The federal government is launching a new citizenship test next year. The questions are aimed at better measuring how well immigrants understand what it means to be an American rather than how well they can memorize answers. Here are some samples and a list of possible answers. The 100 study questions for the new test can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/100q.pdf.

Principles of American Democracy

Q: What is the supreme law of the land?

A: The Constitution

Q: What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

A: Speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government. (Can name any one.)

Rights and responsibilities

Q: What are two rights only for U.S. citizens?

A: Serve on a jury. Vote.

Q: What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

A: Vote, join a political party, help with a campaign, join a civic group, join a community group, run for office, write to a newspaper.

System of government

Q: Name one branch or part of the government?

A: Congress, legislative, president, executive, the courts, judicial.

Q: What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

A: Checks and balances

American history

Q: What is one reason colonists came to America?

A: Freedom, political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, practice their religion, escape persecution.

Q: What was the main concern of the United States during the Cold War?

A: Communism.

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services