USCIS 128:58. Name one power that is only for the federal government.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name one power that is only for the federal government.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The federal government has some powers that only it can use. These powers are written in the U.S. Constitution. State governments do not have these powers.

One power of the federal government is to print paper money and mint coins. This means the national government creates the official money used in the United States.

The federal government also has the power to declare war and create an army. These powers help protect the country and defend the United States.

The federal government also works with other countries. It can make treaties and set foreign policy. This means the national government decides how the United States works with other nations around the world.

USCIS 128:57. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

OpenAI. (2026).  What is the name of the President of the United States now?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Chief Justice of the United States is the leader of the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice helps guide the work of the Court and leads the justices during court sessions and discussions about cases. The Chief Justice also speaks first when the justices discuss and vote on a case.

The Chief Justice is one of the nine justices on the Supreme Court. Like other justices, the Chief Justice is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Chief Justice usually serves for life, unless they retire or leave the Court.

Because the Chief Justice can change over time, students should check the official USCIS website for the current name. Visit uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates to see the name of the Chief Justice of the United States now.

The current Chief Jusice of the United States is John Roberts.

USCIS 128:56. Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?

OpenAI. (2026).  Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Supreme Court justices serve for life so they can make decisions independently. This means they do not need to worry about elections or political pressure when they decide cases. Their main job is to follow the law and the Constitution.

Lifetime service also helps limit outside political influence. Because justices do not need to run for office or ask voters for support, they can focus on fair and careful decisions. This system helps protect the rule of law and keeps the judicial branch independent from politics.

USCIS 128:55. How long do Supreme Court justices serve?

OpenAI. (2026).  How long do Supreme Court justices serve?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Supreme Court justices serve for life. This is called a lifetime appointment. When a justice is appointed to the Court, they can serve as long as they choose.

A justice may serve until they retire, resign, or pass away. There is no fixed number of years for their term.

Lifetime service helps justices make decisions based on the law and the Constitution, not politics. It helps keep the Supreme Court independent from political pressure.

USCIS 128:54. How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Supreme Court has nine justices. When the Court decides a case, the justices study the law, read legal documents, and listen to arguments from lawyers.

To decide a case, the justices vote. Usually, at least five justices must agree on a decision. This is called a majority.

When five or more justices agree, their opinion becomes the decision of the Court. This decision explains how the law should be understood and applied.

USCIS 128:53. How many seats are on the Supreme Court?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many seats are on the Supreme Court?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Supreme Court of the United States has nine seats. This means there are nine justices who serve on the Court. One justice is the Chief Justice, and the other eight are Associate Justices.

These nine justices work together to review important cases about federal law and the Constitution. They listen to arguments from lawyers and study the law before making a decision.

When the justices decide a case, they vote. The decision of the majority of the justices becomes the final ruling of the Supreme Court. 

USCIS 128:52. What is the highest court in the United States?

OpenAI. (2026).  What is the highest court in the United States?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It is the most important court in the federal judicial system. The Supreme Court is part of the judicial branch of the government.

The Supreme Court reviews important cases about federal laws and the Constitution. The justices study the law, listen to arguments from lawyers, and make decisions about the case.

The Supreme Court has the final decision in the court system. There is no higher court to review its decisions. The Court helps make sure that laws follow the U.S. Constitution and that justice is applied fairly.

USCIS 128:51. What does the judicial branch do?

OpenAI. (2026).  What does the judicial branch do?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The judicial branch is one of the three branches of the United States government. Its main job is to interpret and apply the law. Courts in the judicial branch help make sure laws are used fairly.

The judicial branch reviews laws and explains what they mean. Judges study the law and decide how it should be understood. This helps people and government officials know how to follow the law.

Courts also resolve disputes about the law. When people disagree about a law, they can bring the case to court. A judge listens to both sides and makes a decision based on the law.

The judicial branch also decides if a law follows the U.S. Constitution. If a law goes against the Constitution, the court can say the law is not valid. This helps protect the rights of the people.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 24

 New York Historical Society: Native Americans // The Citizenship Project [E12]

• 06 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)
• "Ones" Quiz

• Question 8: Paramilitary
• Voices of Freedom chapter 6
• The Colonial Quiz
• Columbus Day and the Columbian Exchange Puzzle pdf 
• Citizenship Interview Quiz: Héctor Sánchez (Maracay, Venezuela) pdf