U.S. Citizenship Civics Test · Civics (American Government, History, Symbols and Holidays)
U.S. Citizenship Civics Test: Colonial Period and Independence Concepts
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Overview
This chapter tells the story of how the United States began. You will learn why colonists came to America, who lived here before them, why the colonies broke away from Britain, and which founders and documents shaped the new nation.
American Indians, also called Native Americans, lived in America before the Europeans arrived. Colonists came for many reasons, including freedom, religious freedom, and economic opportunity. People from Africa were taken and sold as slaves.
The colonists grew angry about high taxes and taxation without representation, British soldiers staying in their houses, and having no self-government. Events like the Boston Tea Party added to the anger. The Revolutionary War began in 1775. While it was being fought, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. The Americans won the war, and the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781.
There were 13 original states in the East, near the Atlantic Ocean. In 1787 the founders wrote the U.S. Constitution, and James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers to support it. George Washington was the first president, Thomas Jefferson the third, and James Madison, the fourth, is called the "Father of the Constitution." Benjamin Franklin was an inventor and diplomat, and Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Key concepts
American Indians
The people who lived in America before the Europeans arrived. They are also called Native Americans.
Memory tipFirst Americans = American Indians.
Taxation without representation
The colonists had to pay British taxes but had no vote in the British government. It was one reason they declared independence.
Memory tipTaxes but no voice.
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776. It said the colonies were free from Britain.
Memory tipJefferson, July 4, 1776.
Source: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version) · as of 2025
13 original states
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Memory tipAll 13 were in the East, near the Atlantic Ocean.
Federalist Papers
Essays that supported passing the Constitution and helped people understand it. They were written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay under the name Publius.
Memory tipMadison, Hamilton, Jay = Publius.
Founders
George Washington was the first president and "Father of Our Country." Thomas Jefferson was the third president. James Madison was the fourth president and "Father of the Constitution." Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Memory tipWashington 1st, Jefferson 3rd, Madison 4th.
Often tested
- Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.
- The Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776.
- The Constitution was written in 1787.
- George Washington was the first president of the United States.
- Benjamin Franklin was an inventor and the first Postmaster General.
Easy to confuse: Founders at a glance
| Person | Known for |
|---|---|
| George Washington | First president; "Father of Our Country" |
| Thomas Jefferson | Wrote the Declaration; third president |
| James Madison | "Father of the Constitution"; fourth president |
| Alexander Hamilton | First Secretary of the Treasury |
| Benjamin Franklin | Inventor; U.S. diplomat |