Question 55 of 100 · 2008 test
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
This question is from the 2008 test, which applies if you filed Form N-400 before Oct 20, 2025; later filers take the 2025 test of 128 questions - check your version on the official USCIS test-updates page.
Acceptable answers
- vote
- join a political party
- help with a campaign
- join a civic group
- join a community group
- give an elected official your opinion on an issue
- call Senators and Representatives
- publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
- run for office
- write to a newspaper
Explanation
Americans can take part by voting, joining groups or campaigns, contacting officials, running for office, and more.
Why it matters
Democracy depends on ongoing participation, not just voting once every few years.
The 65/20 special consideration
Question 55 is not in the 65/20 set. An applicant who is 65 or older and has been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more studies only the 20 marked questions, so this one would not be asked. Everyone else studies all 100.
Answers that get mixed up with this one
These are the wrong options the practice test puts beside this question. Each one is the correct answer to a different question, which is what makes it tempting.
- Mike Johnsonanswers Question 47: What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
- New Hampshireanswers Question 64: There were 13 original states. Name three.
- the Louisiana Territoryanswers Question 71: What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
More Rights and Responsibilities questions
Questions the officer draws from the same part of the test. Studying them together is what keeps their answers apart.