US citizenship civics · Theme 7 · 3 min read
Symbols
The national capital, the Statue of Liberty, the stars and stripes on the flag, the national anthem and the motto \"E Pluribus Unum.\" Questions 119 to 124 of the 2025 civics test.
About this section
Six short questions about the symbols of the United States. They are among the easiest in the pool, so they are worth learning word for word.
This section belongs to Symbols and Holidays, one of the three parts of the official USCIS 2025 civics test. At the interview the officer asks up to 20 of the 128 questions, and you need 12 correct answers to pass. Questions marked 65/20 are the 20 that applicants aged 65 or older with 20 or more years as a permanent resident may study instead; they are asked 10 of them and need 6 correct. The 2025 test applies if you filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025; earlier filers take the 2008 version.
The questions
119. What is the capital of the United States?
Accepted answer:
- Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is the national capital and home to Congress, the White House and the Supreme Court. It is a federal district, not a state.
120. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Accepted answers:
- New York (Harbor)
- Liberty Island [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. USCIS also accepts New Jersey, near New York City, or on the Hudson River.
121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
65/20 question
Accepted answers:
- (Because there were) 13 original colonies
- (Because the stripes) represent the original colonies
The 13 red and white stripes stand for the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Britain.
122. Why does the flag have 50 stars?
Accepted answers:
- (Because there is) one star for each state
- (Because) each star represents a state
- (Because there are) 50 states
There is one star for each of the 50 states.
123. What is the name of the national anthem?
Accepted answer:
- The Star-Spangled Banner
The national anthem is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812.
124. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
Accepted answers:
- Out of many, one
- We all become one
E Pluribus Unum is Latin for “out of many, one,” describing many states and many peoples joined together as one nation.
Check yourself
- What is the capital of the United States?
- Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
- Why does the flag have 50 stars?
- What is the name of the national anthem?
- What does "E Pluribus Unum" mean?
Ready to try a full test? Start US citizenship civics practice test 1.