2008 civics test · Question 54 · Rights and Responsibilities
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
One of the 20 questions for the 65/20 special consideration
Official answer
- eighteen (18) and older
What this means
Citizens have to be eighteen (18) years old or older to vote for President.
This has been the rule since 1971, when the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. The change came during the Vietnam War era, when many argued that people old enough to be drafted into the military were old enough to vote.
There is no upper age limit and no separate rule for president versus other offices. Once a citizen turns 18, they can vote in any election.
The answer is short: eighteen (18) and older.
Why this is on the test
This is one of the simplest facts on the test, and it ties into the 26th Amendment, which is one of the four amendments about voting.
How this question is asked
On the 2008 civics test, the officer asks up to 10 of the 100 questions out loud and you pass by answering 6 correctly. You answer in your own words. There is no multiple choice and nothing to write down for the civics portion.
Related questions
More from Rights and Responsibilities.
- 48 There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
- 49 What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? ★ 65/20 question
- 50 Name one right only for United States citizens.
- 51 What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
- 52 What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
- 53 What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?