Civics test topic guide
Symbols and holidays
The flag, the anthem, the Statue of Liberty, Washington D.C. and the national holidays: the symbols and holidays section of the US civics test, with a real question.
The last part of the test is short and easy: the flag, the national anthem, the Statue of Liberty and the other symbols, and the dates of the national holidays.
The guide gives the numbers (13 stripes, 50 stars), the story of the anthem, the symbols known all over the world and the dates of the holidays, with a tip for each.
American symbols and holidays
The flag, the national anthem, the Statue of Liberty and the bald eagle, and the national holidays.
What each guide covers
- The flagThe American flag has red and white stripes and a blue field with white stars.
- The national anthemThe national anthem of the United States is “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
- Other national symbolsSeveral other symbols are known all over the world.
- National holidaysThe federal government recognises several national holidays.
Remember for the exam
- 13 stripes (the 13 colonies), 50 stars (the 50 states).
- The Star-Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key, 1814; national anthem since 1931.
- Statue of Liberty (a gift from France); the bald eagle; Washington, D.C. is the capital.
- Independence Day 4 July; Thanksgiving fourth Thursday of November; Memorial Day last Monday of May; Veterans Day 11 November.
A sample question from the bank
Question: Why does the flag have 50 stars? Answer: One star for each state.
Question: What is Memorial Day? Answer: A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service.
Questions people ask
Which holidays count as national holidays?
The official list includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Do I need to sing the anthem?
No. You only need to know its name: The Star-Spangled Banner.
What do the stars and the stripes on the flag stand for?
The 13 stripes stand for the 13 original colonies, and the 50 stars stand for the 50 states.
When is Independence Day?
On 4 July. It celebrates the Declaration of Independence of 1776.
More guides
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.