USCIS 128:29. Name your U.S. representative.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name your U.S. representative.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Your U.S. House of Representative is elected to speak for your community and help make federal laws.

The correct answer depends on where you live, so answers will vary. To find your representative, you can visit house.gov and enter your ZIP code. The website will show the name of your current U.S. representative.

USCIS 128: Why does each state have two senators?

OpenAI. (2026).  Why does each state have two senators?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

 Each state has two U.S. senators so that all states have equal representation in the Senate. This means small states and large states have the same number of senators. For example, a small state like Vermont has two senators, and a large state like California also has two senators. This system helps protect the voices of smaller states.

This idea comes from the Great Compromise, also called the Connecticut Compromise, made during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The compromise created two parts of Congress: the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population.

US Citizenship Resources for Presidents' Day post 

USCIS 128:27. How many senators does each state have?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many senators does each state have?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Each state has two U.S. senators. It does not matter if the state is large or small. Every state gets the same number of senators.

This system helps make representation fair in the Senate. Since there are 50 states, there are 100 senators total in the United States Senate.

USCIS 128:26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?

OpenAI. (2026).  Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators because they are meant to stay closely connected to the people. A representative serves for two years, so voters can choose new representatives more often if they want change.

U.S. senators serve six-year terms, which are longer. The longer term helps senators focus on long-term national issues. The shorter term in the House makes the House of Representatives more responsive to the public and current events.

USCIS 128:25. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?

OpenAI. (2026).  How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

A term for a member of the House of Representatives is two years. This means representatives serve for two years before they must run for re-election.

Because the term is short, members of the House are elected often. This helps the House stay closely connected to the people and allows voters to choose their representatives regularly.

USCIS 128:24. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?  [AI-generated infographic]. Everviz.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The House of Representatives is one part of the U.S. Congress. It has 435 voting members. These members are called representatives.

As of February 2026, the congressional seating chart shows the 435 voting members in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each dot on the chart represents one member seated in the House. The dots are arranged in a half-circle to show how the House is organized.

In this chart, there are 214 Democratic members, shown as gray dots, and 218 Republican members, shown as black dots. The chart also shows three vacant seats, represented by light gray dots. These vacant seats mean that three House seats did not have an elected representative at that time.

The seating chart helps people quickly see which political party has more members. Since Republicans had 218 seats, they held a small majority in the House in February 2026.

USCIS 128:23. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?

OpenAI. (2026).  Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The question “Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?” asks you to name one current U.S. senator from the state where you live. Each state has two U.S. senators, so you can answer with either name. Because senators change over time, the correct answer depends on your state, so answers will vary.

To find the correct answer, you can visit Senate.gov. On the website, use the drop-down menu to select your state. The names of your state’s current U.S. senators will appear.

If you live in Washington, D.C. or a U.S. territory (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa), the answer is different. These places do not have U.S. senators. In that case, you should say that D.C. (or your territory) has no U.S. senators.

 

USCIS 128:22. How long is a term for a U.S. senator?

OpenAI. (2026).  How long is a term for a U.S. senator?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

 A term for a U.S. senator is six years. This means a senator serves in the Senate for six years before running for re-election.

Senators are elected on a regular schedule. Elections happen every two years, but not all senators run at the same time. About one-third of the Senate is elected every two years. This system helps the Senate stay stable while still allowing voters to choose new senators often.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:21. How many U.S. senators are there?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many U.S. senators are there?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

There are 100 U.S. senators in the United States Senate. The Senate is one part of the U.S. Congress.

Each state has two senators, no matter how big or small the state is. Since there are 50 states, there are 100 senators total.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name one power of the U.S. Congress. *  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The U.S. Congress has important powers in the federal government. One power of Congress is that it writes laws. Congress creates new laws to help run the country and protect the people.

Congress also has the power to declare war. This means Congress can decide when the United States will go to war. Another power of Congress is to make the federal budget, which means deciding how the government will spend money for things like schools, roads, and the military.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

OpenAI. (2026).  What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The U.S. Congress has two parts. These two parts are the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together, they make the legislative branch of the federal government.

The Senate has two senators from each state. The House of Representatives has members based on the population of each state. Both parts work together to write and pass laws for the United States.

USCIS 128:18. What part of the federal government writes laws?

