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