USCIS 128:59. Name one power that is only for the states.

OpenAI. (2026). Name one power that is only for the states.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

State governments have some powers that belong only to the states. These powers help states manage local services and meet the needs of people in their communities.

One important power of the states is to provide schooling and education. States create public schools and set rules for education. They help make sure children can go to school and learn.

States also help keep people safe. They provide protection through police departments and provide safety through fire departments. Police officers enforce laws, and firefighters respond to fires and emergencies.

Another power of the states is to give driver’s licenses. States test drivers and give licenses to people who pass the driving test.

States also approve zoning and land use. This means they decide how land can be used, such as for homes, businesses, schools, or parks. These powers help states manage important services in their communities.

USCIS 128:58. Name one power that is only for the federal government.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name one power that is only for the federal government.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The federal government has some powers that only it can use. These powers are written in the U.S. Constitution. State governments do not have these powers.

One power of the federal government is to print paper money and mint coins. This means the national government creates the official money used in the United States.

The federal government also has the power to declare war and create an army. These powers help protect the country and defend the United States.

The federal government also works with other countries. It can make treaties and set foreign policy. This means the national government decides how the United States works with other nations around the world.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 25

TED-ed: What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis

Also watch: 

• New York Historical Society: The Declaration of Independence
• NCC: Thomas Jefferson | The Signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

Classroom

• 07 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

• Question 9: Work in Prison

• Voices of Freedom chapter 7

• 128: American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence pdf

• Nithya Deepak: Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs for Independence Day pdf

USCIS 128:57. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

OpenAI. (2026).  What is the name of the President of the United States now?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Chief Justice of the United States is the leader of the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice helps guide the work of the Court and leads the justices during court sessions and discussions about cases. The Chief Justice also speaks first when the justices discuss and vote on a case.

The Chief Justice is one of the nine justices on the Supreme Court. Like other justices, the Chief Justice is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chief Justice usually serves for life, unless they retire or leave the Court.

Because the Chief Justice can change over time, students should check the official USCIS website for the current name. Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates to see the name of the Chief Justice of the United States now.

The current Chief Jusice of the United States is John Roberts.

USCIS 128:56. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?

OpenAI. (2026).  Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Supreme Court justices serve for life so they can make decisions independently. This means they do not need to worry about elections or political pressure when they decide cases. Their main job is to follow the law and the Constitution.

Lifetime service also helps limit outside political influence. Because justices do not need to run for office or ask voters for support, they can focus on fair and careful decisions. This system helps protect the rule of law and keeps the judicial branch independent from politics.

USCIS 128:55. How long do Supreme Court justices serve?

OpenAI. (2026).  How long do Supreme Court justices serve?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Supreme Court justices serve for life. This is called a lifetime appointment. When a justice is appointed to the Court, they can serve as long as they choose.

A justice may serve until they retire, resign, or pass away. There is no fixed number of years for their term.

Lifetime service helps justices make decisions based on the law and the Constitution, not politics. It helps keep the Supreme Court independent from political pressure.

USCIS 128:54. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Supreme Court has nine justices. When the Court decides a case, the justices study the law, read legal documents, and listen to arguments from lawyers.

To decide a case, the justices vote. Usually, at least five justices must agree on a decision. This is called a majority.

When five or more justices agree, their opinion becomes the decision of the Court. This decision explains how the law should be understood and applied.

USCIS 128:53. How many seats are on the Supreme Court?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many seats are on the Supreme Court?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Supreme Court of the United States has nine seats. This means there are nine justices who serve on the Court. One justice is the Chief Justice, and the other eight are Associate Justices.

These nine justices work together to review important cases about federal law and the Constitution. They listen to arguments from lawyers and study the law before making a decision.

When the justices decide a case, they vote. The decision of the majority of the justices becomes the final ruling of the Supreme Court. 

USCIS 128:52. What is the highest court in the United States?

OpenAI. (2026).  What is the highest court in the United States?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It is the most important court in the federal judicial system. The Supreme Court is part of the judicial branch of the government.

The Supreme Court reviews important cases about federal laws and the Constitution. The justices study the law, listen to arguments from lawyers, and make decisions about the case.

The Supreme Court has the final decision in the court system. There is no higher court to review its decisions. The Court helps make sure that laws follow the U.S. Constitution and that justice is applied fairly.

USCIS 128:51. What does the judicial branch do?

OpenAI. (2026).  What does the judicial branch do?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The judicial branch is one of the three branches of the United States government. Its main job is to interpret and apply the law. Courts in the judicial branch help make sure laws are used fairly.

The judicial branch reviews laws and explains what they mean. Judges study the law and decide how it should be understood. This helps people and government officials know how to follow the law.

Courts also resolve disputes about the law. When people disagree about a law, they can bring the case to court. A judge listens to both sides and makes a decision based on the law.

