This part of the test is about what everyone in the United States can do, what only citizens can do, and what citizens promise.
Everyone vs citizens only
| Everyone living in the US | Citizens only |
|---|---|
| Freedom of speech and expression | Vote in federal elections |
| Freedom of religion | Run for federal office |
| Freedom of assembly and to petition | Serve on a jury |
| The right to bear arms |
The four voting amendments
The Constitution was changed four times to say who can vote:
- 15th (1870): a male citizen of any race can vote.
- 19th (1920): women can vote.
- 24th (1964): you don't have to pay a poll tax to vote.
- 26th (1971): citizens 18 and older can vote.
On the test you only need to describe one; you don't need the numbers.
Two pledges, two different questions
- The Pledge of Allegiance shows loyalty to the United States and the flag.
- The Oath of Allegiance is what new citizens say at the ceremony: give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution, obey the laws, serve the nation if needed.
Serving the country
Voting, paying taxes, obeying the law, serving in the military and running for office all count. Men age 18 through 25 register for the Selective Service, which makes a draft fair if one is ever needed.
Question 66 is on the shorter list for the 65/20 special consideration.
This deck is study help, not legal advice. For anything about your own application, go to uscis.gov.