Civics test topic guide
Rights and responsibilities
Who can vote, serve on a jury and run for office, the Oath of Allegiance, taxes, the Selective Service and civic participation: the rights and responsibilities questions of the US civics test.
This part of the test is about what it means to be a citizen: your freedoms, the right to vote, your responsibilities and the Oath of Allegiance you take at the ceremony.
The guide lists the freedoms of the First Amendment, who can vote and the amendments that widened the vote, the duties that are required and those that are only encouraged, and what you promise in the Oath.
Rights and responsibilities of citizens
The freedoms of the First Amendment, voting, the duties of a citizen and the Oath of Allegiance.
What each guide covers
- Your rights and freedomsThe Bill of Rights protects the freedoms of everybody who lives in the United States, citizens and non-citizens alike.
- Voting and electionsVoting is the most important way to take part in a democracy.
- Responsibilities of a citizenWith rights come responsibilities.
- The Oath of Allegiance and becoming a citizenThe last step of naturalization is the ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance.
Remember for the exam
- First Amendment: speech, religion, assembly, press, petition. Everybody in the U.S. has these rights.
- Vote at 18 and register; 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th amendments widened the vote.
- Required: pay taxes, obey the law, serve on a jury, Selective Service for men 18–25.
- The Oath of Allegiance: give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution, obey the laws.
A sample question from the bank
Question: Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States? Answer: Citizens.
Question: What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? Answer: The United States and the flag.
Questions people ask
Can a green card holder vote?
No. Voting in federal elections is a right of citizens. Voting without being a citizen can have serious immigration consequences.
How many answers do I give to “name two” questions?
Give the number the question asks for. For example the question about the Oath of Allegiance asks for two promises.
What are the freedoms of the First Amendment?
Five: freedom of speech, of religion, of assembly, of the press, and the right to petition the government.
What do citizens have to do?
They must pay taxes, obey the law and serve on a jury when called, and men aged 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service. Voting is a right and is encouraged, but it is not a legal duty.
More guides
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.