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Rule of law and the branches: civics questions 11⁠–⁠20 with answers

From the 2025 civics test (128 questions). Read each question, the official answers and why. Press Listen to hear the question and the answer.

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11. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?

Official answer:

  • Declaration of Independence

Why? This famous line is near the start of the Declaration, written mostly by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.

  • pursuit: trying to get or reach something

More about this question

12. What is the economic system of the United States?⁠★ 65/20

Official answers:

  • Capitalism
  • Free market economy

Why? The U.S. has a free market. People and companies own businesses and set prices.

  • economic: about money, work, and business

13. What is the rule of law?

Official answers:

  • Everyone must follow the law.
  • Leaders must obey the law.
  • Government must obey the law.
  • No one is above the law.

Why? Laws apply to everyone the same way, even the president, members of Congress, and judges.

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

Official answers:

  • Declaration of Independence
  • Articles of Confederation
  • Federalist Papers
  • Anti-Federalist Papers
  • Virginia Declaration of Rights
  • Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
  • Mayflower Compact
  • Iroquois Great Law of Peace

Why? This was the first U.S. constitution. It made the national government too weak, so leaders wrote a new one.

  • influence: to change how someone thinks or acts

15. There are three branches of government. Why?

Official answers:

  • So one part does not become too powerful
  • Checks and balances
  • Separation of powers

Why? Each branch can limit the others. For example, the president can veto a law, and courts can strike one down.

  • checks and balances: each branch can stop or limit the other branches

16. Name the three branches of government.

Official answers:

  • Legislative, executive, and judicial
  • Congress, president, and the courts

In the interview, name all three: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Why? Congress makes laws, the president carries them out, and the courts explain them.

  • legislative: about making laws
  • judicial: about courts and judges

17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?

Official answer:

  • Executive branch

Why? This branch carries out the laws. It includes the president, the vice president, and the Cabinet.

  • executive: the part of government that carries out laws

18. What part of the federal government writes laws?

Official answers:

  • (U.S.) Congress
  • (U.S. or national) legislature
  • Legislative branch

Why? Congress has two parts, the Senate and the House. Both must pass a bill before it can become law.

19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

Official answer:

  • Senate and House (of Representatives)

Why? The Senate has 100 members and the House has 435. Together they make federal laws.

20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress.⁠★ 65/20

Official answers:

  • Writes laws
  • Declares war
  • Makes the federal budget

Why? Congress also declares war and makes the budget. The president can sign or veto its bills.

More practice

Take a civics practice test · 65/20 questions · 100 questions of the 2008 test

The real test is oral: the officer asks, and you answer out loud. Read each answer above out loud two or three times.

Next, practice the English of your interview: citizenship interview questions.