interview with USCIS. The USCIS Officer will not accept an incorrect answer.”

USCIS further encourages applicants to use the answers supplied by the agency when preparing for the examination, even though it recognises that other answers may sometimes be correct.

Here are the questions and answers below:

Principles of American Democracy

Q: 1. What is the supreme law of the land?

A: The Constitution

2. What does the Constitution do?

A: ▪sets up the government ▪ defines the government ▪ protects basic rights of Americans

3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

A: We the People

4. What is an amendment?

A:▪ a change (to the Constitution) ▪ an addition (to the Constitution)

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

A: ▪ the Bill of Rights

6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

A: ▪ speech ▪ religion ▪ assembly ▪ press ▪ petition the government

7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?

A: ▪ twenty-seven (27)

8. What did the Declaration of Independence do?

A: ▪ announced our independence (from Great Britain) ▪ declared our independence (from Great Britain) ▪ said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)

9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

A: ▪ life ▪ liberty ▪ pursuit of happiness

10. What is freedom of religion?

A: ▪ You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

11. What is the economic system in the United States?*

A: ▪ capitalist economy ▪ market economy

12. What is the “rule of law”?

A: ▪ Everyone must follow the law. ▪ Leaders must obey the law. ▪ Government must obey the law. ▪ No one is above the law. (The PUNCH)

•New American citizens wave flags after taking the oath of citizenship at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., on Sept. 19. Credit: John Moore/Getty Images

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