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

More immigation resources

USCIS 128:04. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?

OpenAI. (2026). The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We the People.” This means the power of the government comes from the people. The people are the true owners of the government. Leaders do not rule by force. They rule because the people choose them.

This idea is called self-government and popular sovereignty. Self-government means people govern themselves. Popular sovereignty means the people are the highest authority in the country. Through voting and elections, citizens decide who will make laws and lead the nation.

“We the People” also shows the consent of the governed. This means the government exists only because the people agree to it. When citizens follow the law and vote, they give their permission for the government to act.

This idea is like a social contract. The people agree to follow the laws, and the government agrees to protect their rights. In this way, the people and the government work together to govern the country.

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 128:03. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.

OpenAI. (2026). Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does. [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The U.S. Constitution forms the government of the United States. This means it creates the basic system of government. It explains how the country is organized and how leaders are chosen. Without the Constitution, there would be no clear plan for how the government should work.

The Constitution also defines the powers of government. It tells what the government can do and what it cannot do. It gives certain powers to Congress, to the President, and to the courts. This helps prevent any one part of the government from becoming too strong.

The Constitution defines the parts of government. It creates three main branches: the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch has different duties. This system helps keep balance and fairness in the government.

Finally, the Constitution protects the rights of the people. It lists important freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. These rights help protect citizens from unfair actions by the government. The Constitution makes sure the government respects the people’s 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

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 18

Learn more: 

USCIS.gov: Tools, N-400, USCIS YouTube playlists

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

USCIS One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

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

Boundless: Citizenship and Naturalization

ELLII: Principles of American Government study pack

USA Hello: Citizenship

USA Learns: Citizenship (see teacher for code)

USCIS 128:02. What is the supreme law of the land?

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

The supreme law of the land in the United States is the U.S. Constitution. This means the Constitution is the highest law in the country. All people and all parts of the government must follow it. No law is more important than the Constitution.

The Constitution explains how the government works. It tells us the powers of Congress, the President, and the courts. It also explains how new laws are made and how leaders are chosen. This helps keep the government organized and fair.

The Constitution also protects the rights of the people. It lists important freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. If a law goes against the Constitution, the courts can stop it. In this way, the Constitution guides the nation and protects everyone’s 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

FLASH CARDS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH FOR THE 2025 CIVICS TEST

 FLASH CARDS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH FOR THE 2025 CIVICS TEST

(from Maya East Bay Sanctuary Covenant)

I want to offer a resource I created for citizenship programs. I work at East Bay Sanctuary Covenant and I coordinate and teach classes for our citizenship preparation program. I saw the need for flashcards for the new test, so I made them!

Below I'm sharing more information about the flashcards and how to print them for your programs.

You can view the 2025 civics flashcards set here. They are in English with Spanish translations below. I made the designs in Google Slides and printed them as flashcards for our students and clients. Here is a video tour of the printed cards.

Why I created these: As you likely already know, the new test is significantly harder, and I have heard directly from a USCIS liaison that the government has no current plans to create or distribute study resources. I saw a clear need to develop a highly visual, simple study tool that would fill that gap. Now I'm hoping to share it as widely as possible.

My approach: In developing the slides/flashcards, I chose the simplest answer possible for each question and included only that answer to avoid overwhelm. I tried to include thoughtful and engaging visuals and categorized the questions as "simple" and "challenging." I flagged all the questions that are geography/time-dependent so they can be modified as needed by other instructors.

How to print/logistics: The slide deck is already formatted as 4"x6" so the cards are print ready. Here's a simple instructions page that walks you through the process of making a print order of the flashcards with Greener Printer. I printed an order of 60 flashcard sets and it cost a little under $10 per pack. The cards are expensive, and unfortunately a lot more than the free government-issued flashcards we were getting previously, but maybe some organizations can take student donations or just buy a couple of classroom sets.

Please let me know if you have questions and if you do end up using this resource. Feel free to share widely with your network and let me know if there are other organizations or listservs you'd recommend I share with. It took me a long time to develop these and I haven't seen another similar resource, yet, so I'm hoping to be able to distribute them as widely as possible to help programs and individuals adapt to this new, more challenging civics test.

You can find all of the resources I've linked to above in this Google Drive folder.

Thank you for your time and for all you do for your programs.

In solidarity,

Maya Kandell <maya@eastbaysanctuary.org>

#citizenship #naturalization #immigration #civics #128questions #USCIS

USCIS 128:01. What is the form of government of the United States?

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

The United States has a republic form of government. This means the people choose their leaders by voting in elections. The leaders do not rule for life. They serve for a limited time and must follow the law. The government works for the people, and the people have the power to change leaders through peaceful elections.

The United States is also a constitution-based federal republic. This means the Constitution is the highest law of the country. It explains how the government works and what rights the people have. The word federal means power is shared between the national government and the state governments. Each level has its own duties, such as making laws, collecting taxes, and providing services.

The United States is a representative democracy. This means citizens do not vote on every law themselves. Instead, they elect representatives, such as members of Congress and the President, to make decisions for them. These representatives must listen to the people and can be voted out of office if they do not do their job well.

