Question 61 of 100 · 2008 test
Why did the colonists fight the British?
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
- because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
- because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
- because they didn't have self-government
Explanation
Colonists fought over high taxes without representation, the quartering of British soldiers, and a lack of self-government.
Why it matters
"No taxation without representation" captures the grievance that sparked the Revolution.
The 65/20 special consideration
Question 61 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.
- vote in a federal electionanswers Question 50: Name one right only for United States citizens.
- at age eighteen (18)answers Question 57: When must all men register for the Selective Service?
- fought for women's rightsanswers Question 77: What did Susan B. Anthony do?
More Colonial Period and Independence questions
Questions the officer draws from the same part of the test. Studying them together is what keeps their answers apart.