OpenAI. (2026).  What part of the federal government writes laws?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The part of the federal government that writes laws is the legislative branch. The legislative branch is also called Congress, which is also called the national legislature.

Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Together, they propose, write, and vote on new laws for the United States.

USCIS 128:17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?

OpenAI. (2026).  The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The President of the United States is in charge of the executive branch of government. The executive branch is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States.

The president is the leader of the executive branch and works with the Cabinet and federal agencies. The president also serves as the Commander in Chief of the military and represents the country in foreign relations.

USCIS 128:16. Name the three branches of government.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name the three branches of government.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The United States government has three branches. They are the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch has a different job, which helps keep the government organized and fair.

The legislative branch is Congress. Congress makes the laws. The executive branch is the president. The president carries out and enforces the laws. The judicial branch is the courts. The courts interpret the laws and decide if laws follow the Constitution.

USCIS 128:15. There are three branches of government. Why?

 

OpenAI. (2026). There are three branches of government. Why?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The United States has three branches of government so that no single part becomes too powerful. The founders wanted to protect freedom by dividing power among different branches. Each branch has its own job, which helps prevent abuse of power.

This system is called separation of powers. The legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch enforces the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws. By separating these duties, the government works more fairly and carefully.

The branches also use checks and balances. This means each branch can limit the power of the others. For example, the president can veto laws, Congress can override vetoes, and courts can review laws. These limits help keep the government balanced and protect the rights of the people.

USCIS 128:14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.

Icons from TheNounProject.com editid by Jennifer Gagliardi, 2026.

 Before 1600, the Iroquois Great Law of Peace showed how different Native American nations could work together under one system while keeping their own local governments. This idea later influenced American leaders and helped shape the concept of federalism, where power is shared between a central government and local governments.

In 1620, the Mayflower Compact was written by the Pilgrims before they settled in New England. It was an agreement to create laws and follow them for the good of the community. This document is an early example of self-government and majority rule in America.

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, written in 1639, is often called the first written constitution in America. It explained how the government should work and said that leaders get their power from the people. This showed that government should be based on the will of the people.

In 1776, the Virginia Declaration of Rights stated that people are born with basic rights, such as freedom of religion and freedom of the press. These ideas later influenced the creation of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

Also in 1776, the Declaration of Independence announced that the American colonies were free from British rule. It explained the idea of natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Articles of Confederation, approved in 1781, created the first national government of the United States. However, it gave the central government very little power. Because the government was too weak, leaders later decided a new Constitution was needed.

Between 1787 and 1788, the Federalist Papers were written to support the new Constitution. These essays explained why a stronger national government was necessary and how the Constitution would protect the country.

At the same time, the Anti-Federalist Papers argued against the Constitution. The writers feared the government would become too powerful. Their concerns helped lead to the addition of the Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.

USCIS 128:13. What is the rule of law?

OpenAI. (2026). What is the rule of law?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The rule of law means that everyone must follow the law. Ordinary people, government workers, and leaders all have to obey the same laws. Laws apply to everyone in the country, not just some people. This helps keep order and fairness in society.

Under the rule of law, leaders and the government must also obey the law. No person or group has special power to ignore it. This means
no one is above the law. When laws are followed equally, people can trust the government and feel protected by the legal system.

USCIS 128:12. What is the economic system of the United States?

OpenAI. (2026). The words What is the economic system of the United States?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The economic system of the United States is called capitalism. In a capitalist system, people can own businesses and property. Individuals decide what jobs they do and how they earn money. The government does not own most businesses. Instead, private people and companies run them.

The United States also has a free market economy. This means prices are mostly set by supply and demand, not by the government. Businesses decide what to produce and how much to sell. Consumers choose what to buy. Competition between businesses helps improve quality and keep prices fair.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:11. The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?

OpenAI. (2026). The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” come from the Declaration of Independence. This document was written in 1776, when the American colonies decided to separate from British rule.

In the Declaration of Independence, the Founders explain that all people are born with basic rights. These rights include the right to live, to be free, and to try to live a happy life. The document also says that governments exist to protect these rights, and that the people have the power to change a government that does not protect them.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

OpenAI. (2026). Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Two important ideas in the Declaration of Independence are equality and natural rights. The Declaration says that all people are created equal. This means no one is born better than another person. It also says people have natural rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights come from being human, not from the government, and the government must respect them.