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

Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Photo by Jennifer, All rights reserved.

The civil rights movement was a time when many people worked together to end racial discrimination and unfair treatment in the United States (USCIS 128:112). They wanted everyone to have the same rights and opportunities, no matter their race or skin color. 

One of the most important leaders of this movement was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He is famous for fighting for civil rights and for working for equality for all Americans. He gave powerful speeches and led peaceful protests to bring change. Dr. King believed that people should not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, and his ideas helped make the country more fair and just (USCIS 128:113).

Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal hoiday on the third Monday in January (USCIS 128:126). People celebrate with marches, parades, concerts, speeches, and school programs. The day is also a National Day of Service, called “a day on, not a day off,” which means people are encouraged to volunteer and help their community. Many people support Black- and minority-owned businesses and talk with their families about equality. These activities honor Dr. King’s dream of a fair and caring “beloved community” and his work for civil rights, economic justice, and peace.

Learn more about his life and works at the U.S. Citizenship Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr Day page.

Minnesota celebrates new Naturalized U.S. citizens by holding ceremony celebrations

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul: Minnesota celebrates new Naturalized U.S. citizens by holding ceremony celebrations 

Nearly 200 immigrants from more than two dozen countries swore their allegiance to the United States at the federal courthouse in St. Paul on Friday, becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. Ask

Happy Birthday Benjamin Franklin!

 

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was a leading figure in early American history who made lasting contributions to the nation. 

He served as a U.S. diplomat, helped write the Declaration of Independence, and was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention. Franklin was the first Postmaster General of the United States, a respected inventor, and the author of Poor Richard’s Almanac. He also promoted education and public access to knowledge by founding the first free public libraries in America. 

As leading Founding Father, he is known as "the First American" because he helped make the Thirteen Colonies into one nation.

Learn more:

LOC.gov: Benjamin Franklin, the Pragmatic Innovator

PBS: Benjamin Franklin | A Film by Kens Burns video playlist

PDS Learning Media: Who was Benjamin Frankin?

USCIS: Benjamin Franklin

USCIS: A More Perfect Union: Memorial to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

POP Quiz: 

100:68.  What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?

128:85.   Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. Name one. 

National Religious Freedom Day

Religious Freedom Day remembers the day the Virginia General Assembly approved the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. 

The law was written by Thomas Jefferson and later guided through the legislature by James Madison. 

This statute became the foundation for the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of religion for all Americans.

USCIS Civics:

100:10.  What is freedom of religion?  

▪  You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

100:51.  What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?  

▪  freedom of expression  ▪  freedom of speech  ▪  freedom of assembly  ▪  freedom to petition the government  ▪  freedom of religion  ▪  the right to bear arms

100:58.  What is one reason colonists came to America?  

▪  freedom  ▪  political liberty  ▪  religious freedom  ▪  economic opportunity  ▪  practice their religion  ▪  escape persecution

128:65.   What are three rights of everyone living in the United States? 

• Freedom of expression • Freedom of speech • Freedom of assembly • Freedom to petition the government • Freedom of religion • The right to bear arms

128:73.   The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one. 

• Freedom • Political liberty • Religious freedom • Economic opportunity • Escape persecution

128:87.   Thomas Jefferson is famous for many things. Name one. 

• Writer of the Declaration of Independence • Third president of the United States • Doubled the size of the United States (Louisiana Purchase) • First Secretary of State • Founded the University of Virginia • Writer of the Virginia Statute on Religious Freedom

Happy Birthday Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia.  

Learn more about his life and works at the U.S. Citizenship Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr Day page.

 

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 17

NY Historical Society: Voting Rights

This our second class in 2026, but the semester ends late Januaty.  Then we will begin to study the 2025 Civic questions.  Stayed tune!

Homework:

• Residence and Voting plus Quiz 15: Civil Rights
• Part 16: Oath of Allegiance
• Interview with Krestos Negasi (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) on MLK Day pdf
• Voices of Freedom: Ch 12: Citizens Rights and Responsibilities
• Preparing for the Oath:  Responsibilities 

Learn more:

• USA Learns.org Citizenship
• U.S. Citizenship Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr Day page

Happy Birthday, Alexander Hamilton!

 

PBS Learning Media: Who Was Alexander Hamilton? 

Explore the life of Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757 – July 12, 1804), a key Founding Father and influential figure in early American history. Designed for grades 3-8, this video from PBS LearningMedia delves into Hamilton’s contributions as a writer and his pivotal role in drafting the Federalist Papers, which advocated for the ratification of the Constitution. Through an analysis of primary sources, students will gain insight into Hamilton’s vision for the nation’s government and his lasting impact on American political thought.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 16

NY Historical Society: Oath of Allegiance

This our first class in 2026, but the semester ends late Januaty.  Then we will begin to study the 2025 Civic queestions.  Stayed tune!

Homework:

• Part 9: Questions 31 to 37: Attachment to the Constitution (printing fixed)
• Voices of Freedom: Ch 12: Citizens Rights and Responsibilities
• Preparing for the Oath:  Responsibilities 

Learn more:

• USA Learns.org Citizenship
• U.S. Citizenship Resources for January