The judicial branch also decides if a law follows the U.S. Constitution. If a law goes against the Constitution, the court can say the law is not valid. This helps protect the rights of the people.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 24

 New York Historical Society: Native Americans // The Citizenship Project [E12]

• 06 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)
• "Ones" Quiz

• Question 8: Paramilitary
• Voices of Freedom chapter 6
• The Colonial Quiz
• Columbus Day and the Columbian Exchange Puzzle pdf 
• Citizenship Interview Quiz: Héctor Sánchez (Maracay, Venezuela) pdf

USCIS 128:50. What is one part of the judicial branch?

OpenAI. (2026).  What is one part of the judicial branch?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The judicial branch is one of the three branches of the United States government. Its main job is to interpret and apply the law. Courts in the judicial branch decide cases and resolve disagreements about the law. They also decide if a law follows the U.S. Constitution.

One important part of the judicial branch is the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It reviews important legal cases and makes final decisions about how the Constitution should be understood.

Another part of the judicial branch is the system of federal courts. Federal courts hear cases about federal laws, the Constitution, and disputes between states or citizens from different states. These courts work together with the Supreme Court to make sure that laws are interpreted fairly and consistently across the country.

USCIS 128:49. Why is the Electoral College important?

OpenAI. (2026).  What are two Cabinet-level positions?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Original source: Electoral Map 2028.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Electoral College is the system used to choose the President and Vice President of the United States. The Electoral College is the name for the 538 electors who give the official votes after a presidential election. These votes decide who becomes president and vice president.

Each state has a certain number of electors. The number is based on the state’s representation in Congress. A state’s electors equal the number of its House representatives plus its two senators. There are 435 representatives and 100 senators in Congress. Every state has at least three electors. The 23rd Amendment also gave Washington, D.C., three electors. In total, there are 538 electors.

When citizens vote in a presidential election, they help choose the electors from their state. After the election, the electors meet and vote for president and vice president. The candidate who receives a majority of the electoral votes becomes the next president.

The Electoral College was created as a compromise. Some leaders wanted the president to be chosen by a popular vote, while others wanted Congress to choose the president. The Electoral College combines these ideas. Citizens vote in the election, and the electors cast the official votes that decide the winner.

USCIS 128:48. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

OpenAI. (2026).  What are two Cabinet-level positions?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Cabinet is a group of leaders who help the President run the executive branch. These officials advise the President and help carry out the laws of the United States. Many Cabinet members lead large government departments, such as the Department of State and the Department of Labor.

Cabinet-level officials have important responsibilities. 

Attorney General
The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice. This person helps enforce federal laws and represents the United States government in legal cases. The Attorney General also advises the President about legal issues.

Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Agriculture leads the Department of Agriculture. This department supports farmers, food safety, and rural communities. It also manages programs that help people get healthy food.

Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Commerce works to support economic growth in the United States. This department helps businesses, collects economic data, and promotes trade and technology.

Secretary of Education
The Secretary of Education leads the Department of Education. This department supports schools, students, and teachers. It manages federal education programs and student financial aid.

Secretary of Energy
The Secretary of Energy leads the Department of Energy. This department works on energy policy, energy research, and national nuclear security. It also supports new energy technology.

Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Secretary of Health and Human Services leads programs that protect public health. This department manages programs such as Medicare and medical research. It also helps respond to health emergencies.

Secretary of Homeland Security
The Secretary of Homeland Security helps protect the United States from threats. This department works on border security, disaster response, and transportation safety.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development works on housing programs and community development. This department helps people find safe and affordable housing and supports city planning.

Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of the Interior manages many of the country’s natural resources and public lands. This department protects national parks, wildlife, and Native American lands.

Secretary of Labor
The Secretary of Labor works to protect workers. This department supports fair wages, safe workplaces, and job training programs.

Secretary of State
The Secretary of State manages foreign relations for the United States. This person works with other countries, negotiates agreements, and represents the United States around the world.

Secretary of Transportation
The Secretary of Transportation manages the nation’s transportation systems. This department works on highways, railways, airports, and safety rules for travel.

Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of the Treasury manages the nation’s money and financial system. This department collects taxes, pays government bills, and helps guide economic policy.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs helps provide services for military veterans. This department offers healthcare, education benefits, and support for veterans and their families.

Secretary of Defense (formerly Secretary of War)
The Secretary of Defense leads the Department of Defense. This department manages the U.S. military and helps protect the country.

Vice President
The Vice President is the second highest official in the executive branch. The Vice President helps the President and becomes President if the President can no longer serve. The Vice President also serves as the President of the Senate.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA Administrator works to protect the environment. This agency helps keep the air and water clean and enforces environmental laws.

Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA Administrator helps support small businesses. This agency offers loans, advice, and training for small business owners.

Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The CIA Director leads the Central Intelligence Agency. This agency collects and studies information about other countries to help protect national security.

Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
The OMB Director helps prepare the federal budget. This office also reviews government programs and helps manage federal spending.

Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the work of many intelligence agencies. This person helps gather and analyze information about national security threats.

United States Trade Representative (USTR)
The United States Trade Representative manages trade policy for the country. This office negotiates trade agreements and works to support American businesses in global markets.