Two important ideas in the U.S. Constitution are limited government and self-government. Limited government means the government has rules and cannot use unlimited power. The Constitution explains what the government can and cannot do. Self-government means the people choose their leaders and take part in making laws, usually by voting. This shows that the government works for the people, not the other way around.

Another shared idea is liberty and the social contract. Liberty means freedom, such as freedom of speech and religion. The social contract means people agree to follow laws, and in return, the government agrees to protect their rights. These ideas help explain how the United States balances freedom, laws, and responsibility.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 19

• 01 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 
• N-400 2024 Practice Interview: Part 9 Detailed Review
• Questions 1 and 2: General 2008-100qs | 2025-128qs (temporary link only--will be updated)
• CA State | local officials 2025 pdf
• Citizenship Interview Quiz for Hushang Ansary pdf
  
• USA Learn videos:
• Setting up your USCIS account: https://youtu.be/Y5bWcSrTytw
• Intro to the N-400 online- https://youtu.be/j-EEfIDAazo
• Creating an email account: https://youtu.be/3Goo6ZA3NXM
• Filing the N-400 Online - getting started: https://youtu.be/xMCTsg9zRo4
• Filing the N-400 Online - about you: https://youtu.be/Y1W8qcZ1Pw4
• The N-400 online: your family - https://youtu.be/DoreHJ-9lfo
• Tracking your case - https://youtu.be/XXV2pP7uEl8

USCIS 128:09. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

OpenAI. (2026). What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The founding document that said the American colonies were free from Britain is the Declaration of Independence. It was written in 1776, when the colonies decided they no longer wanted to be ruled by the British king. In this document, the leaders explained why they wanted to form a new, independent country.

The Declaration of Independence announced that the colonies were now separate from Great Britain. It said that people have basic rights, such as life and freedom, and that governments must protect these rights. This document helped create the United States as a free and independent nation.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:08. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

OpenAI. (2026). Why is the Declaration of Independence important?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Declaration of Independence is important because it explains why the American colonies wanted to be free from British rule. It says that the colonies are no longer under the control of Great Britain and can govern themselves. This document helped create a new, independent nation.

The Declaration also says that all people are created equal. This means that every person has the same basic value and dignity. No one is born better than another, and everyone deserves respect.

It explains that people have inherent rights. These are rights that belong to every person by birth, not given by a government. The Declaration names important rights, such as life and liberty, that no one should take away.

Finally, the Declaration identifies individual freedoms. It says that people should be free to make choices about their own lives and to seek happiness. These ideas became the foundation for American laws and rights.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:07 How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

OpenAI. (2026). How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The United States Constitution has twenty-seven amendments. An amendment is a change or an addition to the Constitution. These amendments help improve the law and protect people’s rights.

The first ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights. They protect basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The other amendments were added later to solve new problems and make the Constitution stronger.

Even today, Congress and the states can add new amendments if many people agree. This shows that the Constitution can change when the country changes.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:06. What does the Bill of Rights protect?

OpenAI. (2026). What does the Bill of Rights protect?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Bill of Rights protects the basic rights of Americans. These rights are important freedoms that help people live safely and freely. For example, the Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. These rights limit the power of the government.

The Bill of Rights also protects the basic rights of people living in the United States. These protections are not only for citizens. Many rights apply to all people in the country, such as the right to due process and protection from unfair punishment. In this way, the Bill of Rights helps protect everyone’s freedom and dignity.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

USCIS 128:05. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

OpenAI. (2026). How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Changes to the U.S. Constitution are made through amendments. An amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution. Amendments help update the Constitution when the country’s needs change. For example, some amendments protect new rights or improve how the government works.

The amendment process has two main steps: proposal and ratification. First, an amendment must be proposed by Congress or by the states. In most cases, two-thirds of both the House and the Senate must agree to propose it.

Next, the amendment must be approved by the states. Three-fourths of the states must vote yes for the amendment to become part of the Constitution. This careful process makes sure that only important and widely supported changes are added to the Constitution.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat

 

Updates for Citizenship Prep

CATESOL Refugee Interest Group 2026-01-23 Coffee Chat  pdf

Jennifer Gagliardi

jgagliardi@scoe.net

Teaching U.S. Citizenship Prep 2026

bit.ly/uscit-padlet

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