U.S. Citizenship Civics Test · Civics (American Government, History, Symbols and Holidays)
U.S. Citizenship Civics Test: Rights and Responsibilities Concepts
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Overview
This chapter is about the rights that people in the United States have and the duties that come with citizenship. You will learn who can vote, which rights belong to everyone, what new citizens promise, and the ways Americans can serve their country.
Four amendments to the Constitution are about voting. They say that a male citizen of any race can vote, that any citizen, woman or man, can vote, that you do not have to pay a poll tax to vote, and that citizens eighteen and older can vote. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury.
Some rights belong to everyone living in the United States, not only citizens. These include freedom of expression, speech, assembly, and religion, the freedom to petition the government, and the right to bear arms. When people say the Pledge of Allegiance, they show loyalty to the United States and the flag.
New citizens make promises in the Oath of Allegiance, such as giving up loyalty to other countries, defending the Constitution, and obeying the laws of the United States. People can become citizens by birth, by naturalizing, or by deriving citizenship. Americans take part in civic life by voting, contacting elected officials, and joining community groups, and they serve the country by paying taxes, obeying the law, and serving in the military. All men age 18 through 25 must register for the Selective Service.
Key concepts
Voting amendments
Four amendments about who can vote: a male citizen of any race, any citizen (women and men), no poll tax, and citizens eighteen and older.
Memory tipRace, women, no poll tax, age 18.
Source: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version) · as of 2025
Rights only for citizens
Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury.
Memory tipVote, run, jury = citizens only.
Rights of everyone
Everyone living in the United States has freedom of expression, speech, assembly, and religion, the freedom to petition the government, and the right to bear arms.
Memory tipFree speech is for everyone, not only citizens.
Oath of Allegiance
The promises new citizens make, such as giving up loyalty to other countries, defending the Constitution, obeying U.S. laws, and serving the nation if needed.
Memory tipGive up old loyalty, defend, obey, serve.
Selective Service
Men age 18 through 25 must register. It is required by law, is a civic duty, and makes the draft fair if a draft is needed.
Memory tipMen 18 to 25 register.
Source: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version) · as of 2025
Often tested
- Only citizens can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury.
- Freedom of speech and religion belong to everyone living in the United States.
- The Pledge of Allegiance shows loyalty to the United States and the flag.
- Paying federal taxes is required by law.
- People can become citizens by naturalizing.