TDLS 2026: Incorporating Digital Literacy in an Adult Citizenship Curriculum

TDLS: Incorporating Digital Literacy in an Adult Citizenship Curriculum google slides | pdf

USCIS 128:47. What does the President’s Cabinet do?

OpenAI. (2026).   What does the President’s Cabinet do?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The President’s Cabinet is a group of important leaders in the executive branch of the United States government. The main job of the Cabinet is to advise the President. This means they give the President information, ideas, and recommendations to help make decisions for the country.

Each Cabinet member leads a major government department, such as the Department of State, the Department of Defense, or the Department of Labor. Because they manage these departments, they understand important national issues. They share this knowledge with the President.

Cabinet members often meet with the President to discuss national and international problems. They explain what is happening in their departments and suggest possible solutions. The President listens to their advice before making important decisions about laws, policies, and government programs.

Even though the Cabinet gives advice, the President makes the final decisions. The Cabinet helps the President understand complex issues and choose actions that serve the country and its people.

USCIS 128:46. The executive branch has many parts. Name one.

OpenAI. (2026).  The executive branch has many parts. Name one.    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The executive branch is one of the three branches of the United States government. Its main job is to carry out and enforce the laws of the country. The President of the United States leads the executive branch.

The executive branch has many parts that help the President do this work. One important part is the Cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of advisors who lead major government departments, such as the Department of State and the Department of Defense. They give advice to the President and help manage government programs.

The executive branch also includes many federal departments and agencies. These organizations carry out the laws and provide services for the public. For example, the United States Postal Service (Post Office) delivers mail across the country. The Social Security Administration manages retirement and disability benefits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects money in many bank accounts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to protect the air, water, and land.

All of these departments and agencies work together under the leadership of the President to serve the people of the United States.

USCIS 128:45. Who appoints federal judges?

OpenAI. (2026).  Who appoints federal judges?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, the President appoints federal judges. Federal judges work in federal courts, including district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court. These judges help interpret the law and decide important legal cases.

When there is an open position on a federal court, the President chooses a person to fill the job. This person is called a nominee. However, the appointment is not complete right away. The United States Senate must review the nominee and vote to approve the appointment.

If the Senate approves the nominee, the person becomes a federal judge. Federal judges usually serve for life or until they decide to retire. This system helps make sure that judges can make decisions based on the law and the Constitution. 

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 23

Eight Outstanding Americans by Choice for International Women’s Day! podcast / pdf / video

• 05 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

• Question 7: War Crimes

• A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 3 pdf

USCIS 128:44. Who vetoes bills?

OpenAI. (2026).   Who vetoes bills?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, laws begin as bills. Members of Congress write and discuss these bills. A bill must pass in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. After both parts of Congress approve the bill, it is sent to the President.

The President signs bills to become laws. When the President agrees with a bill, the President signs it. After the President signs the bill, it officially becomes a law that people must follow. This is one way the President takes part in the lawmaking process.

The President can also veto bills. A veto means the President refuses to sign the bill. When the President vetoes a bill, it is returned to Congress with the President’s reasons for rejecting it.

However, Congress can sometimes override a presidential veto. If two-thirds of the members in the House of Representatives and the Senate vote to pass the bill again, the bill becomes a law even without the President’s signature. This process helps create a balance of power between Congress and the President.

USCIS 128:43. Who signs bills to become laws?

OpenAI. (2026).   Who signs bills to become laws?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, laws begin as bills. A bill is an idea for a new law or a change to a law. Members of Congress write and discuss the bill. The bill must pass in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If both chambers approve it, the bill is sent to the President.

The President signs bills to become laws. When the President signs a bill, it officially becomes a law and must be followed across the country. This is one of the President’s important powers. It shows that the executive branch takes part in the lawmaking process.

If the President does not agree with a bill, the President can veto it. A veto means the President refuses to sign the bill. Congress can try to override the veto with enough votes. This system helps balance power between Congress and the President.

USCIS 128:42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

OpenAI. (2026).  Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military. This means the President is the highest leader of the armed forces. The armed forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

As Commander in Chief, the President makes important decisions about national defense and military operations. The President can give orders to military leaders and help decide how the country responds to threats. However, Congress has the power to declare war. This system helps balance power between the branches of government.

USCIS 128:41. Name one power of the president.

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

The President of the United States has many important powers in the federal government. One power is to sign bills into law. When Congress passes a bill, it goes to the President. If the President agrees with the bill, they sign it, and it becomes a law. 

The President can also veto a bill. A veto means the President does not approve the bill and sends it back to Congress.

The President also enforces the laws. This means the President makes sure the laws are followed and carried out. The executive branch, which the President leads, helps put laws into action. Federal agencies and departments work under the President to carry out these laws.

Another important power is being the Commander in Chief of the military. This means the President is the top leader of the armed forces. The President can make decisions about military operations and national defense. 

The President also serves as the chief diplomat. This means the President meets with leaders from other countries, makes agreements, and represents the United States around the world.

In addition, the President appoints federal judges. This includes judges for federal courts and the Supreme Court. These judges interpret the laws and decide important legal cases. All of these powers show that the President plays a key role in leading the country and working with the other branches of government.