USCIS 128:62. is the capital of your state?

OpenAI. (2026). What is the capital of your state?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Every state in the United States has a capital city. The capital is the main city where the state government works. Important government buildings are there, such as the state capitol building, the governor’s office, and the state legislature.

The capital city is where state leaders meet and make decisions about laws, budgets, and public programs. For example, the capital of California is Sacramento. However, the correct answer depends on the state where you live.

If you live in the District of Columbia, the answer is different. Washington, D.C. is not a state, so it does not have a state capital. If you live in a U.S. territory, you should name the capital city of that territory.  To find the correct answer, you can check an official government website such as usa.gov/state-goverments or your state government website.

For example, the capital of California is Sacramento.

USCIS 128:61. Who is the governor of your state now?

OpenAI. (2026). Who is the governor of your state now?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The governor is the leader of a state government in the United States. Each state elects its own governor. The governor is part of the executive branch of the state government and helps lead the state.

The governor’s job is to carry out state laws and manage the state government. The governor can sign or veto state laws, prepare the state budget, and lead state programs. The governor also works with the state legislature and represents the people of the state.

The answer to the question “Who is the governor of your state now?” depends on the state where you live. Each state has a different governor. To find the correct answer, you can check an official government website such as usa.gov/state-governor or your state government website.

For example, the governor of California is Gavin Newsom.

USCIS 128:60. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

OpenAI. (2026). What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The 10th Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. It explains how power is shared between the federal government and the states. The amendment says that powers not given to the federal government, and not forbidden to the states, belong to the states or to the people.

Some powers are called delegated powers. These are powers the Constitution gives to the federal government. They help the national government manage issues that affect the whole country. For example, the federal government can declare war, coin money, and create post offices.

Other powers are called reserved powers. Reserved powers belong to the states or the people. These powers allow states to manage local issues. For example, states can run elections, create school systems, and regulate businesses within the state.

States also use police powers, which are part of reserved powers. Police powers allow states to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. For example, states can create zoning laws, require vaccinations, and give licenses to professionals.

In simple terms, delegated powers belong to the federal government, while reserved powers belong to the states or the people. This system helps balance power in the United States.

USCIS 128:59. Name one power that is only for the states.

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

State governments have some powers that belong only to the states. These powers help states manage local services and meet the needs of people in their communities.

One important power of the states is to provide schooling and education. States create public schools and set rules for education. They help make sure children can go to school and learn.

States also help keep people safe. They provide protection through police departments and provide safety through fire departments. Police officers enforce laws, and firefighters respond to fires and emergencies.

Another power of the states is to give driver’s licenses. States test drivers and give licenses to people who pass the driving test.

States also approve zoning and land use. This means they decide how land can be used, such as for homes, businesses, schools, or parks. These powers help states manage important services in their communities.

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.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 25

TED-ed: What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis

Also watch: 

• New York Historical Society: The Declaration of Independence
• NCC: Thomas Jefferson | The Signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

Classroom

• 07 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

• Question 9: Work in Prison

• Voices of Freedom chapter 7

• 128: American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence pdf

• Nithya Deepak: Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs for Independence Day pdf

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.